Hello again, honey pals! Today, I’m excited to share how I add a touch of honey to one of our most beloved Filipino dishes: adobo. Traditionally, adobo has a tangy, savory flavor from vinegar and soy sauce. But a tiny bit of honey can give it a gentle sweetness that makes the sauce extra tasty!
The Tasty Surprise
Adobo is known for its slightly sour and salty taste—thanks to the vinegar and soy sauce. Some families also add sugar or pineapple juice. I decided to swap out the sugar and try pure honey instead! It adds a different kind of sweetness that blends perfectly with the rich, savory sauce.
How I Do It
- Marinate the Meat
- I mix soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, a bit of black pepper, and one to two tablespoons of honey.
- I coat chicken, pork, or a mix of both in this marinade.
- I let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (longer is better!).
- Simmer and Sauté
- I pour everything into a pan, add a little water if needed, and let it simmer.
- Once the meat is cooked through, I sometimes remove the meat and sauté it separately to give it a nice brown color, then pour the sauce on top again.
- Taste and Adjust
- If it’s too sour, I add a bit more honey.
- If it’s too sweet, I add a splash of vinegar.
- The sauce should be balanced: savory, tangy, and just a hint of sweet.
Why It Works
Adobo often has a bold flavor from the vinegar and soy sauce. A small drizzle of honey:
- Brings a mild sweetness that balances the sourness.
- Helps the sauce caramelize slightly, making the meat tender and flavorful.
Plus, it looks glossy and mouthwatering when I serve it with a bowl of steaming rice!
My Family’s Reaction
When I made honey-infused adobo for my family, they noticed a slight sweetness in each bite. They asked, “Did you do something new?” When I told them it was honey, everyone thought it gave the adobo a nice twist—still savory and tangy, but with a tasty hint of sweet.
A Friendly Reminder
- Don’t Overdo It: Too much honey can overpower the classic adobo taste. Start with a small spoonful and add more only if you need it.
- Balance Is Key: Adobo is all about finding the perfect mix of sweet, sour, and salty. Taste your sauce as you go!
That’s it for Day 18! I hope you’ll give this honey-adobo twist a try next time you’re cooking. Thank you for reading, and see you tomorrow for more honey adventures!
P.S. Have you tried adding honey or another sweetener to your adobo? Let me know how it turned out!
Leave a Reply