Authentic Filipino Pork Adobo

Ingredients

• Cooking oil (2 tablespoons)
• Pork shoulder (2 pounds, cut into cubes)
• Soy sauce (1/2 cup)
• Vinegar (1/2 cup)
• Garlic (6 cloves, minced)
• Bay leaves (2)
• Peppercorns (1 teaspoon)
• Brown sugar (1 tablespoon)
• Water (1 cup)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add the pork cubes to the marinade. Make sure all pieces are well-coated. Cover the bowl and marinate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Heat the cooking oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat.
4. Remove the pork from the marinade, but do not discard the marinade.
5. Add the pork to the hot oil and brown on all sides. This will seal in the flavors and give the meat a nice color.
6. Pour in the reserved marinade and add the water. Stir to combine.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened.
8. Check occasionally and stir to prevent the pork and sauce from burning.
9. Once the pork is tender, remove from heat. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal.