Our full recipe guide on how to make adobo, the most popular dish in the Philippines.
Step into the vibrant culinary world of the Philippines with this traditional Chicken Adobo recipe—a dish as rich in flavor as it is in history. Adobo, often regarded as the unofficial national dish of the Philippines, is a beloved staple in every Filipino home.
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How to Make Adobo
Adobo Recipe Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken pieces (thighs and legs yield the best flavor)
- 3/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 3 bay leaves
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
- Salt to taste
Step By Step How to Make Adobo
Step 1 Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, vinegar, and smashed garlic. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
Step 2 Brown the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (keep the marinade) and brown the chicken pieces on all sides to lock in the flavors.
Step 3 Simmer
Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken, add water, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.
Step 4 Reduce the Sauce
Remove the chicken and increase the heat to medium-high, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken for about 5 minutes. If desired, add sugar to balance the acidity.
Step 5 Serve
Return the chicken to the pan to reheat and coat with the sauce. Season with salt if needed. Serve hot with steamed rice, using the sauce as a delicious glaze.
Tips and Variations – How to Make Your Adobo Unique
- Meat Variations: Try using pork or a combination of chicken and pork for a different take on this dish.
- Vegetarian Twist: For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with tofu or large mushrooms like portobellos.
- Spice Level: Add chili peppers or a bit of pepper sauce for a kick of heat.
Nutritional Information
(Provide approximate values for calories, fats, protein, etc., per serving.)
Conclusion
Chicken Adobo is a comforting meal, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It’s even better the next day, making it an excellent choice for leftovers. Enjoy the deep, tangy flavors of this Filipino classic, and let it warm your soul!
Nutritional Estimation per Serving:
- Chicken: Chicken thighs and legs are rich in protein and contain a moderate amount of fat. Approximately 250 grams (raw weight) would be a serving.
- Calories: About 290
- Fat: About 18 grams
- Protein: About 30 grams
- Soy Sauce: High in sodium, minimal calories.
- Calories: About 10
- Sodium: Approximately 900 mg
- Cooking Oil (split among 4 servings):
- Calories: About 30
- Fat: About 3.5 grams
- Sugar:
- Calories: About 15
- Carbohydrates: About 4 grams
Adding these up gives us a rough estimate per serving:
- Total Calories: Approximately 345 calories
- Total Fat: Approximately 21.5 grams
- Total Protein: Approximately 30 grams
- Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 4 grams (excluding trace amounts from garlic and spices)
- Sodium: Approximately 900 mg
This calculation provides a basic overview and can vary based on specific ingredients used, cooking methods, and actual serving sizes. Nutritional values like fiber and vitamins are minimal in this dish and not calculated in detail here.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.