This Filipino BBQ Pork is a tasty treat bursting with sweet and savory flavors. Marinated and grilled to perfection, it’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
What I love most is how sticky and juicy the pork gets. Pair it with rice, and you’re in for a delicious meal that feels like a warm hug! 🌟
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder or Pork Belly: This recipe shines with pork shoulder due to its flavor and balance of meat and fat. For a leaner option, try pork tenderloin. If you want to avoid pork, chicken thighs work well too.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce gives a classic flavor, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use tamari. For a less salty taste, consider using low-sodium soy sauce.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness to the marinade. If you run out, use white sugar or honey, but adjust the quantity since honey is sweeter.
Cane Vinegar: It’s traditional for the recipe, but you can swap it with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar if you’re in a pinch.
Bamboo Skewers: Soaking them is crucial to prevent burning on the grill. If you’re grilling for a long time, metal skewers are reusable and won’t burn.
How Do I Make Sure My Pork Skewers Are Well-Marinated?
Marinating is key to infusing the flavors into the pork. To ensure every piece is fully coated, follow these steps:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the marinade until well combined.
- Add the cubed pork and mix gently using your hands or a spoon, ensuring all sides are coated.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Marinate for at least 2 hours; overnight is best for maximum flavor.
Remember, the longer the pork sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it will become, so plan ahead if you can!
How to Make Filipino BBQ Pork Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup vinegar (preferably cane vinegar)
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
For The Skewers:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (optional)
- Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes of active prep time, plus a minimum of 2 hours for marinating the pork (or longer for the best flavor). Add another 10-15 minutes for grilling. Overall, you’ll be looking at around 2 hours and 35 minutes if you marinate for 2 hours, or overnight for the best results!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and salt. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved and everything is nicely mixed together. This will be the flavorful marinade for your pork!
2. Marinate the Pork:
Add the cubed pork to the marinade and give it a good toss to ensure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let the pork marinate for at least 2 hours, but if you have time, letting it sit overnight will deepen the flavors even more. Yum!
3. Get Ready to Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While it heats up, take your bamboo skewers (make sure they’ve been soaking in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning) and start threading the marinated pork cubes onto the skewers. Don’t pack them too tightly; leave a little space between each piece.
4. Brush and Grill:
If you’d like, brush your skewers lightly with vegetable oil to help prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Remember to turn them occasionally so they cook evenly and get a nice char. Make sure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure they are properly cooked.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy! When ready to serve, pair your Filipino BBQ Pork Skewers with a side of rice or your favorite dipping sauce. Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro on top for a nice touch. Enjoy!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork for this Recipe?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder or pork belly is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use pork loin or pork tenderloin. Just keep in mind that leaner cuts may cook faster, so keep an eye on them while grilling!
What Can I Substitute for Cane Vinegar?
If you can’t find cane vinegar, you can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute. While the flavor will be slightly different, they will still work well in the marinade. Just adjust the quantity to taste, starting with the same amount as the recipe specifies.
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through, or use a microwave, but be careful not to overcook!
Can I Prepare the Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the pork cubes the night before to enhance the flavor. Just ensure you keep the marinated meat stored in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. You may also pre-assemble the skewers, just remember to keep them wrapped in the fridge until grilling time!
