25 minutes
An adobo marinade with the warm flavors of ancho chile powder, perfect for elevating your favorite dishes.
Vegetable Oil, heated
tablespoons
Garlic Clove, finely chopped or crushed
each
Ground Ancho Chile Powder
cups
tablespoons
teaspoons
teaspoons
teaspoons
cups
1. Sauté Garlic
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the finely chopped garlic cloves. Stir the garlic for about a minute, ensuring it becomes fragrant but does not brown.
2. Combine Ingredients
Whisk in the ground ancho chile powder, apple cider vinegar, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and water. Stir until the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Allow this mixture to come to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about ten minutes.
3. Cool and Store
Once the mixture has simmered, let it cool to room temperature. Transfer the cooled marinade into a jar with a lid and refrigerate it. It can be stored this way for up to a month.
The key to a well-rounded marinade is balancing acidity and saltiness. Use a good-quality Filipino cane vinegar or apple cider vinegar for authentic flavor. The soy sauce should be naturally brewed for depth of flavor. Start with a 1:1 ratio and adjust according to your taste preference.
After marinating, traditionally, the meat is first seared to lock in juices and develop flavors through the Maillard reaction before letting it simmer gently in the marinade. This step is crucial for depth of flavor.
Allow your protein to marinate at least overnight for maximum flavor absorption. For chicken or pork, a 24-hour marination in the refrigerator is ideal. Remember to occasionally turn the meat to ensure even exposure to the marinade.
Aromatics like garlic, bay leaves, and whole peppercorns are essential in adobo. Make sure to crush the garlic slightly to release its oils, and always use whole bay leaves and peppercorns for a more nuanced flavor.
Opt for fresh ingredients wherever possible. Freshly ground black pepper and newly peeled garlic cloves can make a noticeable difference compared to pre-ground or jarred options.
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