Adobo sa Gata with pork braised in soy sauce, vinegar, coconut milk, and spices. Hearty, tasty, and loaded with garlicky flavors, it’s perfect with steamed rice.
I first published this ginataang adobo in November 2013 and it’s one of my most popular recipes for a good reason. It’s creamy, spicy, and made extra yummy with coconut milk and chili peppers!
What is Adobo
Adobo is a type of Filipino cooking process wherein meat, seafood or vegetables are stewed in vinegar, garlic, and spices.
Regional varieties may include additional ingredients such as turmeric, atsuete, pineapple, fish sauce, and soy sauce.
This adobo sa gata is a delicious take on our classic dish. Pork cubes are braised in the traditional marinade and then finished off with coconut milk and chilies for a scrumptious viand that’s both rich and boldly flavored.
Tips on How to Make Spicy Adobo with Coconut Milk
- I usually prefer pork belly for my adobo but since the addition of coconut milk makes this dish extra rich and creamy, I suggest leaner pork shoulder cuts such as Boston butt or picnic.
- For a smoother sauce, cook at medium-low heat and do not allow the coconut milk to come to a rolling boil lest it curdles and separates.
- If you want to temper the spice, scrape the seeds and veins from the chili peppers before chopping.
- If the meat is getting too tender before the sauce has thickened and reduced to desired consistency, remove the lid and continue to cook uncovered.
Adobo sa Gata
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 onion, peeled and sliced thinly
- 1 head garlic, peeled and minced
- 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 Thai chili peppers, stemmed and chopped
- salt to taste
Instructions
- In a pot over medium heat, combine pork, onions, garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves, water, vinegar and soy sauce. Bring to a boil for about 5 minutes, skimming scum that floats on top.
- Lower heat, cover and simmer for about 30 to 40 minutes or until meat is tender. Drain meat. Reserve the aromatics and 1 cup of the liquid.
- In a wide pan over medium heat, heat oil. Add meat and aromatics and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
- Add reserved liquid, coconut milk, and chili peppers. Lower heat, cover and continue to cook for about 15 to 20 minutes or until meat is completely cooked and sauce is reduced and thickened.
- Season with salt to taste. Serve hot.
Nutrition
May I request for recipe of adobong dilaw which is famous also in Quezon Province. Thank you.
Hello Cristy! We have a recipe for Adobong Dilaw already. Here you go:
Wow thanks I will try this recipe too! Yummy, I love Baboy
You’re welcome. Let us know.
Do you have any idea if lamb would work with these flavours?
I am sorry but I haven’t tried lamb in this recipe. Worth a try 🙂
Hi. Can I use chicken instead of pork? Thanks.
Yes, you can 🙂
All your foods and recipes scrumptious and Delicious thanks for everything!
Thank you 🙂
i always add potatoes, my fiancé and his son loves the flavor of potatoes soaked in soy and vinegar!
P.S. My fiancé is Aussie… They love pinoy foods!
Thank you for this recipe!
What brand of soy sauce and coconut milk do you usually use?
Hello Evelyn
I usually use Datu Puti as its the cheapest brand and whatever coconut milk in can that’s on sale.
i am cooking this right now and hmmmmmmm, my daughter says, “mommy ambangooo” which only means that she cant wait to taste what i’m gonna serve her for dinner 🙂
Now you are making me want to cook adobo sa gata 🙂
This looks really yummy but I’m worried about the spice level. The thai peppers are really hot, I think, so I might use less when I try it this weekend. I hope it doesn’t take too much away from the flavour, though!
Hi Carolyn
I have very light tolerance to spicy foods, too. Don’t worry cutting down on the amount of peppers won’t really affect flavors that much 🙂
Hi! I cook this today and why is my adobo doesn’t look dark at all it looks light brown? Maybe due to the color of soy sauce and maybe I adds too much coconut oil? But it taste good though
Hello Maria
Yes, the color will be lighter than regular adobo because of the added coconut milk. I am glad you enjoyed it. Thanks 🙂