Kiribati Seafood Adobo
A flavorful and tangy seafood dish featuring a blend of local seafood, simmered in a savory adobo sauce with garlic, vinegar, and soy sauce. This dish highlights the ocean's bounty, a staple in Kiribati cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Mixed seafood(e.g., fish fillets, shrimp, squid, cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch Ginger(grated)
- 4 tbsp White vinegar
- 6 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1.5 cups Water
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Black peppercorns
- 2 Bay leaves
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the seafood: Rinse the mixed seafood under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. If using larger pieces of fish or squid, cut them into bite-sized portions.
💡 Tip: Ensure seafood is fresh for the best flavor. - 2
In a large skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly golden, about 2 minutes.
- 3
Add the grated ginger, white vinegar, soy sauce, water, black peppercorns, and bay leaves to the skillet. Stir to combine and increase the heat to medium. Bring the mixture to a boil.
💡 Tip: Using whole peppercorns adds a subtle heat that infuses into the sauce. - 4
Add the prepared seafood to the boiling adobo sauce. Stir gently to coat the seafood. Bring back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and tender.
💡 Tip: Avoid overcooking the seafood, as it can become tough. - 5
Remove the bay leaves before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
💡 Tip: A splash more vinegar or soy sauce can be added to adjust the tanginess or saltiness.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓This dish can be made with a variety of seafood, including fish, shrimp, squid, and even crab.
- ✓Serve hot with steamed rice, boiled cassava, or roasted sweet potatoes.
- ✓The adobo sauce can be adjusted to personal preference for tanginess and saltiness.
🔄 Variations
- Add sliced onions or bell peppers along with the garlic for extra flavor and texture.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper.