15 Adobo Recipes to Spice Up Your Cooking

Adobo is a beloved dish that holds a special place in many kitchens. It is famous for its rich flavors and comforting aroma, making it a favorite among families and friends. Adobo recipes offer a delicious way to enjoy traditional Filipino cooking.

In this article, you’ll explore various adobo recipes that are easy to follow and sure to impress your guests. From classic versions to creative twists, these recipes celebrate the simplicity and heartiness of adobo. Get ready to bring a taste of the Philippines into your home!

1) Classic Chicken Adobo with Vinegar and Soy Sauce

Classic Chicken Adobo is a beloved dish. It features chicken slow-cooked in a mix of vinegar and soy sauce. The result is tender chicken with a rich, savory flavor.

To make this dish, you’ll need some simple ingredients. Garlic and bay leaves add extra depth to the sauce. This one-pot meal is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners.

You can adjust the vinegar and soy sauce to suit your taste. Serve it with rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900 g) chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup (240 ml) soy sauce
• 1 cup (240 ml) vinegar
• 1 head garlic, minced
• 2-3 bay leaves
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, combine chicken, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves.
2. Add water and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

2) Pork Adobo with Potatoes

Pork Adobo with Potatoes is a delicious twist on the classic Filipino dish. It combines tender pork with savory, sautéed potatoes. This adds a hearty element that many people enjoy.

To start, you will need basic ingredients like vinegar and soy sauce to create the unique sauce. The sour and salty flavors blend nicely with the rich taste of pork and creamy potatoes.

When cooking, make sure to simmer the mixture so all the flavors come together perfectly. You can serve it with rice to make a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork, cubed
• 2 medium-sized potatoes, cubed
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• ½ cup soy sauce
• 1 cup water
• 3 pieces dried bay leaves
• 5 cloves garlic, crushed

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pan and add a little oil.
2. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the cubed pork and cook until browned.
4. Pour in the vinegar and let it boil for a few minutes.
5. Add soy sauce, water, and bay leaves.
6. Simmer for 30 minutes until pork is tender.
7. Add cubed potatoes and cook for another 10 minutes.
8. Serve hot over rice.

3) Spicy Adobo with Coconut Milk

Spicy Adobo with Coconut Milk is a delicious twist on the traditional Filipino dish. The creamy coconut milk adds richness, while chili peppers bring a nice kick. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals.

To make it, you’ll simmer meat in a mix of coconut milk, vinegar, and spices. The coconut milk helps balance the tanginess of the vinegar, creating a delightful flavor.

Cook the mixture until the meat is tender and the sauce thickens. Serve it over rice for a hearty meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound pork belly, cut into slices
• 10 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 2-3 Thai chili peppers, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pan over medium heat.
2. Add pork and cook until browned.
3. Add garlic and sauté for a few minutes.
4. Pour in coconut milk, vinegar, and chili peppers.
5. Simmer for about 30 minutes or until meat is tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

4) Adobo Flakes

Adobo flakes are a tasty way to use leftover adobo. This dish transforms the tender meat into a crunchy treat. You will enjoy the sour and salty flavors, perfect for breakfast or as a topping.

To make adobo flakes, you need shredded adobo meat, preferably from pork or chicken. You can fry the meat until it’s crispy. It is great on its own, but you can also add it to salads or rice dishes.

Ingredients

• Leftover adobo meat (pork or chicken)
• 2-3 tablespoons adobo sauce
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Shred the leftover adobo meat into small pieces.
2. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C).
3. Add the shredded adobo and 2-3 tablespoons of adobo sauce to the pan.
4. Cook while stirring until the liquid evaporates and the meat becomes crispy.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

5) Adobo sa Gata (Adobo in Coconut Milk)

Adobo sa Gata is a delicious twist on the traditional adobo. This Filipino dish includes coconut milk, which adds a rich and creamy flavor. You will love how the coconut enhances the savory and slightly tangy taste of the adobo.

To make this dish, you’ll cook chicken pieces slowly in a mix of vinegar, soy sauce, and spices. The coconut milk is added partway through the cooking process, creating a smooth sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.

This recipe captures the essence of Filipino cooking. It is both simple and satisfying, perfect for dinner or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 1 onion, sliced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon peppercorns
• Salt to taste
• Cooking oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned.
4. Pour in the soy sauce and vinegar. Add bay leaves and peppercorns.
5. Simmer for 20 minutes on low heat.
6. Stir in coconut milk and cook for another 10 minutes.
7. Adjust seasoning with salt and serve hot.

6) Adobong Pusit (Squid Adobo)

Adobong Pusit is a flavorful dish from the Philippines made using squid. This dish combines the savory taste of soy sauce and the tanginess of vinegar, giving it a unique flavor.

To make Adobong Pusit, you start with fresh squid. It’s boiled and then sautéed with garlic, onions, and tomatoes. This cooking method enhances the flavors and creates a delightful meal.

You can serve it with rice, making it a perfect main dish for lunch or dinner. Many people love its rich taste and easy preparation.

Ingredients

• 1 pound squid, cleaned
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tomato, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil squid in soy sauce and vinegar for about 10 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pan and sauté garlic, onion, and tomato.
3. Add the squid to the pan and cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot with rice.

7) Chicken Adobo with Pineapple

Chicken Adobo with Pineapple is a delicious twist on the traditional Filipino dish. This version brings a hint of sweetness to the savory flavors of adobo, thanks to the pineapple. The chicken simmers in a blend of soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and spices that create a tasty balance.

To make this dish, you will need chicken thighs and drumsticks. The pineapple adds a fruity touch that many people enjoy. While some may prefer the classic salty version, this recipe offers a fun variation.

Ingredients

• 1 kilogram chicken thighs and drumsticks
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup vinegar
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and onion.
2. Add chicken and marinate for 30 minutes.
3. In a pot, heat oil and brown the chicken.
4. Add the marinade, bay leaf, pineapple, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer for about 30 minutes on low heat (about 150°C).
6. Serve warm over rice.

8) Tofu Adobo

Tofu Adobo is a tasty twist on the classic Filipino dish. It uses tofu instead of meat, making it a delightful vegan option. The marinade is packed with flavor, so don’t skip the marinating step.

Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess water. This helps it absorb all the tasty flavors. You can cut the tofu into cubes or slices, depending on your preference.

Use soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves in the marinade. You can also add a bit of brown sugar for sweetness. Cook the tofu in a pan until golden brown, then simmer it in the sauce for a rich taste.

Ingredients

• 1 block of firm tofu
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup vinegar (like cane or rice)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Press the tofu for 30 minutes to remove water.
2. Cut the tofu into cubes.
3. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and brown sugar.
4. Marinate the tofu for at least 15 minutes.
5. Heat oil in a pan and fry the tofu until golden brown.
6. Add the marinade and simmer for about 10 minutes.
7. Serve hot with rice.

9) Vegetable Adobo with Eggplant

Vegetable adobo with eggplant is a tasty twist on a classic dish. This recipe highlights the rich flavors of eggplant and a savory adobo sauce. You’ll love how the eggplant absorbs the sauce, making each bite delicious.

Start by slicing the eggplant into quarters and seasoning it with sugar. Cook the eggplant until it’s tender and browned, then simmer it in a mixture of vinegar and soy sauce. The garlic and black pepper add depth to the flavors.

Coconut milk can be included for a creamy texture if you like. This adds a nice balance to the tartness of the adobo sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 lb eggplant
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the eggplant into quarters.
2. Season with sugar and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat oil and brown the eggplant.
4. Add garlic and black pepper, and cook until fragrant.
5. Pour in vinegar and soy sauce, and cook until tender.
6. Stir in coconut milk if using, and simmer for a few more minutes.

10) Adobong Puti (White Adobo)

Adobong Puti, or White Adobo, is a unique twist on the classic Filipino adobo. This version skips soy sauce, resulting in a light and clear broth. You will find that the flavors of vinegar, garlic, and spices truly shine in this dish.

Using simple ingredients, you can create a comforting meal. It has roots in the pre-colonial cooking methods of the Philippines. This version is rich in taste yet lighter than its soy-based counterpart.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of chicken or pork
• 1 cup of white vinegar
• 1 cup of water
• 1 head garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon peppercorns
• 2-3 bay leaves
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, combine chicken or pork, vinegar, and water.
2. Add minced garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves.
3. Season with salt.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Serve with rice.

11) Beef Adobo with Lemongrass

Beef Adobo with Lemongrass adds a fresh twist to the classic dish. The lemongrass gives the beef a bright and aromatic flavor. It’s a delicious way to enjoy this Filipino favorite.

Start by marinating your beef in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic. Next, add lemongrass, bay leaves, and black pepper. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors.

Cook the marinated beef in a pot over medium heat, allowing it to simmer until tender. This usually takes about 40 minutes. You can serve it over rice to soak up the tasty sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef, cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 stalks lemongrass, smashed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Water, as needed

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the beef in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic for 30 minutes.
2. Add lemongrass, bay leaves, and black pepper to the marinade.
3. In a pot, heat a little oil over medium heat.
4. Add the marinated beef and stir for a few minutes.
5. Pour in enough water to cover the beef and simmer on low for about 40 minutes.
6. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot with rice.

12) Adobo with Quail Eggs

Adobo with quail eggs is a delightful twist on the traditional Filipino dish. The tender chicken is cooked in a savory marinade, then paired with quail eggs to add richness and flavor. This dish is perfect for special occasions or a comforting family meal.

To make it, start with chicken thighs or drumsticks. Add quail eggs for a delicious touch. The combination of vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic gives it a wonderful taste that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 12 quail eggs
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns
• 2 tablespoons oil

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, combine vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
2. Add chicken pieces and marinate for 30 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a pan and brown the chicken.
4. Add marinating liquid and simmer until chicken is cooked through.
5. In the last few minutes, add the quail eggs.
6. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, and enjoy!

13) Spicy Chicken Liver Adobo

Spicy Chicken Liver Adobo brings a kick to the traditional dish. You’ll love how the heat from chili peppers enhances the rich flavors of chicken liver. This version keeps the essence of classic adobo while adding a spicy twist.

To get started, gather your ingredients. Onions and garlic will create a savory base, while soy sauce and vinegar give it that signature tang. Adding sliced chili peppers gives this dish its spicy flair.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken livers
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1-2 tablespoons chili peppers (fresh or dried)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 180°C).
2. Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
3. Add chicken livers and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in soy sauce, vinegar, and chili peppers.
5. Simmer for 10 minutes, mixing well until livers are cooked through.

14) Fish Adobo with Tomatoes

Fish Adobo with Tomatoes is a delicious twist on the classic adobo recipe. This dish combines the savory flavors of fish with the sweetness of tomatoes. You’ll enjoy a creamy and tangy sauce that highlights the fish perfectly.

To start, choose a firm fish like galunggong or tilapia. The sauce is made with soy sauce, vinegar, diced tomatoes, garlic, and onion. This blend gives the dish rich, bold flavors.

Serve the Fish Adobo with rice. The rice balances the flavors and absorbs the tasty sauce. You can also garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) fish (galunggong or tilapia)
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) soy sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the fish and set it aside.
2. In a pot, sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
3. Add diced tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the soy sauce and vinegar; let it simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add the fish and cover until cooked through, about 15 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with green onions before serving.

15) Adobo Empanadas

Adobo empanadas are a delicious twist on a classic Filipino dish. These savory pastries are filled with marinated meat, usually chicken or pork, that has been cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices.

To make them, start with a soft dough that you can easily roll out. Fill each piece of dough with the flavorful adobo mixture before sealing and baking until golden brown. Each bite offers a crispy exterior and a juicy inside.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cooked adobo meat (chicken or pork)
• 1 egg, for egg wash

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and cold butter until crumbly.
3. Add water gradually and knead until smooth.
4. Roll out the dough and cut into circles.
5. Add a spoonful of adobo meat to each circle.
6. Fold and seal the edges.
7. Brush the empanadas with egg wash.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden.