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**For the Pork Adobo:**
– 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup vinegar (preferably white or cane vinegar)
– 1 cup water
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
– 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
**For the White Rice:**
– 2 cups white rice
– 4 cups water
– 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
1. **Marinate the Pork:**
– In a large bowl, combine the pork cubes, soy sauce, minced garlic, and black peppercorns. Mix well.
– Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
2. **Sear the Pork:**
– Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
– Add the marinated pork (reserve the marinade) and sear the pieces until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
– Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
3. **Cook the Aromatics:**
– In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. **Simmer the Adobo:**
– Return the pork to the pot along with the reserved marinade.
– Add the vinegar, water, bay leaves, and sugar (if using).
– Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
– Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened.
– Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
**Preparing the White Rice:**
1. **Rinse the Rice:**
– Place the rice in a bowl and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch.
2. **Cook the Rice:**
– In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt (if using).
– Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
– Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the water is absorbed.
– Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to steam.
3. **Fluff the Rice:**
– Use a fork to fluff the rice before serving.
**Serving:**
– Serve the pork adobo hot with a generous portion of white rice on the side. Enjoy your delicious and flavorful meal!