Filipino BBQ skewers are a delightful, flavorful treat, combining savory and smoky flavors with a touch of sweetness that’s simply irresistible. Known as a favorite Filipino street food, these skewers are made by marinating thinly sliced pork in a delicious combination of soy sauce, banana ketchup, garlic, brown sugar, and citrus. Once grilled to perfection, they become a juicy and tender delight that is crispy on the edges and bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re preparing for a backyard BBQ, hosting a special dinner, or just want a hearty snack, these skewers are sure to impress.
Why This Recipe Will Become Your Favorite
- Authentic Filipino Flavors: Experience the true taste of Filipino street food with every bite.
- Sweet, Savory, and Smoky: These skewers are a balanced combination of all the flavors you crave.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for everyone.
- Perfect for Entertaining: The skewers are ideal for BBQs, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.
- Affordable and Flavor-Packed: This recipe uses budget-friendly ingredients that bring out incredible taste.
- Tender and Juicy Pork: Thanks to the marinade and grilling method, the pork turns out juicy and tender with a caramelized finish.
- Great for Any Meal: Whether served as an appetizer or paired with rice and sides, these skewers make a fantastic dish.
- Kid-Friendly and Customizable: You can tweak the spice level and try variations to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Thinly sliced pork shoulder or pork butt
- Soy sauce
- Banana ketchup
- Brown sugar
- Minced garlic
- Fresh lemon juice or calamansi juice
- Black pepper
- Sprite or 7-Up (optional, for tenderizing)
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Optional: Chili flakes or hot sauce for added spice
Directions
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Make the Marinade: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, mix together the soy sauce, banana ketchup, brown sugar, minced garlic, lemon juice, black pepper, and optional soda. Stir or shake well until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Marinate the Pork: Add the thinly sliced pork to the marinade, ensuring that each slice is evenly coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours. For the best results, marinate overnight to allow the flavors to deeply infuse into the meat.
- Skewer the Pork: Once the pork has marinated, thread the meat onto skewers. For even cooking, fold or layer the thin slices of pork onto each skewer.
- Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side, basting with extra marinade that has been boiled for added flavor and shine. Cook until the pork is perfectly caramelized on the outside and fully cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the skewers are grilled to perfection, remove them from the grill. Serve them hot with steamed rice, atchara (pickled papaya), or a delicious dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marinating Time: 4–24 hours
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 4.5–24 hours (including marination)
Variations
- Try Different Proteins: Substitute chicken thighs or beef for a unique twist.
- Spicy BBQ Skewers: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy version of these skewers.
- Banana Ketchup Alternative: If you can’t find banana ketchup, use tomato ketchup with a little sugar and vinegar for a similar sweet-tangy flavor.
- Add Freshness: Finish off the skewers with a squeeze of calamansi or lime juice for a refreshing kick.
- Serve with a Tangy Dipping Sauce: Pair your skewers with a vinegar-based dipping sauce to enhance the savory flavor profile.
Storage and Reheating
- Storing Leftovers: After enjoying your BBQ skewers, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, briefly grill or pan-fry the skewers over medium heat to restore their crispness. Avoid using a microwave, as it may affect the texture. For even more convenience, you can freeze the uncooked, marinated pork for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw and grill as usual.
BBQ Pork Skewers with Filipino BBQ Marinade
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup banana ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice or calamansi juice
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup Sprite or 7-Up (optional) For tenderizing the pork
- 1 pack skewers (wooden or metal)
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes or hot sauce (optional) For spice
Instructions
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if using.
- In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine soy sauce, banana ketchup, brown sugar, minced garlic, lemon juice, black pepper, and optional soda. Stir or shake well to mix.
- Add the sliced pork to the marinade, ensuring it’s fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Thread the marinated pork onto the skewers, folding or layering thin slices for even cooking.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the skewers for 3-5 minutes per side, basting with extra marinade (that has been boiled first) to add extra flavor and shine. Cook until the pork is caramelized and fully cooked through.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, atchara (pickled papaya), or your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition
FAQs
What is banana ketchup, and can I substitute it?
Banana ketchup is a popular Filipino condiment made from bananas, vinegar, and sugar, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with regular ketchup, adding a bit of sugar and vinegar to mimic the flavor.
Why is soda, like Sprite, used in the marinade?
Soda helps tenderize the meat and adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory marinade. It’s an optional ingredient but adds an interesting depth of flavor to the pork.
Can I use pork belly instead of shoulder?
Yes! Pork belly can be used instead of shoulder for a richer, more succulent skewer. Pork belly will have more fat, which keeps the meat moist and flavorful.
How thin should I slice the pork?
Aim for about ¼ inch thickness for the pork slices. This thickness is ideal because it allows the marinade to penetrate the meat while also ensuring that the pork cooks quickly and evenly on the grill.
Can I grill these skewers indoors?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan or a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. These alternatives will provide a similar smoky flavor.
Is this dish spicy?
The dish is not spicy by default, but you can make it spicy by adding chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade. Adjust the heat according to your preference.
How do I prevent the pork from burning on the grill?
To prevent burning, keep the grill at medium-high heat, turn the skewers frequently, and baste them with care. This will help the pork cook evenly while developing a nice caramelized crust.
What sides go well with BBQ pork skewers?
BBQ pork skewers are perfect when paired with steamed jasmine rice, tangy atchara (pickled vegetables), or grilled corn. These sides complement the rich flavors of the skewers beautifully.
How long should I marinate the pork?
For the best results, marinate the pork for at least 4 hours, but marinating overnight will allow the flavors to intensify, making the pork even more delicious.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the pork in advance, store it in the fridge, and grill it when you’re ready to cook. For even more convenience, you can also freeze the marinated pork and grill it when needed.
Conclusion
These Filipino BBQ skewers are a fantastic way to enjoy a burst of flavors from the Philippines. With their sweet, savory, and smoky profile, they’re sure to become a hit at your next BBQ, party, or family dinner. Easy to make and highly customizable, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your grilling repertoire. Enjoy these mouthwatering skewers with a side of rice, pickled vegetables, or your favorite dipping sauce for a truly unforgettable meal.