Duck adobo –Duck Leg Adobo is a captivating dish that brings a taste of the Philippines right to your kitchen. This hearty meal features tender duck legs marinated in rich flavors, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or a special occasion. Below, you’ll find the ingredients and instructions to prepare this delightful recipe.
Duck Leg Adobo
This recipe showcases the savory and tangy essence of traditional adobo, offering a perfect balance of flavors that will leave a lasting impression on your palate.

Ingredients
- 4 duck legs
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the duck legs under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This will help to ensure they crisp up beautifully when cooked.
- In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, water, sliced onion, crushed garlic, bay leaves, black peppercorns, and sugar if using. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Add the duck legs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Remove the duck legs from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use.
- Carefully place the duck legs in the hot skillet, skin side down, and sear until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Flip the legs and sear the other side for an additional 5 minutes.
- Once both sides are golden brown, pour the reserved marinade over the duck legs. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low.
- Let the duck legs cook in the sauce for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, turning them occasionally, until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
- Once cooked, remove the duck legs from the pot and set them aside. Increase the heat to medium-high and allow the sauce to reduce for 10-15 minutes or until it thickens slightly.
- To serve, place the duck legs on a plate, drizzle with the thickened sauce, and accompany with rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Enjoy the rich and flavorful experience of Duck Leg Adobo with your loved ones, and relish the beautiful aromas wafting through your kitchen.