This Easy Filipino Pork Barbecue is a tasty dish that will make your mouth water! Tender pork marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then grilled to perfection—it’s perfect for any gathering!
Honestly, the smell of this barbecue grilling is enough to bring anyone to the yard! 😋 I love serving it with some rice and fresh veggies for the perfect meal. Trust me, your family will love it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder or Butt: These cuts are perfect because they are tender and flavorful when grilled. If you want a leaner option, you can use pork loin, but it might be less juicy.
Banana Ketchup: This sweet condiment is a staple in Filipino cooking. If you can’t find it, regular ketchup will work, but you might want to add a little sugar for sweetness.
Calamansi Juice: It adds a fresh, citrusy taste. If that’s hard to find, lemon or lime juice is a great alternative! Just keep the balance of sweetness and acidity in mind.
Bamboo Skewers: Soaking them prevents burning on the grill. If you prefer, metal skewers can be reused, though they may need some oil to avoid sticking.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Marinade?
The marinade is where all the flavors come together, so let’s make sure it’s just right! Combining soy sauce, banana ketchup, calamansi juice, and spices will give you that lovely sweet and salty profile typical of Filipino barbecue.
- Mix the marinade well, and let the sugar dissolve completely—that way, it marinates evenly.
- Be sure to marinate the pork for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal for the best flavor.
- After marinating, always reserve some sauce for basting while grilling, enhancing that glaze and flavor on the meat!
What’s the Best Way to Grill the Pork Skewers?
Grilling pork skewers can be fun and delicious if done right! Start your grill at medium-high heat for a nice char without burning. Here are some tips:
- Thread the marinated pork evenly to ensure they cook at the same pace.
- Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning regularly, until there’s a slight char. Baste with leftover marinade for moisture and flavor.
- Let the skewers rest after grilling to keep them juicy before serving.
Easy Filipino Pork Barbecue
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Marinade:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup banana ketchup (or regular ketchup as substitute)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup calamansi juice (or lemon juice)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- Vinegar
- Soy sauce
- Sliced red chili peppers
- Chopped red onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 4 hours for marinating, though overnight is better. Grilling will take around 10-15 minutes, depending on your heat. So, set aside some time to let those flavors really soak in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by mixing the soy sauce, banana ketchup, brown sugar, calamansi juice, minced garlic, chopped onion, black pepper, salt, and cooking oil together in a large bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This juicy marinade is what will give your pork that amazing flavor!
2. Marinate the Pork:
Add the pork cubes to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the fridge. For the tastiest results, let the pork marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal!
3. Prepare to Grill:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Soaking the bamboo skewers helps prevent them from burning, so don’t forget this step!
4. Thread the Pork onto Skewers:
Take the marinated pork pieces and thread them evenly onto the soaked bamboo skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking. This will help everything get that nice char we love!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll want to turn them occasionally to get an even grill on the pork. Brush with any leftover marinade for extra tastiness and to keep them juicy. When they’re slightly charred and cooked through, they’re ready to come off the grill!
6. Let Them Rest:
Once off the grill, let the skewers rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them tender and juicy!
7. Serve with Dipping Sauce:
For a delicious finish, mix some vinegar, soy sauce, sliced red chili peppers, and chopped red onions in a bowl for dipping. This adds a wonderful zing!
8. Enjoy!
Serve your flavorful pork barbecue hot, along with some steamed rice and fresh tomatoes or atchara (pickled papaya). It’s a classic Filipino feast that everyone will love!
FAQ for Easy Filipino Pork Barbecue
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Yes, you can! While pork shoulder or pork butt are ideal for their tenderness, you can also use pork loin for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that it may be less juicy.
What If I Don’t Have Calamansi Juice?
No worries! You can substitute calamansi juice with lemon or lime juice. Just make sure it balances well with the sweetness of the banana ketchup and brown sugar in the marinade!
Can I Marinate the Pork for Longer?
Absolutely! Marinating overnight is actually the best way to enhance the flavor. Just make sure to keep it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover barbecue in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just be cautious not to overheat so it stays juicy!
