This Easy Filipino Pork Barbecue is a delicious treat! Pork marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce, grilled to perfection—it’s perfect for any gathering or just a cozy meal at home.
The smell of the grilling pork will have everyone coming to the table! I love serving it with rice; it’s super comforting and makes me feel right at home. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt: These cuts are ideal for this dish due to their fat content, which adds flavor and tenderness. You could also use pork belly for a richer taste or lean cuts like pork loin, but remember they may need less cooking time.
Banana Ketchup: This unique ingredient gives a sweet and tangy flavor. If you can’t find it, regular ketchup is a good substitute. You can also add a bit of sugar or vinegar to regular ketchup for similar taste.
Calamansi Juice: This adds a distinctive citrus flavor. If you can’t find it, lemon or lime juice works well too. Both provide the tanginess needed to tenderize the pork.
Pineapple Juice: This is optional but helps tenderize the meat while adding sweetness. You can swap it for apple juice if you want a different twist or just skip it altogether.
Garlic and Onion: Freshly minced garlic and chopped onions boost the dish’s aroma and flavor. You could use garlic powder and onion powder if you’re short on time, but fresh is always best!
How Do You Get Perfectly Grilled Pork Skewers?
Grilling the pork skewers is crucial for great flavor. Here are tips to achieve perfectly grilled barbecued pork:
- Marinate Well: Allow the pork to marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for deeper flavor.
- Soak Skewers: Soaking bamboo skewers prevents them from burning on the grill, which is very helpful!
- Even Cooking: Place skewers on the grill, leaving space between them for even heat distribution. Turn them occasionally to avoid charring too much.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Depending on the size of the pork pieces, they will take 10-15 minutes to cook. Look for a nice char and check with a meat thermometer; it should read 145°F.
- Baste for Flavor: Use some reserved marinade to baste the skewers while grilling. This keeps the meat juicy and enhances the flavor.
Following these tips will help you serve up juicy and delicious pork barbecue that everyone will love!
Easy Filipino Pork Barbecue
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into bite-size 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 substitute with lemon or lime juice)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional, for added sweetness and tenderizing)
For Grilling:
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time plus at least 4 hours for marinating (or preferably overnight). You’ll need another 10-15 minutes for grilling, so plan for a total of at least 4 hours and 30 minutes, but it’s mostly hands-off time while the pork marinates!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, banana ketchup, brown sugar, calamansi juice, minced garlic, chopped onion, ground black pepper, salt, and pineapple juice if you’re using it. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. This flavorful marinade will make your pork incredibly delicious!
2. Marinate the Pork:
Add the pork cubes into the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate. Let it marinate for at least 4 hours, and for the best flavor, let it sit overnight.
3. Prepare the Skewers:
While the pork is marinating, soak your bamboo skewers in water for about 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill and keeps your barbecue skewers intact.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
After marinating, take the pork out of the fridge. Thread the marinated pork pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers. Don’t pack them too tightly; leaving a little space helps them cook evenly!
5. Grill the Pork:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Keep turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and get nicely charred. Baste with any leftover marinade while grilling to keep the pork moist and flavorful—just be careful to cook it thoroughly!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked through and perfectly charred, remove the skewers from the grill. Serve the pork hot, traditionally paired with white rice and a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, chopped chilies, and onions. Enjoy your delicious homemade Filipino Pork Barbecue!
Happy cooking! Your friends and family will love this tasty treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Yes! While pork shoulder or pork butt are ideal for their flavor and tenderness, you can also use pork belly for a richer taste or leaner cuts like pork loin. Just keep in mind that leaner cuts may require less cooking time.
How Long Can I Marinate the Pork?
Marinating the pork for at least 4 hours is recommended, but for the best flavor, marinate overnight. If you’re short on time, even a quick 1-hour marination will still enhance the taste.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the marinade and marinate the pork a day in advance. Just store the marinated pork in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill it. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What Do I Serve with Filipino Pork Barbecue?
This dish is traditionally served with white rice, which perfectly complements the savory flavors. You can also enjoy it with a side of vinegar or soy sauce dipping sauce. For a fresh touch, consider serving it alongside a simple salad or some grilled vegetables.
