Instant Pot Pork Adobo: A Flavorful Filipino Classic Made Easy

Pork Adobo, a cornerstone of Filipino cuisine, is renowned for its savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Traditionally simmered for hours, this dish achieves incredible depth of flavor as the pork becomes incredibly tender. However, modern life often leaves little time for such slow-cooking methods. Enter the Instant Pot, a game-changer that allows you to enjoy this classic dish with minimal effort and in a fraction of the time. This recipe delivers the authentic taste of Pork Adobo, tender and succulent pork, infused with the iconic flavors of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves, all achieved effortlessly in your Instant Pot.

Why Use an Instant Pot for Pork Adobo?

The Instant Pot excels at creating deeply flavorful dishes in a fraction of the time compared to traditional cooking methods. For Pork Adobo, this translates to several key benefits:

• Speed: Significantly reduces cooking time. What normally takes 2-3 hours on the stovetop is condensed to about an hour in the Instant Pot.
• Tenderness: The pressure cooking process tenderizes the pork beautifully, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Flavor Infusion: The sealed environment of the Instant Pot allows the flavors to meld and penetrate the pork more effectively.
• Convenience: Set it and forget it! The Instant Pot requires minimal monitoring, freeing you up to do other things.
• Easy Cleanup: One-pot cooking means less mess to clean up afterward.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Pork Adobo is relatively simple, but the combination of these common ingredients creates a symphony of flavors that’s truly special:

• 2 pounds Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt), cut into 1-2 inch cubes: Pork shoulder is the preferred cut because of its high fat content, which renders during cooking, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. You can also use pork belly or pork country-style ribs. Trim excess fat if desired.
• 1 cup Soy Sauce: Soy sauce provides the umami and saltiness that are essential to Adobo. Use a good quality soy sauce for the best flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce can be used, but you may need to add a little salt to taste.
• ¾ cup White Vinegar (or Apple Cider Vinegar): Vinegar adds the characteristic tang to Adobo. White vinegar is the most traditional choice, but apple cider vinegar provides a slightly milder and sweeter flavor. Avoid using balsamic vinegar, as its sweetness will alter the Adobo flavor profile too much.
• ½ cup Water (or Chicken Broth): Provides the necessary liquid for pressure cooking and helps to create the sauce. Chicken broth can add a richer flavor.
• 1 head Garlic, peeled and crushed: Garlic is a fundamental flavor component of Adobo. Crushing the garlic releases its oils and intensifies its flavor. Don’t skimp on the garlic!
• 2 tablespoons Whole Black Peppercorns: Peppercorns add a subtle spice and aroma. Whole peppercorns are preferred over ground pepper for a more nuanced flavor.
• 4-5 Bay Leaves: Bay leaves contribute a subtle, earthy aroma. Dried bay leaves are fine.
• 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar (optional): A touch of brown sugar balances the acidity of the vinegar and adds a hint of sweetness. This is optional but recommended for a richer flavor. You can also use white sugar, but brown sugar adds a molasses-like depth.
• 1 tablespoon Cooking Oil (vegetable, canola, or coconut oil): Used for searing the pork.
• Salt to taste (optional): Taste the Adobo after cooking and adjust salt if needed. The soy sauce is usually salty enough, so add salt judiciously.
• 1-2 Thai Chilies, sliced (optional): If you like a little heat, add some sliced Thai chilies. Remove the seeds for less heat.

Equipment

• Instant Pot (6-quart or larger): Any Instant Pot model will work for this recipe.
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Large bowl (for mixing)
• Tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the detailed steps for making this delicious Instant Pot Pork Adobo:

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

Cut the pork shoulder into 1-2 inch cubes. Trimming off excess fat is optional. In a large bowl, combine the pork cubes with the soy sauce, vinegar, crushed garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves, and brown sugar (if using). Mix well to ensure the pork is evenly coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours in the refrigerator for a more intense flavor. The longer it marinates, the better the flavor will be.

Step 2: Sear the Pork (Optional but Recommended)

While searing is optional, it adds a depth of flavor and color to the pork. Turn on the Instant Pot and select the ‘Sauté’ function. Add the cooking oil and let it heat up. In batches, sear the pork cubes until browned on all sides. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this will lower the temperature and prevent proper searing. Remove the seared pork and set aside.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pot (Important!)

After searing, there might be some browned bits stuck to the bottom of the Instant Pot. This is called fond, and it’s packed with flavor. Deglaze the pot by pouring a little water or broth (about ¼ cup) into the pot and scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to loosen the browned bits. This prevents the ‘Burn’ error and adds flavor to the sauce.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Pork

Return the seared pork to the Instant Pot, along with the marinade. Add the remaining water (or chicken broth). Make sure the pork is mostly submerged in the liquid. Secure the lid and set the valve to ‘Sealing’. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ function and set the cooking time to 35 minutes on HIGH pressure. For very tender pork, you can increase the cooking time to 40 minutes.

Step 5: Natural Pressure Release (NPR)

Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 15 minutes. This allows the pork to continue to tenderize. After 15 minutes, you can manually release any remaining pressure by carefully turning the valve to the ‘Venting’ position. Be careful to avoid the steam.

Step 6: Reduce the Sauce (Optional but Recommended)

After releasing the pressure, carefully remove the lid. The sauce might be quite thin at this point. If you prefer a thicker sauce, select the ‘Sauté’ function again and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. Be sure to watch it carefully and stir occasionally to prevent it from burning.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Taste the Adobo and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add salt to taste if necessary. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve hot with steamed rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or fried garlic (optional).

Tips for the Best Instant Pot Pork Adobo

• Don’t skip the searing: Searing the pork adds a layer of flavor that you’ll miss if you skip it.
• Deglaze the pot: This step is crucial for preventing the ‘Burn’ error and adding flavor to the sauce.
• Adjust the cooking time: The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the pork cubes and your Instant Pot model. If the pork is not tender enough after 35 minutes, you can cook it for a few more minutes.
• Natural Pressure Release (NPR): Allowing the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 15 minutes helps to tenderize the pork even further.
• Thicken the sauce: Reducing the sauce on the ‘Sauté’ function is optional, but it will result in a richer and more flavorful Adobo.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment: Adobo is a versatile dish, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Some people add potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, or even pineapple to their Adobo.
• Marinate for longer: The longer you marinate the pork, the more flavorful it will be. Marinating overnight is ideal.

Variations

While the classic Pork Adobo is delicious on its own, here are a few variations you can try:

• Chicken Adobo: Substitute the pork with chicken thighs or drumsticks. Reduce the cooking time to 20-25 minutes.
• Adobo with Potatoes: Add cubed potatoes to the Instant Pot along with the pork. The potatoes will absorb the flavorful sauce and become incredibly tender.
• Adobo with Hard-Boiled Eggs: Add hard-boiled eggs to the Adobo during the last few minutes of cooking to warm them through.
• Spicy Adobo: Add more Thai chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicier Adobo.
• Sweet Adobo: Increase the amount of brown sugar or add a splash of pineapple juice to the marinade for a sweeter Adobo.
• Adobo with Coconut Milk: Add a can of coconut milk to the Instant Pot along with the pork for a creamier and richer Adobo. This variation is known as Adobong Gata.

Serving Suggestions

Pork Adobo is traditionally served with steamed rice. The flavorful sauce is perfect for soaking into the rice. Here are a few other serving suggestions:

• With Garlic Fried Rice: A classic combination!
• With Stir-Fried Vegetables: A healthy and balanced meal.
• In Tacos or Burritos: A fusion twist!
• As a topping for noodles: A flavorful and satisfying meal.
• With a side of pickled vegetables (Atchara): The tangy Atchara complements the richness of the Adobo.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Pork Adobo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply microwave or simmer on the stovetop until heated through. The flavor of Adobo often improves after a day or two, as the flavors continue to meld together.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

The nutritional information for Pork Adobo will vary depending on the ingredients used and the serving size. However, here is an approximate estimate per serving (based on a serving size of about 4 ounces of pork):

• Calories: 350-450
• Protein: 30-40 grams
• Fat: 20-30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams

Please note that this is just an estimate, and the actual nutritional information may vary.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Pork Adobo is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy this classic Filipino dish. The Instant Pot tenderizes the pork beautifully and infuses it with the iconic flavors of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns. With minimal effort and cleanup, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving a taste of the Philippines. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and get ready to experience the magic of Pork Adobo!

Recipe Card

Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Pork Adobo!