• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Recipes by Nora
  • Recipe Index
  • About me
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About me
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • About me
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipe FAQs

    Frequently Asked Questions About Filipino Pork Adobo

    Published: Mar 24, 2022 by Nora Reyes · This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. ·

    42 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email

    Pork Adobo is one of the most popular dishes in the Philippines. In this post, I will answer the most frequently asked questions. So read on, and I hope you'll discover something new or useful the next time you make it.

    Filipino pork adobo served in a bowl over rice with boiled egg and scallions.
    What is Filipino adobo?

    Filipino adobo holds the title of the "unofficial" national dish of the Philippines. It comes in various versions, such as the well-loved pork adobo and Chicken Adobo, and the lighter, soy-free Adobong Puti (white adobo).

    They are braised in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. It can be saucy or dry, and the sweetness varies between cooks.

    What makes adobo so special?

    Adobo holds a special place in the hearts of Filipinos as a beloved dish that evokes cherished memories of family gatherings and shared meals with loved ones.

    What makes it truly unique is the personal touch of every family or cook. Adobo is not just a meal; it's a symbol of togetherness and tradition. 🇵🇭

    What is adobo known for?

    Adobo is known as a cooking technique. It was derived from the Spanish word adobar or "to marinate," preserving the food in vinegar and salt. So, in essence, you can "adobo" anything.

    Why is adobo called adobo?

    Essentially, when you "adobo" something, you're likely marinating or cooking it in vinegar and soy sauce.

    What is the smell of adobo?

    When you prepare adobo, the aroma of vinegar and fragrant bay leaves fills the air, triggering a flood of happy memories.

    The nostalgic scent of adobo holds a special place in my heart, evoking cherished moments and experiences.

    Why is vinegar used in adobo?

    When refrigerators weren't available, vinegar (along with salt) was used to preserve food. The acidity of the vinegar balances the savory and sweet flavors of the dish.

    What are the different types of adobo?

    Pork adobo and chicken adobo are the most common. Other versions incorporate coconut milk (adobo sa gata) or omit the soy sauce (adobong puti).

    There are several types of adobo, including Adobong Pusit with squid, Adobong Kangkong with water spinach, Adobong Sitaw with yardlong beans, Adobong Talong with eggplant, and adobong itlog with hard-boiled eggs.

    What is pork adobo made of?

    Pork adobo is typically made with pork belly or pork butt. It is braised in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns.

    What does pork adobo taste like?

    Pork adobo tastes savory, tangy, and garlicky. The sweetness varies depending on who prepares it.

    What is Filipino adobo sauce made of?

    Adobo comes in many varieties, as do the ingredients. The most common type of adobo is pork adobo.

    It is braised in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, sugar, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Chicken adobo is prepared similarly, with ginger added.

    What soy sauce to use for adobo?

    You can use regular or light soy sauce. While a little dark soy sauce can be used for color, it should not replace it entirely in the recipe.

    Tamari (with no wheat) is a gluten-free alternative that is slightly thicker and stronger in flavor.

    Coconut aminos is a gluten-free and soy-free substitute. It is less salty and slightly sweet. Make the necessary adjustments when substituting.

    How to make adobo sauce thicker?

    The sauce reduces and slightly thickens by itself after low and slow cooking. A thickener isn't usually added.

    If you must thicken, you can add a cornstarch slurry. Start with a tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in an equal amount of water. Feel free to add more as needed.

    How long can adobo last?

    It is recommended to eat cooked pork within 3 to 4 days if kept refrigerated. Since vinegar and salt (from soy sauce) help preserve the meat, it may take longer than that before it goes bad.

    In fact, adobo is one of those dishes that’s better the next day. I suggest using your leftovers to make Adobo Fried Rice, or freeze it to extend its shelf life.

    How is Filipino adobo different from Spanish adobo?

    Filipino adobo is a dish cooked in vinegar and soy sauce. Spanish adobo is a dry seasoning or a marinade with a different flavor profile. It has ingredients like paprika and oregano.

    How do you make Filipino adobo?

    Just like any stew or braise, making adobo starts by searing the meat to build the flavor. It is then simmered until tender in aromatics and a mixture of vinegar and soy sauce.

    Bay leaves, peppercorns, and sugar are commonly added. The sauce is reduced and slightly thickened.

    I hope that this post has helped answer your questions. If you're looking to try it, I have a simple recipe for Filipino Pork Adobo! You may be surprised at just how easy it is to make it.

    Top questions on other recipes

    • Assorted achara in jars with FAQs banner.
      Frequently Asked Questions About Achara
    • Chicken Empanada in a bowl with FAQ banner.
      Frequently Asked Questions About Filipino Empanadas
    • Sweet Sour Chicken topped on rice in a bowl with FAQ banner.
      Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet and Sour Recipes
    • Beef Caldereta topped on a rice served on a plate with a FAQ's banner.
      Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Caldereta

    More Recipe FAQs

    • Sweet Rice Cakes (Palitaw) on a banana leaf with FAQs banner.
      Frequently Asked Questions About Palitaw
    • Chocolate cake with ganache frosting with a FAQs banner.
      Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Cake and Ganache Frosting
    • Chicken Pot Pie with FAQs banner.
      Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Pot Pie
    • Chocolate crinkle cookies with FAQs banner.
      Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
    42 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email

    About the author

    Hi, I'm Nora! 

    Whether you're new to Filipino food or have loved it for so long, I sure am happy you're here!  I hope you'll find useful recipes that you can enjoy and share with family and friends.

    Learn more about me →

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Nora! Whether you're new to Filipino food or have loved it for so long, I sure am happy you're here!  I hope you'll find useful recipes that you can enjoy and share with family and friends.

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Grilled Pork Belly on a plate with pickled vegetables and spicy vinegar dipping sauce.
      Inihaw na Liempo Recipe
    • Beef stir fry with onions and peppers in a wok zoomed in.
      Beef Stir Fry with Onions & Peppers
    • Mackerel on Olive oil on a plate.
      Mackerel in Olive Oil
    • Beef Caldereta topped on a rice served on a plate.
      Beef Caldereta Recipe
    • Buko Pandan on a glass dish cup topped with ice cream covered be rice crisps.
      Buko Pandan Salad Recipe
    • Assorted Filipino foods on a table covered in banana leaf for a Kamayan Feast.
      Kamayan Feast: Bringing Family and Friends Together

    Seasonal Desserts

    You must use the category name, not a URL, in the category field.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Accessibility Statement
    • Cookie Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Image Use & Copyright
    • Privacy Policy

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2023 RECIPES BY NORA

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    Cookie SettingsAccept
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    42 shares