Filipino BBQ Pork is a tasty dish made with tender marinated pork that’s grilled to perfection. The sweet and tangy marinade makes it oh-so-delicious!
Honestly, it smells amazing while cooking! I love serving it with rice or at parties, and you can never go wrong with a little extra sauce on top. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork: Pork shoulder is great for its balance of meat and fat, making it juicy. Pork belly is also an option if you want more richness. If you’re looking for a leaner choice, boneless chicken thighs can work well and still absorb the marinade nicely.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce gives excellent flavor, but if you’re gluten-free, look for tamari as a substitute. I prefer low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness. It keeps the dish flavorful without overdoing it.
Cane Vinegar: This vinegar adds distinct tanginess, but white vinegar is a fine stand-in if needed. Apple cider vinegar could also work well, adding a hint of sweetness. I love the punch of flavor cane vinegar brings!
Brown Sugar: This ingredient helps to balance the tangy and salty elements. You can swap it with honey or agave syrup if you prefer. Just keep in mind that liquid sweeteners might slightly change the marinade’s consistency.
How Do I Make Sure My Pork Skewers Stay Moist and Flavorful?
Marinating the pork before grilling is key to keeping it juicy and packed with flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix all marinade ingredients well in a large bowl to ensure full flavor throughout.
- Coat the pork cubes thoroughly in the marinade. The longer you marinate—ideally overnight—the better the flavor.
- When threading the pork onto skewers, leave a little space between pieces. This allows for even cooking and caramelization on the grill.
- Grill on medium-high heat and turn frequently, preventing dryness. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Letting the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling helps the juices redistribute within the meat, making every bite tender and delicious!
How to Make Filipino BBQ Pork Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup cane vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
For the Skewers:
- 1 kg pork shoulder or pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation, plus at least 2 hours of marinating time (overnight is best!). Cooking on the grill takes around 15 minutes. So, plan for a total of at least 2 hours and 30 minutes to savor these flavorful skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, cane vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, ketchup, honey, and sesame oil. Mix everything together until it’s well blended and the sugar has mostly dissolved. This tasty marinade is going to infuse your pork with flavor!
2. Marinate the Pork:
Add the pork cubes to the bowl with the marinade. Give them a good mix to ensure every piece is coated well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. If you can wait overnight, the flavors will deepen even more!
3. Prepare to Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill heats up, take your bamboo skewers (that you’ve been soaking in water) and the marinated pork from the fridge.
4. Skewer the Pork:
Thread the marinated pork onto the soaked bamboo skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece so they can cook evenly. This is where the fun starts—getting everything ready for the grill!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the heated grill. Grill them for about 10-15 minutes, turning them frequently. You want the pork to be cooked all the way through and to have a delicious caramelized glaze. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the pork is cooked, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep the meat juicy. Then, serve your Filipino BBQ pork skewers with some steamed rice and your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Besides pork shoulder and belly, you can also use pork loin or ribs, but keep in mind that leaner cuts like loin may require less cooking time to avoid drying out. Adjust the grilling time accordingly for the best results.
Is There a Substitute for Cane Vinegar?
Yes, if you can’t find cane vinegar, white vinegar is a good alternative. For a bit more flavor, you can also use apple cider vinegar. Just remember, the taste may vary slightly, but it will still give you a nice tang!
How Long Can I Marinate the Pork?
For the best flavor, marinate the pork for at least 2 hours, but if you have time, do it overnight! If you’re short on time, marinating for 30 minutes can still impart some flavor, but the longer, the better!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or a skillet over low heat until heated through. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the pork tough.
