How Adobo is Made?

Adobo is a classic Filipino dish that combines meat, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns to create a flavorful, savory, and tangy stew. Here’s how to make traditional chicken or pork adobo:

Ingredients:

• Meat: 1 kg chicken, pork, or a mix of both (cut into serving pieces)
• Vinegar: 1/2 cup (white or cane vinegar)
• Soy sauce: 1/3 cup
• Garlic: 6-8 cloves (crushed or minced)
• Bay leaves: 3-4 pieces
• Peppercorns: 1 teaspoon (whole)
• Water: 1 cup
• Oil: 2-3 tablespoons
• Optional: Potatoes, eggs, or coconut milk (for variations)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Meat:
   • In a large bowl, combine the meat, soy sauce, and half the garlic.
   • Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • Heat oil in a pan or pot over medium heat.
   • Sauté the remaining garlic until fragrant and slightly golden.
3. Brown the Meat:
   • Add the marinated meat (without the marinade) to the pan.
   • Sear until browned on all sides.
4. Simmer the Dish:
   • Pour in the marinade, vinegar, water, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
   • Bring to a boil. Do not stir immediately to prevent a raw vinegar taste.
5. Cook Until Tender:
   • Lower the heat and cover the pan.
   • Simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and the sauce reduces to your desired consistency.
6. Optional Steps:
   • For a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered during the last 10 minutes.
   • Add cooked potatoes or hard-boiled eggs for additional texture.
7. Serve:
   • Serve hot with steamed white rice.

Tips and Variations:

• Sweetness: Add a teaspoon of sugar or a splash of coconut milk for a sweeter or creamier adobo.
• Crispier Texture: Fry the meat pieces after cooking, then return them to the sauce.
• Seafood Adobo: Substitute meat with shrimp, squid, or fish for a seafood variation.

Enjoy your flavorful and hearty adobo!