Adobo Fried Rice brings the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and earthy flavors from the Filipino adobo marinade. The crispy pork belly adds an irresistible crunch to the dish, while the rice soaks up all the rich seasonings for a mouthwatering combination.
This dish is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal. The simplicity of the ingredients lets each flavor shine through, while the addition of eggs and peas adds texture and color. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, Adobo Fried Rice is a satisfying and delicious choice.
Full Recipe:
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2 cups cooked rice (preferably a day old)
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1/2 lb pork belly, diced
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon vinegar
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 onion, chopped
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1 bay leaf
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1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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1/2 cup frozen peas
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2 eggs, beaten
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Salt to taste
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2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaf, and black peppercorns. Set aside.
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the pork belly and cook for 5-7 minutes, until crispy and browned.
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Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
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Pour in the soy sauce mixture and bring to a simmer for 2 minutes.
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Add the day-old rice and stir to combine. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors.
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Push the rice to one side of the pan and pour in the beaten eggs on the other side. Stir until scrambled and combined with the rice.
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Add the frozen peas and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
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Season with salt to taste and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Adobo Fried Rice: A Filipino Comfort Food
Adobo Fried Rice is a delightful and flavorful twist on the classic Filipino Adobo. Adobo, considered the national dish of the Philippines, is a savory, tangy, and umami-packed dish typically made with pork, chicken, or beef marinated in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves. When transformed into fried rice, this dish takes on an entirely new texture and depth of flavor that will make anyone who tries it come back for more.
History and Background of Adobo Fried Rice
The roots of Adobo Fried Rice lie deep within Filipino culture. Adobo, derived from the Spanish word “adobar,” meaning “to marinate,” has been a part of Filipino cuisine for centuries. This dish evolved as a method of preservation during the time when refrigeration was not yet available. The acid in the vinegar and the salt in the soy sauce helped preserve the meat, while the rich flavors were enhanced through slow cooking.
As Filipino cuisine evolved, home cooks and chefs began to experiment with different ways of incorporating this classic marinade into everyday meals. One such creation is Adobo Fried Rice, a fusion of the hearty, savory flavors of Adobo and the satisfying texture of stir-fried rice. The use of leftover Adobo or pork belly along with rice makes this dish a budget-friendly, practical, and incredibly delicious meal.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Adobo Fried Rice
Cooking Adobo Fried Rice is relatively simple, but a few key tips can help elevate the dish to the next level. First, it’s important to use day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft and sticky for frying, but day-old rice has the right texture to absorb all the flavors of the dish and develop a slightly crispy exterior when stir-fried.
When cooking the pork or chicken for the dish, ensure that it’s cooked until crispy and browned. This adds a delightful crunch to each bite, which complements the soft rice and gives the dish its signature texture. For added flavor, consider marinating the meat overnight in the Adobo mixture to enhance the richness of the marinade.
Another key component to perfecting Adobo Fried Rice is the seasoning. While the soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic provide the base of the flavor, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Some might prefer a slightly sweeter Adobo Fried Rice, while others may want it to be more tangy or savory. Adding a pinch of sugar or extra soy sauce can be an excellent way to tweak the flavor to your liking.
Healthier Alternatives
Though Adobo Fried Rice is a rich and satisfying dish, it’s possible to make healthier versions without compromising on flavor. For a lighter option, you could swap out the pork belly for leaner meats such as chicken breast or even tofu for a vegetarian alternative. If you want to cut back on calories, consider using brown rice or cauliflower rice as a substitute for white rice. These alternatives add fiber and nutrients, making the dish even more filling and nutritious.
Using less oil when frying the rice can also reduce the overall fat content. If you’re using a non-stick pan or wok, you can achieve crispy fried rice with just a tablespoon or two of oil, reducing the amount of fat added to the dish.
Creative Variations of Adobo Fried Rice
One of the best things about Adobo Fried Rice is its versatility. While the traditional version calls for pork belly, you can easily swap out the meat for chicken, beef, or even seafood. Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this dish, providing a tender and juicy texture that complements the crispy rice. For seafood lovers, shrimp or even fish can be substituted for the pork, adding a lighter and more delicate flavor to the fried rice.
Another fun variation is to add vegetables to the dish. While Adobo Fried Rice is typically meat-heavy, you can easily incorporate vegetables such as peas, carrots, bell peppers, or corn to add more color and nutritional value. You can even experiment with greens like spinach or kale for an extra boost of vitamins.
If you’re looking to get creative, adding a fried egg on top of the rice is a popular and delicious way to enjoy Adobo Fried Rice. The richness of the yolk will blend beautifully with the savory flavors of the rice, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and comforting.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Adobo Fried Rice is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with other Filipino dishes for a more rounded meal. Consider serving it with a side of lumpia (Filipino spring rolls) for a crispy appetizer or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance out the richness of the fried rice.
For a more authentic Filipino experience, you can pair the dish with a side of atchara, a sweet and tangy pickled papaya relish that provides a refreshing contrast to the salty and savory flavors of the fried rice.
Conclusion
Adobo Fried Rice is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of traditional Filipino adobo in a new and exciting format. With its savory, crispy texture and rich umami flavor, it’s no wonder that this dish has become a favorite in Filipino households and beyond. The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile, allowing for endless variations to suit any taste preference or dietary need.
Whether you’re making it with leftover Adobo or preparing a fresh batch of pork belly, Adobo Fried Rice is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Its simplicity, combined with its bold flavors, makes it a staple in many kitchens. Give this dish a try, and you may just discover your new favorite fried rice recipe.
Let this Filipino classic bring a taste of the Philippines to your table, one flavorful bite at a time.