These Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers are packed with flavor and sweetness, making them a huge hit at any gathering! Marinated in a tasty mix of soy sauce, garlic, and pineapple juice, they’re so easy to love!
I always get excited when I grill these skewers—they’re super fun to make! Perfect served with rice or just by themselves. You might want to keep some extra napkins handy. 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder or Butt: These cuts are tender and have enough fat to keep the skewers juicy while grilling. If you’re looking for something leaner, you can use pork tenderloin, but it might dry out more easily. Just be careful not to overcook it!
Banana Ketchup: This is a key ingredient for that sweet flavor. If you can’t find it, sweet tomato ketchup is a fine substitute, though the taste will differ. You could also make a quick mix of tomato ketchup with a splash of soy sauce to get a similar vibe.
Pineapple Juice: It adds sweetness and tenderizes the meat. If you’re avoiding pineapple, try using apple juice for a sweeter flavor, or even apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick. Both work well in marinades!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Just remember that 1 clove of fresh garlic is about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder. Adjust according to your taste!
How Do You Get the Perfect Grill Marks?
Grilling the skewers to achieve those beautiful grill marks is all about patience and technique. Here’s how to get it right:
- Preheat your grill; a hotter grill leads to better searing!
- Place the skewers on the grill and let them cook without moving them for 3-4 minutes. This gives them time to develop that lovely sear.
- Turn them 90 degrees to create cross-hatch marks before flipping them to the other side.
- As you grill, baste periodically with leftover marinade. This keeps them moist and flavorful!
Remember, it’s important to keep an eye on the skewers; you want them cooked through but not dried out. Enjoy your grilling!
Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup banana ketchup (or substitute with sweet tomato ketchup)
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp vinegar (white or cane vinegar)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Bamboo or metal skewers (if bamboo, soak in water for 30 minutes before use)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 small chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions or spring onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes of active preparation time. Then, you’ll need to marinate the pork for at least 4 hours (or overnight for the best flavor). Grilling will take around 10-15 minutes. Total time, including marination, is a little over 4 hours, making it a great option to prepare ahead of time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, add the soy sauce, banana ketchup, pineapple juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, vinegar, ground black pepper, and salt. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved and everything is nicely combined. This will be the flavorful marinade that infuses the pork with all that delicious taste!
2. Marinate the Pork:
Add the pork cubes into the marinade, tossing them thoroughly to coat each piece. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the pork to marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is preferable for even better flavor.
3. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. This little step helps keep everything perfectly cooked!
4. Thread the Pork onto Skewers:
Once marinated, take the pork cubes out and thread them onto the skewers. Make sure to pack them closely, but don’t crowd them too much. This allows for even cooking and that delightful char!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the pork skewers for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning them occasionally for even cooking. Baste with leftover marinade while grilling to keep the meat moist and flavorful. Cook until the pork is cooked through and has a lovely caramelized color on the edges.
6. Make the Dipping Sauce:
While the skewers are grilling, prepare the dipping sauce by mixing the soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, chopped chili (if using), minced garlic, and chopped green onions in a small bowl. Stir everything together so the flavors meld. Adjust the sweetness or acidity based on your preference—feel free to taste as you go!
7. Rest and Serve:
Once the skewers are grilled to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices locked in.
8. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve the skewers hot alongside steamed white rice and grilled vegetables. Don’t forget the dipping sauce on the side for an extra burst of flavor! Dive into the delicious taste of Filipino BBQ and enjoy!
Dig in and savor the sweet, savory, and smoky goodness of these Filipino Pork BBQ skewers! 😊
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder or butt is recommended for its tenderness and fat content, you can also use pork tenderloin or loin if you prefer a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook lean cuts to avoid dryness.
Can I Prepare the Marinade in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the marinade up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This way, when you’re ready to make the skewers, you can just add the pork and get marinating right away!
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a preheated grill or in the oven until warmed through. You can also slice the pork and add it to stir-fries or salads for a tasty twist!
What Should I Serve with These Skewers?
These Filipino Pork BBQ skewers pair beautifully with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them on a platter with the dipping sauce for everyone to enjoy!