Description
Filipino cuisine is known for its rich flavors, influenced by a history of diverse cultures. Among its famous dishes, Chicken Adobo stands out as a national treasure. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that Filipinos cherish. Adobo is a technique in Filipino cooking that involves marinating meat in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and other spices before simmering it to perfection. This dish, enjoyed by locals and loved by food enthusiasts worldwide, embodies the simplicity and depth of Filipino culinary traditions. Let’s dive into what makes this dish special and how to make the perfect Chicken Adobo.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs chicken (any part, cut into serving pieces)
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce (preferably Filipino soy sauce for authenticity)
- 6 tablespoons white vinegar (or cane/apple cider vinegar as alternatives)
- 5 cloves garlic (crushed)
- 3 pieces dried bay leaves (for aroma)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil (for frying)
- 1 teaspoon whole peppercorn (for added heat)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the flavors)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, depending on taste preference)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, soy sauce, and crushed garlic.
- Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours, or overnight for a deeper flavor. If desired, you can add the vinegar at this stage as well.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
- Heat the cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, pan-fry the marinated chicken for about 2 minutes on each side until the outer layer is golden brown. This step helps seal in the juices and adds texture to the chicken.
- Set the fried chicken aside.
Step 3: Simmer the Chicken
- In the same pot, pour in the marinade and add the water.
- Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to medium.
- Add the bay leaves and whole peppercorns, then simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken becomes tender.
- If you want the chicken to be softer and more tender, you can extend the cooking time by simmering on low heat.
Step 4: Add the Vinegar and Seasonings
- Pour in the vinegar and let it cook for another 10 minutes. Do not stir until the vinegar has been fully cooked to avoid the raw vinegar taste.
- Add the sugar and salt (if needed) to balance the saltiness and acidity. Stir to combine.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If you prefer a thicker sauce, continue simmering uncovered until the liquid reduces to your liking.
Step 5: Serve
- Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, turn off the heat.
- Serve your Chicken Adobo hot, with warm white rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Optionally, garnish with extra toasted garlic for added flavor and aroma.