Filipino Style Sweet Adobo Pork Ribs

It’s not too late to change your dinner plans because this Filipino Style Sweet Adobo Pork Ribs just landed on your list. How did the last week treat you? Mine was a mix of hectic and calm, like one of those tricky roller coaster rides. By the end of the week, I’ve done everything and nothing because that to do list never ends.  Right? I know you know what I’m saying.

Anyway, let’s sit and have a simple chat about Adobo. There’s some confusion with the word specially here in the USA.  A Filipino Style Adobo is not the same as Mexican Adobo. The word is derived from “adovar” which is spanish for “marinate” but the spices between the two dishes are very different from each other.

“Adobo/Adovar was used to refer to the preservation of meat through pickling and marinating sauces and rubs”

Mijon Zulu (What Is the Difference Between Mexican and Filipino Adobo? )

The Philippines have similarities with Hispanic culture since we were colonized by Spain for 300 years. However, we are not a Spanish speaking country. Why? I’m not entirely sure.  The reasons could be the expansive stretch of 7000 islands that make up the country or three centuries without technology or manpower (teachers) was not enough for the Spanish language to stick. Still, there are some aspects of Spanish culture that remain in the Philippines to this day.

But that does not include Filipino Adobo.  

The dish was only renamed by our colonizers.  During pre Spanish and Chinese influence, meat was stewed in vinegar to preserve it from tropical heat. Chinese traders introduced the use of soy sauce in Philippine cuisine 2nd century AD.  

Filipino Style Adobo is versatile. One can add more sugar to the recipe for a sweet umami flavor or add more vinegar for lip puckering tartness

What’s good with Filipino Style Sweet Pork Adobo Ribs?

• Steamed or Fried Rice
• Stir Fry Vegetables or Steamed Vegetables
• Mashed Potatoes
• Coleslaw

Ingredients for Filipino Style Sweet Adobo Pork Ribs Recipe

• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/8 cup maple syrup/honey/sugar – adjust according to taste
• 1/4 cup medium diced onions
• 8 large smashed garlic cloves
• 3 medium bay leaves
• 1 rack pork ribs

How to Cook Filipino Style Sweet Adobo Pork Ribs

• Lightly brush a large pan with oil or use cooking spray.  (optional: cover baking pan with foil before greasing)
• Mix vinegar, soy sauce, pepper, and maple syrup in a bowl and stir to combine
• Trim and cut the ribs  into individual pieces and top with smashed garlic cloves, bay leaves and diced onions
• Pour soy sauce and vinegar mixture over the ribs, turn over ribs several times to coat each piece with marinade
• Arrange ribs meat side down, cover baking pan with foil and marinate at least 4 hours or overnight
• Preheat oven to 300 degrees F and bake ribs for 2 hours and 15 minutes or until fork tender
• Prepare a baking sheet – cover with foil and grease with oil
• Remove  baking pan from oven and uncover, transfer ribs to the baking sheet
• Optional: pour liquid off into a pot and reduce marinade/sauce on medium heat
• Brush ribs with marinade/sauce and broil on high for about 7 to 10 minutes basting ribs on each side every 3 to 5 minutes
• Or finish ribs on the grill while basting with marinade/sauce

Not feeling pork love? Here’s an Easy Chicken Adobo Recipe

Print Recipe

Filipino Style Sweet Adobo Pork Ribs

These Filipino Style Sweet Pork Ribs are easy to make and delicious! The vinegar and soy sauce creates a tart and savory flavor to the sauce.  Maple syrup, honey, or sugar can be added according to taste.  Cook for dinner or for parties and potlucks.   

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time6 hrs

Total Time6 hrs 15 mins

Cuisine: Filipino

Servings: 6 to 8 servings

Author: AmusingMaria

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3 medium bay leaves
• 1/8 cup maple syrup/honey/sugar - adjust according to taste
• 1/4 cup medium diced onions
• 8 large smashed garlic cloves
• 1 rack pork ribs

Instructions

• Cover a large baking pan with foil and lightly brush with oil or use cooking spray.  
• Mix vinegar, soy sauce, pepper, and maple syrup in a bowl and stir to combine
• Trim and cut the ribs  into individual pieces and top with smashed garlic cloves, bay leaves, and diced onions
• Pour soy sauce and vinegar mixture over the ribs and turn over ribs several times to coat each piece with marinade
• Arrange ribs meat side down, cover baking pan with foil and marinate at least 4 hours or overnight
• Preheat oven to 300 degrees F and bake ribs for 2 hours and 15 minutes or until fork tender
• Prepare a baking sheet - cover with foil and grease with oil
• Remove  baking pan from oven and uncover, transfer ribs to the baking sheet
• Optional: pour liquid off into a pot and reduce marinade/sauce on medium heat
• Brush ribs with marinade/sauce and broil on high for about 7 to 10 minutes basting ribs on each side every 3 to 5 minutes
• Or finish ribs on the grill while basting with marinade/sauce

Notes

What’s good with Filipino Style Sweet Pork Adobo Ribs?

• Steamed or Fried Rice
• Stir Fry Vegetables or Steamed Vegetables
• Mashed Potatoes
• Coleslaw

Sources

• The History of Adobo (Pepper.ph)
• A History of Soy Sauce in 1 minute (theculturetrip.com)