Sugar-Free Pork Adobo

Experience the bold, savory flavors of the Philippines with this Sugar-Free Pork Adobo recipe—a healthier twist on a traditional favorite. This easy-to-make dish features tender pork shoulder simmered in a rich sauce of soy sauce, coconut vinegar, garlic, and aromatic bay leaves, with no added sugars. Whole black peppercorns add a subtle heat, while optional chili flakes let you customize the spice level to taste. The dish is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the pork to absorb every bit of tangy, garlicky goodness. Perfect for pairing with steaming white rice or cauliflower rice for those seeking a low-carb meal, this sugar-free pork adobo is a wholesome, family-friendly dinner that doesn’t compromise on authentic flavor. With just 15 minutes of prep, it’s a must-try for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:75 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 750 grams Pork shoulder
• 120 ml Soy sauce
• 60 ml Coconut vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 6 pieces Garlic cloves
• 3 pieces Bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon Whole black peppercorns
• 240 ml Water
• 2 tablespoons Cooking oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Directions

Step 1

Cut the pork shoulder into 2-inch cubes. Trim excess fat if desired, but leaving some fat will enhance the dish's flavor.

Step 2

In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Add the pork pieces and sear them until browned on all sides. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 4

Remove the browned pork and set aside. In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and sauté the garlic cloves until golden brown, about 2 minutes.

Step 5

Return the pork to the pot. Add the soy sauce, vinegar, bay leaves, and whole black peppercorns.

Step 6

Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

Step 7

Simmer gently for about 60 minutes or until the pork is tender. Stir occasionally and check to ensure there's enough liquid to prevent burning. Add more water if necessary.

Step 8

Once the pork is tender, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high to reduce the sauce slightly for 5-10 minutes until it thickens.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. If you desire a hint of heat, add chili flakes at this stage.

Step 10

Serve the sugar-free pork adobo hot over steaming white rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1244.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1961.6

Total Fat 117.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 35.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 661.8mg	0%
Sodium 7575.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 19.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.7g	0%
Total Sugars 0.7g
Protein 190.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 303.1mg	0%
Iron 10.0mg	0%
Potassium 3291.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.7%

Protein: 40.2%

Carbs: 4.1%