MELT IN YOUR MOUTH PORK ADOBO||MAE’S KITCHEN

Introduction

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to make melt-in-your-mouth pork adobo, a flavorful and tender dish that showcases the deliciousness of Filipino cuisine. This step-by-step guide will help you prepare the ingredients, cook the pork to perfection, and serve a dish that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you will need:

• 2 lbs pork belly or pork shoulder
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1 cup vinegar (white or cane)
• 1 cup water
• 1 head garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2-3 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 2 tablespoons oil (for sautéing)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: brown sugar for sweetness

Practical Tips

• Choose a well-marbled cut of pork for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook to streamline the process.

Step 2: Marinate the Pork

Marinating helps to infuse the pork with rich flavors. Follow these steps:

1. Cut the pork into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, minced garlic, and black peppercorns.
3. Add the pork pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor.

Practical Tips

• The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the pork will be.
• You can use a zip-top bag for easy marinating and less cleanup.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

This step builds the base flavor for your adobo.

1. In a large pot or skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in the marinated pork (reserve the marinade) and cook until lightly browned on all sides.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients and Simmer

Now it’s time to create the sauce and let the flavors meld.

1. Pour in the reserved marinade, vinegar, and water.
2. Add the bay leaves.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
4. Cover and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the pork is tender.

Practical Tips

• Stir occasionally and check for tenderness. If the sauce reduces too much, add a little more water.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or sugar to balance the flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the pork is tender and the sauce is flavorful:

1. Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes.
2. Serve the pork adobo over steamed rice, ensuring you spoon some sauce over the top.

Optional Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with chopped green onions or a side of pickled vegetables for added flavor and color.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've made a delicious pork adobo that is sure to become a favorite at your dining table. Remember to experiment with the marinade and cooking time to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your meal and consider trying other variations of adobo with different proteins or vegetables in the future!