Filipino Marinated Eggs (Adobo Eggs)
Filipino marinated eggs may seem like a complicated recipe, but it’s very easy to pull off. Hard-boiled eggs are soaked in a yummy mixture of sauces, vinegar, spices, and chiles. Eat them over rice or pop them in a bowl of soup for extra protein!
Picture this: you open your fridge and notice that you have some eggs that will only go bad if you don’t use them right away. If you’re not in the mood for a giant omelet, well, I have a yummy recipe for you! These Filipino marinated eggs (also called adobo eggs) are just as delicious as they are unique. If you enjoy ramen, you’ve most likely already eaten something similar. If not, get ready to become a major fan.
I have to admit I haven’t experimented much with Filipino recipes in the past. I love other South Asian recipes from Vietnam and Malaysia — these Malaysian braised beef short ribs or this chicken Panang curry are simply delicious. And Malaysian curry powder is tasty on just about every savory dish!
So, today I’m trying something new and venturing into the Philippines with this recipe. Marinated eggs are so good in soup, over a bed of white rice, and even a top salad. They add a yummy kick to so many different meals!
INGREDIENT NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS
- Eggs – You want your eggs to be at room temperature before you get started, so make sure to take them out of the fridge at least an hour in advance.
- Garlic – The earthy and distinct flavor of garlic marries wonderfully with the rest of the flavors in this dish.
- Chiles – I like using jalapeños or Serrano chiles for this recipe. Choose your favorite out of the two — and whatever is easiest to find.
- Red Chili – Again, you can choose your preference here. I personally go for Thai or Fresno chilis.
- Soy Sauce – This is the base of the marinade for this recipe. Its salty and umami flavors can’t be beat.
- White Vinegar – Marinated eggs have an almost pickled texture and taste. That’s thanks to the addition of vinegar in the marinade.
- Honey – I love combining sweet and spicy flavors. The results are a complex flavor profile that tastes a lot more complicated than it actually is to make!
- Bay Leaf – This seasoning boasts a slightly minty and almost pine-like taste.
- Black Pepper – The chiles and red chili paired with the black pepper will give you spicy results.
- Water – You’ll combine this with the other ingredients to create a marinade.
HOW TO MAKE FILIPINO MARINATED EGGS
1. Prep Your Work Space. Grab a large bowl that is big enough to fit the eggs in ice water and set it aside. Mince the garlic and dice the chiles so that they are ready to go in the marinade. Now it’s time to cook the eggs!
2. Boil The Eggs. Add the eggs to a saucepan of boiling water. Lower the heat to medium and cook for 6 minutes, uncovered. Then, remove the eggs from the pan and place them in the bowl of ice water. This will stop the cooking process so that the eggs don’t overcook.
3. Make The Marinade. Mix together the water, soy sauce, vinegar, and honey in a bowl. Add the garlic, chilis, bay leaf, and black pepper and stir so that the honey dissolves.
4. Marinate The Eggs. Peel the eggs — I like to do so in the ice water as I find it easier — and place them in the marinade bowl, being careful to fully submerge them. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Longer is better, and overnight is best!
5. Slice & Serve. Slice the eggs and serve them over your choice of rice, ramen noodles, or salad. You can also eat them on their own as a snack! If you don’t eat them right away, be sure to remove them from the marinade. You should store them in the fridge. They will last for 2-3 days in an airtight container!
What Is Filipino Adobo Sauce Made Of?
Filipino adobo is a sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and black pepper. That’s why this dish is sometimes referred to as adobo eggs. The marinade used for these marinated eggs is made out of practically the same ingredients, and it boasts a very similar flavor.
How Long Should You Boil Eggs?
The rule is usually 4 minutes for a yolky egg, 5 minutes for a medium-cooked yolk, 6 minutes for a slightly hard yolk, and 8 minutes for a firmly cooked yolk. To each their own, but I find that 6 minutes is perfect when making marinated eggs.
What Is the National Dish Of The Philippines?
Adobo is the national dish of the Philippines! Here, I use the flavors as a marinade. It can also be used as a marinade for meat, seafood, and poultry. The word adobo means sauce in Spanish, although the national language in the Philippines is Filipino and English. It’s likely because the Philippines was once a Spanish colony.
Filipino Marinated Eggs (Adobo Eggs)
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set up a bowl large enough to submerge the eggs in ice and water. Set aside. Prep the garlic and chiles, set aside.
- Carefully add the eggs to a saucepan of boiling water over medium heat and cook for 6 minutes uncovered. Remove with slotted spoon to the bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- In another bowl mix together the water, soy sauce, vinegar and honey. Add the garlic, chilis, bay leaf and black pepper, stirring to mix and dissolve honey.
- Peel the eggs (See Note 1) and add to marinade bowl, making sure the eggs are submerged in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours minimum or overnight.
- Slice and serve over steamed rice, ramen noodles or in a salad. Great for snacking. If not eating right away, remove and discard marinade and refrigerate in sealed container for 2-3 days.
Notes
- I crack and peel the eggs in the ice water bowl, I find it is easier.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
