What Is Adobo? 5 Things to Know About This Bold Marinade
By Lisa Bot | Published 21 March 2025
What Is Adobo?
The word “adobo” comes from the Spanish word adobar, which means “to marinate.”
Spanish colonisers introduced the term to different regions, but the way adobo is made and used varies. In some countries, adobo refers to a sauce, while in others, it is a dry seasoning mix.
Today, adobo is mostly associated with Mexican, Filipino, and Puerto Rican cuisines.
Each version has its own unique ingredients and way of being prepared, making it a versatile and flavourful part of cooking.
Different Types of Adobo Around the World
While adobo is used in many countries, the most well-known versions come from Mexico, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico.
Mexican Adobo
Mexican adobo is a thick, spicy marinade made from dried chillies, vinegar, garlic, and spices. It’s often used to marinate pork, chicken, or beef before grilling or slow cooking.
Some dishes, like adobada, feature meat cooked in this bold, smoky sauce. Another popular version is chipotles en adobo, which are smoked jalapeños preserved in a rich tomato and chilli sauce.
Filipino Adobo
Filipino adobo is a slow-braised dish made with meat, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and black pepper.
Unlike Mexican adobo, it isn’t a marinade but a cooking style that results in a savoury, tangy, and slightly sweet dish.
The most common types are chicken adobo and pork adobo, often served with rice. Some regional variations include coconut milk for a creamier version or turmeric for a yellow-hued dish.
Puerto Rican Adobo
In Puerto Rico, adobo is used as a dry seasoning mix or a wet marinade.
The dry version, called adobo seco, is a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and other spices. It’s used to season meats before grilling or frying.
The wet version, adobo mojado, includes vinegar or citrus juice and is used to marinate meats before cooking.
Spanish and Latin American Adobo
In Spain, adobo is a marinade made with paprika, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. It was originally used to preserve meat before refrigeration.
In Latin American countries like Peru, adobo is a slow-cooked dish often made with pork and a spiced vinegar-based sauce.
How Adobo Is Used in Cooking
Adobo is used in different ways depending on the cuisine. Here’s how it’s typically used:
- As a marinade – Mexican and Puerto Rican adobo are often used to marinate meats before grilling, roasting, or slow cooking. The acidity from the vinegar or citrus juice helps tenderise the meat while the spices add depth of flavour.
- As a cooking method – Filipino adobo is a braised dish where the meat is simmered in a vinegar and soy sauce mixture until tender.
- As a seasoning blend – Dry adobo seasoning, commonly used in Puerto Rican and Latin American cooking, is sprinkled over meats, seafood, or vegetables for extra flavour.
Mexican Adobo as a Pork Marinade
Mexican adobo is one of the best marinades for pork. The combination of dried chillies, vinegar, and spices enhances the meat’s natural flavour and creates a deep, smoky taste.
A good example is adobada, a dish where pork is marinated in adobo sauce before being slow-cooked or grilled.
Esteban in Sydney has a taco al pastor dish where the pork is marinated in adobo.
Common ingredients in a Mexican adobo marinade include:
- Dried chillies (ancho, guajillo, or chipotle)
- Vinegar or citrus juice
- Garlic and onion
- Cumin, oregano, and black pepper
- Paprika or achiote for colour
This marinade is perfect for grilled pork, tacos, or slow-cooked stews.
How to Make Adobo at Home
Making adobo at home is simple, whether you’re making a Mexican marinade, Filipino stew, or Puerto Rican spice blend. Here’s a basic guide to each type:
Mexican Adobo Marinade Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 dried guajillo chillies
- 3 dried ancho chillies
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Steps:
- Toast the dried chillies in a pan for a few seconds to release their aroma.
- Soak them in hot water for 10 minutes until soft.
- Blend the chillies with the other ingredients until smooth.
- Use the marinade on pork, chicken, or beef and let it sit for at least 2 hours before cooking.
Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 kg chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
Steps:
- Combine all ingredients in a pot and marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes until the chicken is tender.
- Serve with steamed rice.
Puerto Rican Dry Adobo Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp turmeric (optional)
Steps:
- Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container.
- Use as a seasoning for meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is adobo always spicy?
Not always. Mexican adobo is usually spicy because it contains dried chillies, but Filipino and Puerto Rican adobo are not typically spicy.
Can adobo be used in vegetarian dishes?
Yes. Adobo seasoning can be used on roasted vegetables, tofu, or beans. Filipino adobo can also be made with mushrooms or eggplant.
What’s the difference between adobo seasoning and adobo sauce?
Adobo seasoning is a dry spice blend, while adobo sauce is a wet marinade or braising liquid.
Final Thoughts
Adobo is a versatile and flavourful part of many cuisines. Whether it’s a smoky Mexican marinade, a tangy Filipino braise, or a savoury Puerto Rican spice blend, adobo adds bold taste to any dish.
If you’re curious to try it, check out the restaurant review where adobo was used in a pork marinade, or try making your own version at home.
If you liked this blog post about adobo, you might also like to read these articles:
- Types Of Tacos: What Are The Different Types Of Tacos In Mexico? How To Identify The Best Taco For You
- What Is A Tostada? Ingredients And Recipe Tips
- What Is Chipotle? Get To Know Chipotle Peppers
- What's In Taco Seasoning? Homemade Recipe For The Best Tasting Taco Seasoning Ever
- What Is Horchata? Mexican Drink Origins and Recipe
