Can I use pork butt instead of pork shoulder?

Yes, you can use either pork cuts: pork shoulder or pork butt. Sometimes pork belly is used to make adobo, but I find that it's too fatty.

What type of vinegar should I use?

Authentic pork adobo calls for cane vinegar. For this quick and easy Instant Pot version, I use apple cider vinegar. You can also use white vinegar.

Can I marinate the meat overnight?

You can, but it's not necessary.

Can I saute and brown the pork?

If you have time, sure! Brown the pork using the Instant Pot saute setting. If necessary, you can drain off excess oil that accumulates in the pot before adding the rest of the ingredients and proceeding with the recipe.

Do I really have to saute the green onion and garlic?

If you're in a hurry, skip this step and just throw all the ingredients in at once. I promise, it will still be delicious!

Can I use a quick manual release instead of a natural release?

I find that the meat is more tender when a natural release is used.

Instant Pot Pork Adobo

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5 from 2 reviews

Instant Pot pork adobo is cooked in a salty, sweet & tangy sauce until the meat is fall-apart tender. This recipe is the easiest possible way to make pork adobo. Just combine the ingredients in your pressure cooker and dinner cooks itself!

Consider serving this meal with white rice on the side, to soaks up the sauce.

Tip: Ask a butcher to cut the pork into 2-inch pieces before you bring it home, or buy pork stew meat

Total Instant Pot Cooking Time: 10 minutes to reach pressure + 30 minutes cooking time + 15 minute natural release

Author: Jenny Meier | Kitchen Skip blog
Prep Time: 25
Cook Time: 60
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Category: Instant Pot
Method: Instant Pot
Cuisine: Filipino

Ingredients

Units Scale

3 pounds boneless pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into 2-inch chunks
1 tablespoon sunflower oil or canola oil
1 small bunch scallions (6 to 8 scallions)
6 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed (press down on the clove with your palm to smash it)
1/2 cup REDUCED SODIUM soy sauce
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper or 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1 bay leaf

Optional, to thicken the sauce

2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cool water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Add oil to the Instant Pot and press the Saute button to heat the oil.
Press the saute mode button and saute the green onion and cloves of garlic, just a few minutes until lightly browned.
Add soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, pepper and bay leaf. Mix well.
Add the pork. Mix well to coat the pork.
Secure the lid. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
Let the pressure release naturally when the cooking time is complete (this will take about 15 minutes)
Remove the pieces of pork with tongs or a slotted spoon and set aside. Skim the fat off the surface of the sauce (see notes below)
Serve the adobo pork either in whole chunks or shredded. The sauce can be served over the pork or on the side.
Serve adobo pork over rice or other types of grains (like barley) to soak up the sauce.

Optional - Thicken the Sauce

I don't personally like thickened sauce, but if you prefer a thicker sauce it's easy to do.

Press the Saute button to bring the sauce to a simmer.
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cool water until smooth.
Slowly pour the cornstarch and water slurry into the sauce, whisking constantly. Simmer about 1 minute more, while whisking frequently until the sauce has thickened.

Notes

To skim the fat/oil off the sauce, you have 3 options.
#1 Use a ladle to skim off the fat. This can be hard to do without also removing some of the sauce
#2 Use a fat separator. This is the fastest and most efficient method.
# 3 Refrigerate the sauce overnight before serving. The fat will harden on top and is easier to remove.

This recipe was tested in a 6-quart Instant Pot

Pork adobo keeps well for up to 5 days in airtight containers in the refrigerator

Find it online: https://www.kitchenskip.com/instant-pot-pork-adobo/