First, let's make the marinade and cut our beef into chunks. You could easily use beef short rib or beef cheeks.
Mix the beef and the marinade together and let it sit in the fridge overnight or for about 8 hours.
The next morning remove the beef from the marinade.
Next, we will pat the beef dry with a kitchen cloth and sear it in a heavy-bottomed cast-iron skillet. Make sure it's dry otherwise it won't colour at all
When the meat is seared you add the marinade straight to the pan and let it come to a boil.
At this point you will think that I am taking you for a ride but, trust me, I'm not. The sauce will come to the boil and look terrible. Don't worry. This is just albumin from the meat juices and it coagulates on the surface. Just strain it through a sieve and put the meat and the strained liquid in an oven-safe dish.
Wrap up with tin foil or close with a lid. Place in the oven at 150C for 3 hours or until the beef is soft and tender.
We are braising this adobo. Until it's rich, soft and succulent. Once you have checked it and you think it's done. Your dish is technically ready.
To thicken the adobo sauce. Pout the sauce into a small pot. Next, mix a bit of cornstarch with water to make a slurry.
Bring the sauce to the boil and add the slurry while whisking. The sauce will thicken up slightly but should not be overly thick or glumpy.
When done, add back the beef and serve with your side of choice.
Notes
Adobo can be made with many other things as I mentioned in this post. My favourite being pork neck or belly.
Remember that all types of meat and vegetables have different cooking times and it's best to test often for doneness.
Don't use lean beef as it will result in dry meat.
If your meat needs longer to become tender turn down the oven a touch and let it cook longer until it's soft. See tips for success section.
To make this beef adobo gluten-free be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce.
Although not a spicy dish, you could easily add some heat by adding some chopped chilli.
It keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks and many months stored in the freezer.