Delicious Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers: A Grilling Sensation
These flavorful Filipino Pork BBQ skewers, bursting with tangy and sweet notes, are the perfect centerpiece for any summer gathering! Marinated to perfection, this recipe is quick to prepare, allowing you to grill just before your guests arrive, ensuring a fresh and delectable experience.
Summer is here, and that means it’s grilling season! If you’re on the hunt for an easy BBQ recipe that can feed a crowd while delivering incredible flavor, look no further than these Filipino Pork BBQ skewers. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this culinary delight!
Growing up, my family loved hosting summer barbecues. I quickly learned that the cook shouldn’t be stuck in the kitchen all day, especially on those beautiful summer days. Everyone deserves to enjoy the company and, of course, the food!
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Easy Filipino BBQ Recipe
This BBQ recipe is my take on the beloved classic Filipino pork BBQ. It’s guaranteed to be a hit, and here’s why:
- Effortless Preparation: Chopping the pork, mincing the garlic, and measuring the marinade ingredients are all it takes. This recipe is incredibly simple to prep, saving you precious time.
- Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: The marinade ingredients are likely already in your kitchen! And if not, I’ve included easy substitutions in the recipe card to ensure you can create this dish without a trip to the store.
- Quick Cooking Time: These pork skewers cook in a flash, requiring only 3 to 5 minutes per side on the grill!
- Feeds a Crowd: This recipe is perfect for gatherings of any size. When served as a main course, it can easily feed 8 to 10 people. As an appetizer, it stretches even further!
Key Ingredients for Authentic Filipino Pork BBQ
The star of this dish is, of course, the pork. Aim for about three pounds of pork shoulder, looking for pieces with a good marbling of fat (but not excessively fatty) to guarantee juicy and flavorful results on the grill.
To create the unforgettable marinade, gather the following:
- Garlic Cloves: I like to use five cloves for a bold garlic flavor, but feel free to adjust this to your preference.
- Soy Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or opt for coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
- Calamansi Juice: This Filipino citrus juice, similar to lime juice, can be found in Asian markets. If unavailable, lime or lemon juice makes an excellent substitute.
- Ketchup: Regular ketchup works great, or you can use banana ketchup, which is commonly found in Asian markets for a more authentic flavor.
- Ginger Ale or 7-Up: Trust me on this one! I’m not a soda drinker myself, but it adds a special touch to this Filipino BBQ. The subtle sweetness and carbonation create a unique flavor profile.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and richness to the marinade. I prefer light brown sugar, but dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper, more caramelized flavor.
- Parsley or Cilantro: This is optional but adds a refreshing touch and visual appeal to the finished dish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Filipino Pork BBQ
Step 1: Cut the pork shoulder into 1-inch to 2-inch cubes. In a large bowl, combine all marinade ingredients (except parsley or cilantro) and whisk thoroughly.
Step 2: Pour the marinade into a resealable container or a large mixing bowl. Add the pork pieces and toss to ensure they are evenly coated in the marinade.
Step 3: Marinating Time: Cover the container or bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of three hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to fully infuse into the pork.
Step 4: Thread the marinated pork onto bamboo skewers or stainless steel metal skewers, using approximately 4 to 5 pieces of pork per skewer.
Step 5: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until the pork is cooked through and has a slight char.
Step 6: While grilling, use the reserved marinade to baste the pork skewers on all sides. This adds extra flavor and keeps the meat moist.
Essential Tips for the Perfect Filipino Pork BBQ
Marinating the meat is the most crucial part of this recipe. To ensure maximum flavor, remember these tips:
- Marinating Time: Marinate the pork for at least three hours, or even better, overnight. The longer the meat marinates, the more intense the flavor will be.
Before grilling, make sure to soak bamboo skewers in water for about 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill, ensuring a safe and enjoyable cooking experience. Also, Always reserve half of the marinade to use to baste the pork while it’s grilling. Never use marinade that has touched raw meat to baste cooked pork, as you risk food contamination.
Serving Suggestions for Your Filipino Pork BBQ
These flavorful BBQ skewers are fantastic served with a variety of classic Filipino side dishes. Consider pairing them with:
- Rice
- Pancit
- Macaroni Salad
- Lumpia
Create a complete Filipino feast that your guests will rave about!
How to Store Leftover Filipino Pork BBQ
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat on the grill or in a pan until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Filipino Pork BBQ
- What is calamansi juice?
- Calamansi juice is a Filipino citrus juice similar to lime juice. If you can’t find it, you can use lime or lemon juice as a substitute.
- Can I use a different meat for this recipe?
- Yes! Chicken works wonderfully as a substitute if you prefer not to use pork.
- Can I add other ingredients to the skewers?
- Absolutely! Add chunks of pineapple, onions, or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes! You can prepare everything the day before and grill just before serving. Alternatively, you can grill the meat the day before and reheat it briefly before serving.
Explore More Delicious Filipino Recipes
Filipino Pork Adobo
Chicken Inasal
Filipino Ube Desserts
- Filipino Pancit Bihon
- Instant Pot Chicken Adobo
- Filipino Macaroni Salad
- How to Make Authentic Lumpia
- Bacon Fried Rice
For even more authentic recipes, check out my e-book: Modern Filipino Cooking, a collection of adapted Filipino recipes for the modern kitchen!
Did you try this recipe? Please leave a 5-Star rating in the recipe card below and share your experience in the comments! Thank you!
Filipino Pork BBQ Recipe
Tangy and sweet, this traditional Filipino pork barbecue dish is a great summer grilling recipe!
Ingredients
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup soy sauce
- ½ cup calamansi juice or lime juice
- 1 cup banana ketchup or regular ketchup
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup ginger ale or 7-Up soda
- 3 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1″ – 2″ chunks
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, soy sauce, calamansi juice (or lime juice), ketchup, brown sugar, and soda. Pour half into a separate bowl, cover, and refrigerate until you are ready to grill.
- Add the cut pork pieces to the large bowl with remaining half of the marinade. Marinate for at least 3 hours or up to overnight.
- Once you are ready to cook the pork, fire up your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill preheats, skewer the pork onto bamboo skewers or stainless steel metal skewers.
- Grill the pork skewers for approximately 3 to 5 minutes on one side, flip over, baste with the marinade that you had set aside, then grill for another 3 to 5 minutes on the other side.
- Let the meat rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with optional chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired.
Video
Video about how to make filipino pork bbq
Notes
Substitutions & additions:
- Calamansi juice is a lime juice often used in Filipino cooking. If you can’t find calamansi juice, you can substitute lime juice or lemon juice.
- This recipe works well with chicken if you don’t have or don’t want to use pork.
- You can add chunks of pineapple, onions, and red or green peppers to the skewers for extra flavor and color.
Cooking Tips:
- Remember to reserve half of the marinade to use to baste the pork while it’s grilling. Never use marinade that has touched raw meat to baste cooked pork, as you risk food contamination.
- Watch the meat carefully when grilling the second side. It can cook quickly!
- I usually grill these skewers on the top grill rack to have better control over even cooking.
Marinating Tips:
- If marinating in a glass bowl or baking dish, be sure to cover the top completely and marinate for at least three hours. The longer you marinate the meat, the more flavorful it will be!
Storage Tips:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 218kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 1974mg | Potassium: 528mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 210IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 2mg
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