Growing up, I can still vividly remember the mouthwatering aroma of Filipino pork BBQ skewers wafting through the air at every family gathering. The sweet, savory glaze caramelizing on the tender pork, the sizzling sound of the meat hitting the grill – it’s a sensory experience that instantly transports me back to those cherished moments with loved ones.
When I moved away from home, I found myself craving those familiar flavors more than ever. That’s why I developed this Filipino pork BBQ skewers recipe – it’s the ultimate homage to my cultural heritage, perfected through years of trial and error. Trust me, once you take that first bite, this will become your go-to recipe for satisfying your cravings and sharing a taste of the Philippines with family and friends.
Why This Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers
The secret to truly authentic Filipino pork BBQ skewers lies in the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. By marinating the pork in a mixture of soy sauce, white vinegar, and brown sugar, you create a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. The garlic and black pepper add depth and complexity, elevating the pork to new heights of flavor.
But it’s not just about the marinade – the way you prepare and cook the pork is just as important. Cutting the pork shoulder into 1-inch cubes ensures the meat cooks quickly and evenly, locking in juiciness. And by threading the marinated pork onto wooden or metal skewers, you make it easy to rotate and baste the meat, resulting in that signature charred, sticky-sweet exterior.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes: Pork shoulder is the perfect cut for this recipe, as it’s well-marbled and tender when cooked properly. The 1-inch cubes allow for quick and even cooking.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce: This savory, umami-rich ingredient is the foundation of the marinade, adding depth and complexity to the flavors.
- 1/4 cup white vinegar: The touch of acidity from the vinegar balances out the sweetness, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: This is the secret to the signature caramelized glaze that makes these Filipino pork BBQ skewers so irresistible.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must-have in any Filipino dish, adding an aromatic background note that complements the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: A little bit of heat from the black pepper rounds out the marinade, providing a subtle kick.
- Wooden or metal skewers: These are essential for easily grilling and rotating the pork to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
Step-by-Step Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers Instructions
Preparing Your Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 10 minutes, this Filipino pork BBQ skewers recipe is the perfect quick and easy meal for any occasion. All you’ll need are the ingredients listed, along with some wooden or metal skewers.
1- Start by cutting the pork shoulder into 1-inch cubes, ensuring even and consistent pieces for even cooking.
2- In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, white vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ground black pepper. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, creating a flavorful marinade.
3- Add the pork cubes to the marinade, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let the pork marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
4- Thread the marinated pork cubes onto the wooden or metal skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to allow for even cooking.
5- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Carefully place the skewered pork onto the hot grill, ensuring they don’t touch each other.
6- Grill the Filipino pork BBQ skewers for 5 minutes per side, or until the pork is cooked through and the glaze has caramelized to a beautiful, sticky-sweet finish. Serve hot, with any remaining marinade drizzled over the top.
Pro Tips for Success
- Marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours, for maximum flavor absorption.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Baste the skewers with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra layer of flavor.
- Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the glaze from burning – you want a nice caramelized exterior, not a charred one.
Serving and Storing Your Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers
Perfect Pairings for Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers
This Filipino pork BBQ skewers recipe yields 12 servings, making it the perfect dish to share with family and friends. For the ultimate Filipino feast, serve the skewers alongside classic side dishes like garlic fried rice, Filipino-style macaroni salad, or steamed white rice. To drink, a refreshing mango or pineapple juice would complement the flavors beautifully.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), the Filipino pork BBQ skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the skewers on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the pork marinade up to 4 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and grill the skewers. You can also assemble the skewers in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before grilling for even cooking.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers
Creative Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers Variations
- Spicy Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for a fiery twist.
- Citrus-Infused Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers: Swap the white vinegar for fresh lime or calamansi juice for a bright, tangy flavor.
- Grilled Pineapple Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers: Thread pineapple chunks alongside the pork for a sweet and savory combination.
- Herbed Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers: Mix in chopped fresh cilantro, parsley, or scallions to the marinade for an aromatic flair.
Making Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers Diet-Friendly
For a gluten-free version, simply swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. To make it low-carb, replace the brown sugar with an equal amount of your preferred sugar substitute, such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
If you’re following a vegan or vegetarian diet, you can easily adapt this recipe by using extra-firm tofu or mushrooms in place of the pork. Just be sure to adjust the marinade time and cooking method as needed to accommodate the different protein.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different cut of pork besides the shoulder?
A: While pork shoulder is the traditional choice for Filipino pork BBQ skewers, you can also use pork tenderloin or loin if you prefer a leaner cut. Just be mindful that the cooking time may need to be adjusted, as tenderloin and loin are more prone to drying out.
Q: How long should I marinate the pork?
A: For best results, marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours for maximum flavor absorption. The longer the pork sits in the marinade, the more tender and flavorful it will become.
Q: Can I make these Filipino pork BBQ skewers ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade up to 4 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the skewers. You can also assemble the skewers themselves up to a day in advance, keeping them covered in the fridge until ready to grill.
Q: How many people will this recipe serve?
A: This Filipino pork BBQ skewers recipe yields 12 servings, making it the perfect dish to share with a crowd. If you’re serving it as a main course, plan for 2-3 skewers per person. For an appetizer or party, you can get even more servings out of the batch.
Q: What should I do if the pork starts to burn on the grill?
A: If you notice the pork beginning to char or burn, simply move the skewers to a cooler section of the grill, or reduce the heat. You can also baste the pork with the reserved marinade to help prevent further burning.
Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of these authentic Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers. Tender, juicy pork is marinated in a savory-sweet sauce and grilled to perfection, resulting in a finger-licking good appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
– 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the pork, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the pork. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.
2. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
3. Thread the marinated pork onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and caramelized on the outside.
5. Serve the Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers hot, with a dipping sauce of your choice on the side.
Notes
For even more flavor, baste the skewers with the remaining marinade during the last few minutes of grilling. Adjust cooking time as needed, depending on the thickness of your pork cubes.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Chicken, Beef & Pork
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Filipino
Conclusion
Filipino pork BBQ skewers are a true taste of home, a mouthwatering reminder of the vibrant flavors and cherished memories that make Filipino cuisine so special. With this recipe in your arsenal, you can bring those familiar, comforting flavors to your own kitchen and share them with your loved ones. Trust me, once you try these Filipino pork BBQ skewers, they’ll become a new staple in your recipe repertoire. So fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey to the Philippines, one skewer at a time.
