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Classic Filipino Beef Adobo: Easy Homemade Comfort Food

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This classic Filipino beef adobo is a comforting, one-pot meal featuring fork-tender beef braised in a savory, tangy, and garlicky sauce. It’s incredibly easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup cane vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef cubes for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply browned. Set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in soy sauce, vinegar, and water. Stir in brown sugar, whole peppercorns, and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Return the seared beef to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Add more water if needed so the liquid almost covers the beef.
  6. Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is fork-tender. Stir occasionally.
  7. Remove the lid, increase heat to medium-high, and let the sauce reduce for 10-15 minutes until it thickens into a glossy glaze. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, let the adobo rest overnight in the refrigerator; the flavors will meld and deepen. Do not skip searing the beef—it adds essential flavor. Use whole peppercorns instead of ground to avoid bitterness. Adjust seasoning at the end as soy sauce and vinegar strengths vary.

Nutrition

Keywords: Filipino adobo, beef adobo, adobo recipe, Filipino comfort food, easy adobo, one-pot meal, braised beef

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