Filipino BBQ Pork is a tasty treat that will make your taste buds dance! Marinated in a mix of sweet and salty flavors, it’s grilled to perfection. Each bite is juicy and so delicious!
Whenever I make this at home, my family can’t resist coming back for more. I love serving it with rice and a side of grilled veggies—it’s a winner at any cookout! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This is ideal for skewers because it’s tender and flavorful. If you can’t find pork shoulder, you could use pork loin or even chicken thighs for a lighter option.
Soy Sauce: It adds the core flavor to the marinade. If you’re aiming for a lower sodium option, use reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free choice.
Brown Sugar: This gives a hint of sweetness and creates a nice caramelization on the grill. If you’re out, you can replace it with honey or agave syrup, just remember to adjust quantities as honey is sweeter.
Pineapple Juice: This helps tenderize the meat while adding extra sweetness. If you don’t have any, orange juice or even apple juice can work well in a pinch.
Sesame Oil: It adds a nutty flavor, which I love! If you don’t have it, a drizzle of olive oil can work, but you’ll lose some of that rich taste.
Calamansi Juice: A traditional twist, but lime juice is a perfect substitute if calamansi isn’t available.
How Do I Ensure My BBQ Pork Skewers Are Tender and Flavorful?
The key to delicious BBQ pork skewers lies in the marination process. Allowing the pork to soak in the marinade for at least two hours, but ideally overnight, really enhances the flavors and helps tenderize the meat.
- Mix all your marinade ingredients thoroughly. The brown sugar helps balance the saltiness of soy sauce and adds depth.
- Coat the pork cubes completely and refrigerate. Using a large bowl or a zip-top bag can help ensure they get well coated.
- If you’re using bamboo skewers, soaking them beforehand prevents them from burning on the grill. Aim for at least 30 minutes.
Grilling on medium heat is crucial to cooking the pork evenly without burning it. Keep turning the skewers every few minutes for those perfect grill marks!
How to Make Filipino BBQ Pork Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade and Pork:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon calamansi or lime juice (optional)
- Skewers (bamboo or metal)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) for marinating the pork. You’ll need an additional 15-20 minutes to grill the skewers. In total, plan for about 2 to 3 hours, mostly for the marinating time that provides great flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, minced garlic, minced ginger, ground black pepper, salt, ketchup, sesame oil, and calamansi or lime juice if you’re using it. Stir until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and everything is well blended. This will be your tasty marinade!
2. Marinate the Pork:
Add the pork cubes to the marinade, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but for the best flavor, letting it sit overnight is highly recommended.
3. Get Ready to Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat. If you’re using bamboo skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to help prevent burning during grilling.
4. Skewer the Pork:
Carefully thread the marinated pork cubes onto the skewers. Don’t pack them too tight; leave a little space between each piece to ensure they cook evenly. This is where the magic happens!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’re looking for the pork to be cooked through and for those beautiful grill marks to appear!
6. Rest and Garnish:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle, making the pork even more delicious! Finally, garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for that extra touch of flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your BBQ pork skewers with steamed rice, or as part of a larger Filipino feast. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the wonderful aromas—it’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Substitute the Pork Shoulder with Another Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! You can use pork loin, chicken thighs, or even beef for this recipe. Just keep in mind that different cuts may require slightly different cooking times. Make sure to adjust accordingly, especially if using leaner meats, as they can cook faster.
What If I Don’t Have Calamansi Juice?
No worries! If you can’t find calamansi juice, lime juice or lemon juice works perfectly as a substitute. Both will provide that necessary acidity and brightness to balance the sweetness of the marinade.
How Long Can I Marinate the Pork?
You can marinate the pork for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor. However, if you’re short on time, even 2 hours will make a difference. Just ensure the pork is fully coated in the marinade before refrigerating!
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a skillet over medium heat, turning until heated through, or pop them in the microwave for a quick meal. Enjoy them as is or chop them up and toss in a salad!
