Are you craving a truly authentic taste of the Philippines? Look no further than Adobo sa Asin, a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s both easy and satisfying. Unlike the more common vinegar-based adobo, this version relies on salt to bring out the rich, savory depth of the chicken or pork. This recipe makes a perfect quick dinner idea or a delicious addition to your weekly healthy meals. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this incredibly easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 kg bone-in chicken thighs (or pork belly, for a richer flavor)
- 1/4 cup sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 bay leaves
- 5-6 whole black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (optional)
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Clean the chicken thighs (or pork belly) and pat them dry. This helps them brown nicely later on.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken, sea salt, water, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
Cooking the Adobo:
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 45 minutes for chicken, or 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes for pork, or until the meat is incredibly tender. You'll know it's done when the meat easily falls off the bone.
- Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the remaining liquid simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, or until it has reduced and thickened slightly. This concentrates the flavor.
- Carefully return the chicken (or pork) to the pot, allowing it to coat in the reduced sauce.
Finishing Touches:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Carefully brown the chicken or pork on all sides, adding extra salt and pepper as desired. This adds a lovely crispy texture.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
Tips for the Best Adobo Sa Asin:
- Salt to Taste: The amount of salt can be adjusted depending on your preference and the saltiness of your chicken or pork. Start with less and add more gradually. Taste as you go.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pot: Make sure you have enough space in your pot for the meat to cook evenly. If needed, cook in batches.
- Bone-in vs. Boneless: Bone-in chicken or pork adds more flavor to the adobo. If using boneless, reduce the cooking time accordingly.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this delicious dish with a side of steamed rice, a simple green salad, or your favourite Filipino side dish.
Variations:
- Add Garlic: For an extra layer of flavor, add a few cloves of minced garlic to the pot along with the other ingredients.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a small sliced chili pepper for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Adobo: You can also adapt this recipe to include vegetables like potatoes or carrots. Add them to the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate, based on chicken):
- Calories: Approximately 300-400
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Low (depending on serving size of rice)
This Adobo sa Asin recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple, delicious food. It's a perfect example of how a few basic ingredients can come together to create a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy this easy recipe and share it with your loved ones! This is a recipe you’ll definitely want to make again and again. This easy recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire of healthy meals and delicious dishes, perfect for quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!