BBQ Pork Skewers with Filipino BBQ Marinade
Juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly smoky, these BBQ Pork Skewers with Filipino BBQ Marinade are a beloved street food favorite and a must-have at family gatherings and celebrations. Marinated in a sweet and savory blend of soy sauce, banana ketchup, garlic, sugar, and citrus, the pork becomes deeply infused with classic Filipino barbecue flavors. Grilled to perfection and slightly caramelized on the edges, each bite delivers a balance of tangy, garlicky, and umami-rich goodness. Perfect for backyard cookouts, festive holidays, or summer potlucks, these skewers bring a taste of the Philippines to any table. Serve them over steamed rice or alongside a crisp vinegar-based salad for the ultimate meal.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spoon
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Bamboo or metal skewers
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Basting brush (optional)
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup banana ketchup (or regular ketchup as substitute)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp calamansi juice (or lemon/lime juice)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Optional: 1 tsp paprika or annatto powder (for color)
For the Skewers:
- Wooden or metal skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade:In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, banana ketchup, brown sugar, minced garlic, calamansi juice, black pepper, vegetable oil, and paprika/annatto powder if using.
- Marinate the Pork:Add the pork cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat the Grill:Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the Pork:Thread the marinated pork cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Grill the Skewers:Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 7-10 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until pork is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Serve:Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with steamed rice, dipping sauce, or your favorite sides.
Notes
- Marinating Time: For the most flavorful and tender pork, marinate the meat for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best.
- Skewer Type: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Cooking Tip: Turn the skewers frequently to ensure even cooking and avoid burning.
- Marinade Safety: Do not reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw pork unless you boil it first to kill any bacteria.
- Flavor Adjustments: You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar, and the tanginess by adding more calamansi or lemon juice.
- Serving: These skewers pair perfectly with steamed white rice, garlic rice, or a fresh salad.
- Alternative Cooking: If you don’t have a grill, these skewers can be cooked under the broiler or on a stovetop grill pan.