The Filipino Adobo dish has a rich history that dates back to pre-colonial times in the Philippines. The word "adobo" itself comes from the Spanish term "adobar," which means "to marinate" or "to season." However, Filipino Adobo predates the arrival of the Spanish in the Philippines.
Before the Spaniards came, Filipinos already had a method of cooking meat and preserving it using vinegar, salt, and spices. This method was practical for tropical climates like that of the Philippines, where preserving food was essential due to the absence of refrigeration.
When the Spanish colonizers arrived in the Philippines in the 16th century, they encountered the native cooking methods and ingredients. They introduced new ingredients like vinegar and bay leaves, which were not native to the islands. The locals adapted these ingredients into their cooking, resulting in what we now know as Adobo.
Filipino Adobo is characterized by its marinating process, which involves soaking meat, often chicken, pork, or a combination of both, in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. This marinade not only adds flavor but also helps preserve the meat.
The cooking process typically involves simmering the marinated meat in its marinade until tender. This slow-cooking method allows the flavors to meld together and creates a savory and tangy dish with a distinct aroma.
Over time, Filipino Adobo has evolved, with different regions and families adding their own twists and variations to the recipe. Some variations include using coconut milk, pineapple juice, or even sugar to add sweetness to the dish. Despite these variations, Adobo remains a quintessential Filipino dish, beloved for its simplicity, versatility, and delicious flavors. It has become a symbol of Filipino culinary identity and is enjoyed by people both in the Philippines and around the world.
Our Full Recipe on Adobo Can Be Found Here
Ingredients:
- 2lbs chicken, cut into serving pieces
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup vinegar (preferably cane vinegar)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 cup water
- Salt to taste (optional)
- Steamed rice, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, sliced onion, whole peppercorns, and bay leaves. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. You can refrigerate it for a few hours for deeper flavor.
3. After marinating, heat cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat.
4. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces (reserving the marinade) and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Pour in the remaining marinade and water into the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer, covered, for about 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally.
7. If desired, season with salt to taste.
8. Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove the bay leaves.
9. Serve the Chicken Adobo hot with steamed rice.
10. Enjoy your delicious Filipino Chicken Adobo!
Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference. This recipe serves about 4-6 people.
