Filipino BBQ Pork is a tasty treat that’s full of flavor! It’s marinated in a mix of sweet and savory ingredients, giving it that yummy, smoky taste everyone loves.
Grilling these skewers is always a fun time at family get-togethers! I can’t resist having a few extra pieces—I mean, who can say no to that caramelized goodness? 😋
These BBQ pork skewers are easy to make and perfect for sharing. Just marinate, grill, and enjoy! Perfect for BBQ parties or a cozy dinner at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork: Pork shoulder is my favorite choice for these skewers due to its balance of fat and meat, which keeps it juicy. Pork belly works too if you enjoy a richer flavor. For a leaner option, try chicken thighs or tofu for a vegetarian version!
Soy Sauce: This adds the base flavor. You can use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce saltiness. If gluten-free is needed, tamari is a great alternative!
Brown Sugar: It gives the marinade a lovely sweetness. You can substitute with honey or coconut sugar if preferred. Just remember, honey will add a bit of its own flavor!
Cane Vinegar: For an authentic taste, choose cane vinegar. If it’s unavailable, apple cider vinegar works nicely. This ingredient is key for balancing the sweetness.
Five-Spice Powder: This is optional but adds a unique depth. If you don’t have it, just skip it or use a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.
How Can I Ensure My Pork Skewers Are Tender and Flavorful?
The secret to tasty skewers lies in marinating the pork well. I recommend marinating overnight if you can. This allows the flavors to really soak in!
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Cut the pork into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Coat the pork well with the marinade and cover it tightly before refrigerating.
- Remember to reserve a bit of marinade for brushing during grilling!
When grilling, keep the heat at medium-high for a nice char without burning, and turn the skewers occasionally for even cooking. Letting them rest after grilling helps the juices redistribute for better flavor!
How to Make Filipino BBQ Pork Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade and Skewers:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vinegar (cane vinegar preferred)
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp five-spice powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
For Garnishing (Optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 2 hours for marinating the pork. If you have time, marinating overnight is best for deeper flavors. Cooking on the grill will take an additional 10-15 minutes. In total, around 2 hours and 30 minutes to enjoy this delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, minced garlic, black pepper, five-spice powder (if using), ketchup, and vegetable oil. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved and everything is combined nicely. This will be the flavorful marinade for your pork!
2. Marinate the Pork:
Add the cubed pork to your marinade mixture, making sure that each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but for the best flavor, try to let it sit overnight.
3. Get Ready to Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, take your soaked bamboo skewers and start threading the marinated pork cubes onto the skewers. Make sure to pack them tightly but don’t overcrowd; they need space to cook evenly!
4. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook them for about 10-15 minutes. It’s important to turn them every few minutes so they get a nice char and cook through evenly. If you have any leftover marinade, use a brush to baste the skewers as they grill for extra flavor!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your pork skewers are fully cooked, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This will help them stay juicy. Serve hot with a garnish of chopped green onions or cilantro, if you like. Enjoy your delicious Filipino BBQ Pork Skewers!
Can I Use Chicken or Another Meat Instead of Pork?
Absolutely! You can substitute pork with chicken thighs for a lighter option or even beef. Just adjust the marinating time; chicken usually needs about 1-2 hours, while beef can marinate for up to 4 hours. Make sure to cook it until the appropriate internal temperature is reached!
What Can I Use Instead of Cane Vinegar?
If you can’t find cane vinegar, you can use rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute. Both options will give a slightly different flavor but will still work well in the marinade. Just remember that cane vinegar has a milder taste, so you might want to use a little less if substituting with a stronger vinegar.
How to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them on the grill or in the oven for a few minutes, just enough to warm through without drying out.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before adding the pork or other meats. This will save you time on the day you plan to grill!
