Filipino Pork Adobo

Method

1. 1

   Step 1: Heat the oil in a large heavy-based pot over high heat. Sear half the pork until golden all over, about 4 minutes, then transfer it to a bowl. Repeat with the remaining pork and add it to the bowl.

   
2. 2

   Step 2: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until the onion is softened.

3. 3

   Step 3: Add the water, soy sauces, vinegar, sugar, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Stir, then return the pork to the pot, including any juices collected in the bowl.

4. 4

   Step 4: Bring the liquid to a boil, then partially cover the pot, leaving a 2 cm / 1-inch gap. Reduce the heat to low or medium-low so the liquid simmers very gently. Simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until the pork is fall-apart tender; continue simmering if needed.

   

   Tip: Keep the simmer very gentle.

5. 5

   Step 5: While the pork simmers, heat the oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Spread the pineapple in one layer and cook each side until golden, about 4 minutes per side. Turn the pieces with a spatula and tongs, then transfer them to a plate until needed.

   
6. 6

   Step 6: Remove the pork with a slotted spoon; the onion can stay in the pot or be removed. Increase the heat to high and boil the liquid until it reduces to 1 1/2 cups. The sauce will be a very thin syrup, not thick; this takes about 7 to 10 minutes.

   
7. 7

   Step 7: Reduce the heat to low. Add the pork and pineapple, along with any juices in the bowl. Stir gently to coat everything in the sauce and warm the pork through.

8. 8

   Step 8: Serve over jasmine rice, garnished with green onion if using.