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Delicious Beef Adobo with Sprite Recipe

Recipe for Beef Adobo with Sprite

Recipe for Beef Adobo with Sprite (Adobong Baka): A Modern Twist on a Filipino Classic

Introduction to Filipino Adobo
Adobo stands as the Philippines' quintessential culinary masterpiece, a dish so revered it's often called the country's unofficial national dish. While pork and chicken adobo dominate Filipino tables, beef adobo with Sprite - known as "Adobong Baka with sprite" - offers an intriguing modern variation that's gaining popularity among food enthusiasts. This contemporary take maintains adobo's characteristic savory-sour profile while introducing a subtle sweetness and depth from the surprising addition flavor and taste.

The Science Behind Sprite in Adobo
The inclusion of Sprite isn't just a whimsical choice - it's a culinary innovation that serves multiple purposes:

  1. Tenderizing Agent: The carbonation and mild acidity in Sprite help break down tough beef fibers
  2. Flavor Enhancer: The citrus notes (from lemon and lime flavoring) complement the traditional adobo flavors
  3. Caramelization Aid: The sugar content promotes better browning and sauce thickening

Cultural Context and Popularity
While traditionalists might raise eyebrows at this modern interpretation, the use of soda in Filipino cooking isn't unprecedented. The practice mirrors:

  • Filipino spaghetti's use of banana ketchup
  • Humba's incorporation of soda
  • Barbecue marinades that include 7-Up or Sprite

Why This Variation Stands Out

  1. Texture: Results in exceptionally tender beef that falls apart
  2. Flavor Balance: Achieves a perfect sweet-savory-tangy equilibrium
  3. Visual Appeal: Creates a beautiful glossy glaze on the meat
  4. Versatility: Works equally well with other meats like pork or chicken

Serving Suggestions
This dish shines when:

  • Paired with garlic fried rice
  • Served alongside atchara (pickled papaya)
  • Topped with crispy fried garlic bits
  • Accompanied by a cold glass of calamansi juice

The Evolution of Filipino Cuisine
This recipe exemplifies how Filipino cooking continues to evolve while maintaining its soul. It represents:

  • The Filipino talent for improvisation
  • The balance between tradition and innovation
  • The global influences shaping modern Filipino food

Final Thoughts
While purists may prefer their adobo unadulterated, this Sprite-infused version offers a delightful contemporary take that's worth trying. It maintains the dish's comforting essence while adding new dimensions of flavor and texture. Whether you're new to Filipino cuisine or a longtime adobo lover, this variation provides an exciting way to experience a beloved classic with a modern twist that might just become your new favorite.

Recipe for Beef Adobo with Sprite Adobong Baka

If you're seeking more beef dishes, check out our recipe collection. Happy cooking! Share and enjoy the food.

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Cooking Method ,
Cuisine ,
Courses , ,
Difficulty Intermediate
Time
Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 1 hr Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
Servings 6
Calories 428
Best Season Suitable throughout the year
Description

This recipe for beef adobo with sprite, known in Filipino as "adobong baka," is savory and works great with a lot of rice.

Ingredients
  • 1 kg Beef (cut into cubes)
  • 4 clove Garlic (minced)
  • 1 Onion (chopped)
  • 1 Tomato (sliced)
  • 2 Potato (cubes)
  • 4 tbsp Soy sauce
  • 4 tbsp cane Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Oyster sauce
  • 2 dried Bay leaf
  • 3/4 cup Water (add more as needed)
  • 1 can Sprite (250 ml)
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper (crushed)
  • 2 tbsp Cooking oil
  • Sugar to taste (optional)
  • extra Water (for boiling)
Instructions
    Preparation:

  1. Peel, mince, dice, and slice the spices. Cut into cubes the potato for the dish. Set aside.

  2. Cut the beef meat into bite-sized or desired-size pieces. Drain the water after thoroughly washing the meat.

    3. Cooking:

  3. Pour a sufficient amount of water into a pot and bring it to a boil. When it reaches the boiling point, add the beef meat. Cook the meat for 5 minutes, covered, in the pot.

  4. Remove the meat from the pot and discard the liquid.

  5. In a wok or pan, heat cooking oil over medium-high heat. Pan-fry the potato cubes until the color changes and the edges begin to appear light brown. Take it out and set it aside.

  6. In the same pan or wok, add the garlic and saute for a few seconds. Add the onion and saute until fragrant. And add the tomato slices; saute until soft.

  7. Add the boiled beef meat and stir-fry for a few minutes. Season with soy sauce and oyster sauce then stir.

  8. Then add the vinegar and cook, covered, for 5 minutes without stirring.

  9. Add salt, ground pepper, sugar, and dry bay leaves. Stir and cover.

  10. Simmer it for 20 minutes, open the lid, stir, and pour in the sprite.

  11. Cover again and continue simmering for another 20 minutes or until the meat is fork-tender.

    Note: The quality of the meat used matters to make the meat tender faster. Add more water as needed.

  12. Add the pan-fried potatoes. Continue cooking for 5 minutes. Stir and check the amount of sauce you want in your beef adobo. A thick and caramelized sauce is best for this recipe.

  13. Taste and adjust it as necessary before serving. Add more salt, sugar, and pepper as desired.

  14. Serve it warm with steaming rice. Happy cooking! Share and enjoy the food.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 428kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15g24%
Saturated Fat 4.6g23%
Cholesterol 149mg50%
Sodium 336mg15%
Potassium 988mg29%
Total Carbohydrate 17.8g6%
Dietary Fiber 1.9g8%
Sugars 6.2g
Protein 52.2g105%
Calcium 2 mg
Iron 178 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Read it online: https://yummyfood.ph/recipe/beef-adobo-with-sprite/