Seafood

Adobong Pusit

Cooking 25 mins Prep 25 mins Serves 4
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Adobong Pusit

Adobong Pusit: Squid Adobo in Its Own Ink

Adobong pusit is squid cooked in vinegar, garlic and its own ink, giving a black, tangy sauce. It is quick, and the squid stays tender if you do not overcook it.

About Adobong Pusit

Adobong pusit is squid cooked in vinegar, garlic and its own ink, giving a black, tangy and savory sauce. It is a classic Filipino seafood dish, and the key to tender squid is to cook it either very briefly or for a long time, never in between.

The ink gives the sauce its color and a deep, slightly briny flavor. Vinegar cuts the richness, and tomatoes add sweetness. When the squid is cooked just until opaque, it stays tender and juicy.

Ingredient notes

  • Squid with ink sacs: the ink is the flavor and color.
  • Cane vinegar: the sour base.
  • Garlic, onion and tomato: the aromatics.

Tips for the best Adobong Pusit

  1. Do not overcook the squid. Cook briefly or simmer longer.
  2. Keep the ink sacs intact. Use them in the sauce.
  3. Boil the vinegar first. Let it cook off.
  4. Do not stir right after adding vinegar.

What to serve with Adobong Pusit

Serve with steamed rice.

Variations and substitutions

  • Chicken adobo: see Chicken Adobo.
  • With coconut milk: add gata.
  • With shrimp: add shrimp.

Storing and reheating

Best fresh; refrigerate for 2 days.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my squid rubbery?

It was cooked too long but not long enough to tenderize.

Where do I get squid ink?

From the ink sacs of whole squid.

Can I skip the ink?

Yes, but the dish will not be black.

More Filipino recipes you might like

Sarsiyadong Isda, Inihaw na Tilapia and Calamares.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • Squid with ink saccleaned, ink sacs reserved500 g
  • Cane vinegar60 ml
  • Garlicminced5 cloves
  • Onionchopped1
  • Tomatochopped1
  • Soy sauce1 tbsp
  • Black pepper½ tsp
  • Cooking oil1½ tbsp

Optional ingredients

  • Long green chili (siling haba)1

Instructions

  1. 1

    Sauté the garlic, onion and tomato in the oil until soft.

    medium heat ~5 mins
  2. 2

    Add the squid and cook quickly, stirring, until it turns opaque.

    medium heat ~3 mins
  3. 3

    Pour in the vinegar and soy sauce and let it boil without stirring for 2 minutes. Add the ink and pepper.

    medium heat ~4 mins
  4. 4

    Simmer gently until the sauce thickens and the squid is tender. Season and serve with rice.

    low heat ~10 mins

Notes

  1. 1. Tender squid

    Cook briefly, or simmer for 30 minutes or more; in between the squid turns rubbery.

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Photo: Adobong pusit (squid adobo) - Philippines.jpg by Obsidian Soul via Wikimedia Commons, CC0.