Adobo Ribs Recipe

Adobo Ribs bring the bold, tangy, and savory flavors of classic Filipino adobo to tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs. This dish balances soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices in a way that highlights the natural richness of ribs, creating a comforting yet exciting recipe to share.

Unlike standard BBQ ribs, these are simmered until tender and then finished to develop a deep glaze. The result is a plate of ribs that is equal parts aromatic, tangy, and utterly satisfying.

Quick Recipe Details

1. Prep Time: 15 minutes

2. Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

3. Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

4. Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork ribs, cut into sections

• 1/2 cup soy sauce

• 1/2 cup cane vinegar (or white vinegar)

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 6 cloves garlic, crushed

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tsp whole peppercorns

• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for balance)

• 1 1/2 cups water

• 2 tbsp cooking oil

• Salt to taste

• Steamed rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.

2. Add pork ribs and sear until lightly browned on all sides.

3. Pour in soy sauce and vinegar. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes without stirring to preserve the sharpness of the vinegar.

4. Add bay leaves, peppercorns, sugar (if using), and water. Stir gently.

5. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for about 60–70 minutes, or until ribs are tender and sauce has reduced to a glossy consistency. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with steamed rice and spoon extra sauce over the ribs.

Variations and Alterations

Adobo recipes are known for flexibility. Here are some versions you can explore:

• Swap pork ribs with beef short ribs for a richer flavor.

• Use apple cider vinegar instead of cane vinegar for a fruitier note.

• Add coconut milk in the final 10 minutes of cooking for a creamy “adobo sa gata” style.

• Spice lovers can throw in a couple of chopped chilies for heat.

• To mimic grilled BBQ ribs, finish the cooked ribs under a broiler or on a hot grill to caramelize the sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

Adobo ribs are more than just another way to cook pork. The method highlights both texture and flavor:

• Balanced flavors: Soy, vinegar, and garlic strike harmony between salty, tangy, and savory.

• Tenderization: Long simmering makes ribs fall-apart soft.

• Adaptability: The base recipe welcomes countless variations without losing its Filipino identity.

A Tangy Twist on Classic Ribs

Adobo ribs prove that you don’t need a smoker or barbecue pit to enjoy ribs bursting with flavor. This recipe delivers depth, tenderness, and a rich sauce that pairs beautifully with plain rice.

Try it once, and it just might become your new comfort food favorite.

» More Mexican Recipes to Try:

If these enchiladas potosinas became a new favorite at home, keep the flavor fiesta going with more recipes from Avocados Cocina Mexicana:

• Sloppy Burrito Recipe

• Artichoke Tacos

• Black Bean and Shrimp Tacos

• Octopus Taco Recipe

• Easy Jalapeño Poppers (Deep-Fried)

Click through and bookmark your favorites so you’ve always got a new Mexican recipe ready to cook next.