Welcome to my blog, here I love sharing my passion for food and exploring various cuisines. Today, I’m going to reveal my all-time favorite Filipino dish that holds a special place in every Filipino’s heart: Filipino Adobo Recipe. Known for its mouthwatering blend of flavors, this tangy and savory dish is a true culinary masterpiece. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing a classic Filipino Adobo recipe that will transport you to the vibrant streets of the Philippines. So, let’s get started and uncover the secrets of this delectable dish!
Preparation Time:
Approximately 10-15 minutes.
Cooking Time:
Approximately 40-50 minutes.
Nutritional Information:
Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
Calories | 300-400 calories |
Protein | 25-30 grams |
Fat | Varies based on chicken cut and skin |
Carbohydrates | 30-40 grams (from rice) |
Fiber | Varies based on added vegetables |
Sodium | Varies based on soy sauce used |
Vitamins and Minerals | Niacin, Vitamin B6, Iron, Potassium (amounts may vary) |
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients, portion sizes, and cooking methods you choose. It’s always best to refer to specific product labels or consult a registered dietitian for precise nutritional information based on your recipe and ingredients.
To create an authentic Filipino Adobo, gather the following ingredients:
Ingredients | Quantity |
Chicken (legs, thighs, cut into serving-size pieces) | 2 lbs |
Soy sauce | 1/2 cup |
Minced garlic | 4 cloves |
Sliced onion | 1 |
Whole black peppercorns | 1 teaspoon |
Bay leaves | 3 |
Cooking oil | 1 tablespoon |
Water | 1 cup |
Salt to taste | As per taste |
Vinegar (white vinegar or cane vinegar) | 1/2 cup |
Marinating the Chicken:
To infuse the chicken with the delightful flavors of Adobo, start by marinating it. In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce and vinegar. Add the chicken pieces and ensure they are fully coated with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. For an even more intense taste, marinate overnight.

Cooking Process:
- Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later, and place the chicken pieces into the pot. Sear the chicken until it turns golden brown on all sides, which adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

- Once the chicken is nicely browned, add the minced garlic and sliced onion to the pot. Sauté them until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its wonderful aroma, enhancing the overall taste of the Adobo.
- Pour in the reserved marinade, ensuring you scrape any remaining bits from the bottom of the pot to capture all the flavors. Add the whole black peppercorns and bay leaves to the mixture, stirring everything together to combine the ingredients.

- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chicken simmer for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked. Stir the pot occasionally to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.

- Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, uncover the pot and increase the heat to medium. Let the sauce reduce and thicken for approximately 5 to 10 minutes, allowing it to intensify the flavors of the dish.
- Take a moment to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning by adding salt if desired. Remember, the balance of flavors is key to a stellar Adobo!
Presentation and Serving: Your Filipino Adobo is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve it with steamed rice, allowing the adobo sauce to generously coat the rice, creating an explosion of flavors in every bite. The contrasting textures and savory taste of the tender chicken and tangy sauce will surely leave you craving for more.
Variations and Tips:
- While chicken is the most commonly used meat in Adobo, you can also experiment with other proteins such as pork, beef, or even seafood to cater to your preferences.
- For a twist, try adding potatoes or hard-boiled eggs to the pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking. These additions absorb the flavors of the sauce, providing an extra layer of taste and texture to the dish.
- Adobo tastes even better when allowed to sit for a while, as the flavors continue to deepen. Consider making a larger batch and refrigerating the leftovers for a delightful Adobo feast the next day.
Congratulations! You’ve mastered the art of preparing a classic Filipino Adobo. This iconic dish represents the heart and soul of Filipino cuisine, capturing the essence of its vibrant culture. The harmony between the tangy vinegar, soy sauce, and aromatic spices creates a symphony of flavors that will undoubtedly impress your taste buds. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and embark on a delicious journey to experience the taste of the Philippines with this authentic Adobo recipe. Enjoy every mouthful and share this delightful dish with your loved ones. Happy cooking!
I hope you find this blog post helpful in creating a delicious Filipino Adobo. If you have any questions or would like to share your experience, feel free to leave a comment below. Stay tuned for more exciting recipes and delicious adventures!
Printable Recipe:

Classic Filipino Adobo Recipe
Ingredients
- Chicken legs, thighs, cut into serving-size pieces 2 lbs
- Soy sauce
- Minced garlic 4 cloves
- Sliced onion 1
- Whole black peppercorns 1 teaspoon
- Bay leaves 3
- Cooking oil 1 tablespoon
- Water 1 cup
- Salt to taste As per taste
- Vinegar white vinegar or cane vinegar 1/2 cup
Instructions
- Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later, and place the chicken pieces into the pot. Sear the chicken until it turns golden brown on all sides, which adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
- Once the chicken is nicely browned, add the minced garlic and sliced onion to the pot. Sauté them until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its wonderful aroma, enhancing the overall taste of the Adobo.
- Pour in the reserved marinade, ensuring you scrape any remaining bits from the bottom of the pot to capture all the flavors. Add the whole black peppercorns and bay leaves to the mixture, stirring everything together to combine the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chicken simmer for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked. Stir the pot occasionally to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, uncover the pot and increase the heat to medium. Let the sauce reduce and thicken for approximately 5 to 10 minutes, allowing it to intensify the flavors of the dish.
- Take a moment to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning by adding salt if desired. Remember, the balance of flavors is key to a stellar Adobo!
- Presentation and Serving: Your Filipino Adobo is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve it with steamed rice, allowing the adobo sauce to generously coat the rice, creating an explosion of flavors in every bite. The contrasting textures and savory taste of the tender chicken and tangy sauce will surely leave you craving for more.
Notes
2. For a twist, try adding potatoes or hard-boiled eggs to the pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking. These additions absorb the flavors of the sauce, providing an extra layer of taste and texture to the dish.
Visual Story:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes, absolutely! Adobo is a versatile dish, and you can use pork, beef, or even seafood as alternatives to chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
Marinating the chicken is highly recommended as it helps infuse the meat with the flavors of the soy sauce and vinegar. It adds depth and enhances the overall taste of the dish. The longer you marinate, the more pronounced the flavors become.
Can I make Adobo without soy sauce?
While soy sauce is a key ingredient in traditional Adobo, you can experiment with variations. You can substitute soy sauce with tamari (gluten-free soy sauce), coconut aminos, or even try a combination of balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce for a unique twist.
Can I add vegetables to Adobo?
Yes, you can add vegetables to your Adobo. Some common choices include potatoes, bell peppers, and green beans. Add them to the pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the sauce.