The Juiciest Filipino BBQ Pork Skewers Recipe Ever

Succulent bbq pork skewers dance with vibrant Filipino flavors that will electrify your taste buds.

Meaty chunks marinated in a sweet-tangy sauce promise an explosion of cultural deliciousness.

Our recipe captures the heart of Filipino street food traditions.

Traditional marinades blend soy sauce, banana ketchup, and citrus notes to create irresistible depth.

Rich caramelized edges hint at the magic waiting on your grill.

Charred and juicy, these skewers bring Manila’s bustling street scene right to your backyard.

You’ll want to gather friends and celebrate this delectable journey through Philippine cuisine.

FAQs About BBQ Pork Skewers With Filipino BBQ Marinade

• What makes Filipino BBQ marinade unique?

The combination of banana ketchup and soy sauce creates a sweet, tangy flavor profile that’s distinctly Filipino. The blend of sweet, salty, and slightly acidic ingredients sets it apart from other BBQ marinades.

• Can I use a different cut of pork for these skewers?

Definitely! Pork belly, pork shoulder, or pork loin all work great. Just ensure you slice the meat thin enough to absorb the marinade and cook evenly on the grill.

• Is banana ketchup essential to the recipe?

While banana ketchup is traditional and adds a unique flavor, you can substitute with regular ketchup mixed with a bit of mashed banana if you can’t find the Filipino version. However, authentic Filipino BBQ flavor comes from the original banana ketchup.

• How spicy are these BBQ skewers?

The base recipe is mild, but you can adjust the heat by adding chili flakes to the marinade. Start with a small amount and increase to your preferred spice level.

Why BBQ Pork Skewers With Filipino BBQ Marinade Are Special

• Speed Up Weeknight Cooking: These BBQ pork skewers deliver fast, delicious results with minimal prep time, making them perfect for busy families wanting quick and tasty meals.
• Unlock Authentic Filipino Flavors: The unique banana ketchup and soy sauce marinade creates a mouthwatering blend of sweet, tangy, and savory tastes that transport your taste buds straight to the Philippines.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to customize with optional chili flakes or oyster sauce, these skewers work beautifully for backyard gatherings, potlucks, and casual weekend barbecues that'll impress everyone from kids to grill masters.
• Meal Prep Champion: Advance marinating allows busy home cooks to prepare ingredients ahead of time, ensuring maximum flavor with minimal day-of effort and giving you more time to enjoy with family and friends.

BBQ Pork Skewers With Filipino BBQ Marinade Ingredient List

• Pork: Tender, thinly sliced meat perfect for absorbing marinade flavors. Choose a cut with some marbling like pork shoulder or pork belly for juiciness.

• Banana Ketchup, Soy Sauce: Sweet and savory foundation that gives classic Filipino BBQ flavor. Banana ketchup is a unique Filipino condiment with a sweeter profile than traditional tomato ketchup.
• Brown Sugar: Adds caramelization and depth to the marinade's sweetness.

• Garlic, Onion: Provide intense savory base notes and complexity to the marinade. Fresh garlic and onion work best for maximum flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and sharpness to balance sweet and savory elements.
• Lemon Juice: Helps tenderize meat and brightens overall marinade flavor.

• Oyster Sauce: Adds umami richness and depth to the marinade.
• Chili Flakes: Introduces gentle heat for those who enjoy spicier profiles.

• Bamboo Skewers: Essential for grilling, help hold meat pieces together. Soak in water before use to prevent burning.

Easy Steps For BBQ Pork Skewers With Filipino BBQ Marinade

Step 1: Slice and Prepare Pork

Grab a sharp knife and cut pork into thin, elongated strips perfect for threading onto skewers. Make sure the pieces are roughly similar in size for even cooking.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Banana ketchup
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Minced garlic
• Finely chopped onion
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Tangy lemon juice
• Optional splash of oyster sauce
• Optional pinch of chili flakes

Whisk these ingredients until they form a harmonious, glossy mixture.

Step 3: Infuse Pork with Marinade

Submerge the pork strips completely in the marinade. Ensure every piece is generously coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator. Allow the flavors to mingle and penetrate the meat for a minimum of 4 hours, though overnight marination will deliver maximum deliciousness.

Step 4: Thread Pork onto Skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water beforehand to prevent burning. Carefully weave 3-4 pieces of marinated pork onto each skewer, leaving a little space between pieces for even grilling.

Step 5: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill or charcoal to medium-high heat. The cooking surface should be hot enough to create those beautiful, caramelized grill marks.

Step 6: Grill to Perfection

Place skewers on the grill, rotating every few minutes to ensure uniform cooking. Baste with additional marinade if desired. Grill for 10-15 minutes or until the pork is thoroughly cooked with a delightful charred exterior.

Serve hot and enjoy your Filipino-inspired BBQ pork skewers!

Best Tips For BBQ Pork Skewers With Filipino BBQ Marinade

• Slice Strategically: Cut pork into uniform, thin strips to ensure even marinating and quick, consistent cooking on the grill.
• Balance Marinade Magic: Adjust sweet, salty, and tangy elements by tweaking banana ketchup and soy sauce ratios for personalized flavor intensity.
• Soak Skewers Smartly: Prevent bamboo skewers from burning by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
• Rest and Relish: Allow grilled skewers to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to lock in juices and enhance overall meat tenderness.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap pork with chicken or tofu for alternative protein options, maintaining the vibrant Filipino marinade flavor profile.

Storing BBQ Pork Skewers With Filipino BBQ Marinade

• Refrigerate leftover BBQ pork skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
• These delicious skewers stay fresh for 34 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
• Keep them covered to prevent drying out and retain maximum flavor.
• Gently reheat skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, ensuring they remain juicy and tender.
• Avoid freezing these skewers, as the marinade's texture might change and compromise the meat's original quality.
• For best taste, consume refrigerated skewers within 2-3 days and always check for any signs of spoilage before reheating.

Pairing Ideas For BBQ Pork Skewers With Filipino BBQ Marinade

• Refresh with Filipino Fizz: Pair these BBQ pork skewers with a chilled calamansi soda or fresh lime spritzer to cut through the rich, sweet marinade and cleanse the palate with a zesty citrus burst.
• Cool Down with Garlic Rice: Serve alongside steamed garlic fried rice (sinangag) to soak up the delicious marinades and provide a comforting, classic Filipino side that perfectly complements the grilled meat.
• Balance with Pickled Veggie Crunch: Add a side of quick-pickled green mango or cucumber salad to introduce a tangy, crisp contrast that helps balance the skewers' smoky sweetness and adds a refreshing element to the meal.
• Beer Buddy Pairing: Crack open a cold San Miguel beer or a light Philippine lager that matches the marinade's sweet and savory profile, enhancing the grilled pork's rich flavors and providing a traditional Filipino dining experience.

Different Takes On BBQ Pork Skewers With Filipino BBQ Marinade

• Spicy Chili Pepper Punch: Increase chili flakes or add fresh chopped jalapeños for a fiery kick that enhances the marinade's depth and heat.
• Pineapple-Infused Island Style: Replace lemon juice with fresh pineapple juice to introduce a tropical sweetness and natural meat tenderizer.
• Honey Garlic Fusion: Swap brown sugar with honey and double the garlic for a rich, caramelized coating with deeper aromatic notes.
• Coconut Milk Tender Touch: Mix a splash of coconut milk into the marinade to create a creamier texture and add subtle Southeast Asian complexity.