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–+ servings
Melany

Savory Beef Adobo Recipe: A Delicious Filipino Classic

This Filipino Beef Adobo is the ultimate savory-sour comfort dish—tender beef simmered in a rich blend of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves. A staple in Filipino households, it’s bold, aromatic, and perfect served over a steaming bed of rice.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs beef preferably chuck or brisket, cut into cubes1/2 cup soy sauce1/2 cup vinegar1 cup water6 cloves garlic, crushed2 bay leaves1 tsp whole black peppercorns1 onion, sliced1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)2 tbsp cooking oil

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine beef, soy sauce, garlic, and peppercorns. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
  2. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft and fragrant. Add marinated beef (reserve the marinade) and sear until browned on all sides.
  3. Pour in the reserved marinade, vinegar, and water. Add bay leaves. Bring to a boil without stirring, then lower heat and simmer covered for 60–90 minutes or until beef is fork-tender.
  4. Add brown sugar (if using) and simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce.
  5.  
  6. Serve hot over steamed rice, garnished with pickled vegetables or fresh tomato slices if desired.

Notes

  • For a deeper flavor, marinate overnight.
  • Chuck or brisket works best, but short ribs are a flavorful alternative.
  • Want it thicker? Simmer longer uncovered to reduce the sauce further.
 
  • Beef Adobo tastes even better the next day—perfect for leftovers.

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