Adobo is loved by people worldwide. Treasured in Filipino cuisine, it’s known for its unique flavor. The dish is made with pork, beef, or chicken meat and is marinated in soy sauce, garlic, or vinegar. The meat is cooked till tender, and adobo is commonly served with rice.
Adobo is a versatile dish with several variations. There’s the Mexican adobo, a wet marinade made of dry chilies, garlic, and vinegar. There’s also the Caribbean adobo with spices like thyme, ginger, and allspice. Adobo can also be cooked with several vegetables. They enhance the flavor of this Filipino delicacy.
Keep reading to learn all about the different vegetables you can add to your next Adobo dish.
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What Veggies Can You Put in Adobo?
There are a ton of veggies that you can put in Adobo. These include the following:
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Squash
- Wilted greens, like water spinach
- Okra
- Mushrooms
- Carrots
- Zucchini
How to Cook Adobo With Vegetables?
As you must know by now, several vegetables are welcome with adobo. However, to get the best flavor, you must use vegetables inspired by the other ingredients in adobo, namely the sweet-and-sour vinegar sauce. Then, add spices like black pepper to enhance the flavor.
Here’s a simple recipe for adobo that uses several vegetables.
Ingredients Needed
Gather the following ingredients.
- 2 small zucchinis cut into halves
- 1 medium cauliflower head
- Water (1/4 cup)
- Rice vinegar (1/4 cup)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Lime juice (1/4 cup)
- Brown sugar (2 teaspoons)
- Reduced sodium medium soy sauce (2 tablespoons)
- Minced garlic (5 cloves)
- Ground black pepper (2 teaspoons)
- 1 red chili (seeded and diced)
Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients, follow these instructions to cook a vegetable adobo.
- Preheat your oven to 420 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place chopped zucchini, carrots, and cauliflower. Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and roast for 15 minutes.
- In a large pan, mix lime juice, sugar, bay leaf, black pepper, chile, garlic, and vinegar.
- Add water and put this mix on medium heat.
- Now, add roasted vegetables and cook for about five minutes. Ensure to cover the pan while roasting.
- Uncover and cook for 15 more minutes. Stir occasionally till the vegetables become tender.
- Season with herbs like scallions or parsley.
Storage Suggestion
You can store the above recipe in the fridge for about a week. Ensure to put it in an airtight container. Adobo easily freezes. So, you can put one serving of the dish in an airtight container for over three months. However, keep in mind that freezing for long affects the taste and quality of the dish.
When it’s time to eat, reheat the frozen meal. Stir till it is hot. We recommend reheating the dish only once. Another option is to defrost adobo overnight in the fridge. Then heat it in a pan till it’s hot.
How Can You Tell if Adobo Has Gone Bad?
If your adobo has gone bad, you’ll notice a few changes. First off is the presence of a thin mold layer on the surface. You’ll also find that the sauce’s vibrant shade has dulled. Adobo that has expired also emits a strange smell. The meat (especially chicken) gives a sour, unpleasant aroma. It is a far cry from the tangy smell of fresh adobo. Besides, you’ll see the meat becomes slimy. This is a sign that it has started spoiling, and you are better off without consuming it.
What Pairs Well With Adobo?
Adobo can be paired with various side dishes. The list given below beautifully enhances the authentic flavor of the Filipino dish. The diversity in these dishes ensures that you have a different dining experience every single time.
- Steamed jasmine rice: Light and fluffy steamed rice easily soak up the adobo sauce. It balances the dish’s rich flavors, enhancing your eating experience.
- Crispy tofu: This vegetarian option is not only delicious but also high protein. To make the tofu crispy, lightly coat it in cornstarch and fry in hot oil.
- Boiled eggs: If you’ve cooked pork adobo, boiled eggs simmered in adobo sauce can be the perfect accompaniment.
- Cucumber and mango salad: A refreshing salad combining cucumbers, red onions, and ripe mangos enhances the flavor of chicken adobo.
- Cornbread: Cornbread has a slightly sweet taste and goes well with the savory adobo sauce.
How to Make Meat-Free Adobo?
Are you a vegan or vegetarian looking for a meat-free variation of adobo? Well, you are at the right place. The classic meat adobo can be turned into a flavorful vegan meal with a mix of cauliflower, salt and pepper, and Thai chilies. The recipe isn’t just for vegetarians. Anyone who loves cauliflower can make it and enjoy the rich, tangy flavor.
Ingredients
- Avocado oil (2 tablespoons)
- One large head of cauliflower
- Salt and pepper (half teaspoon each)
- Rice vinegar (half cup)
- Soy sauce (5 tablespoons)
- Water (1/4 cup)
- Brown sugar (2 teaspoons)
- 3 bay leaves
- 3 seeded and diced Thai chillies
- 3 scallions
Instructions
Follow these recipe instructions carefully to cook a flavorful vegetarian adobo.
- Cut the cauliflower in half and remove the core from both of them.
- Now, cut the halves into 8 pieces each.
- In a large pot, heat avocado on medium-high heat. Now, add your cauliflower pieces to it, followed by a sprinkling of salt and pepper.
- Cook the mixture for about 4 minutes. Do not stir during this time.
- Turn the cauliflower halves over to sear the other side for the same time duration.
- Add garlic slices, rice vinegar, bay leaves, water, brown sugar, soy sauce, and chili pepper pieces.
- Cover the pan and let the mixture simmer for five minutes on medium heat.
- Uncover the pan. Now, cook the mixture for 8 minutes on medium-high heat.
- Ensure that the sauce has fully coated the cauliflower.
- Season with herbs and serve.
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Wrapping Up
You can make adobo with a meat of your choice. For vegetarians, cauliflower adobo works as a great alternative. Trust us: once you cook this tangy and savory delicacy, you’ll come back to it again and again. So, gather the ingredients and get ready to cook this beloved Filipino dish.
