Growing up in a small town in the Philippines, I have so many fond memories of our family gatherings around the grill, the mouthwatering aroma of Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers wafting through the air. It was always the highlight of our Sunday lunches – my dad, uncles, and cousins would gather together, each taking turns carefully tending to the skewers, basting them with that irresistible marinade.
I can still picture myself as a little girl, watching in awe as they expertly threaded the tender pork cubes onto the bamboo sticks, the juices sizzling as they hit the hot grates. And the moment they came off the grill, piping hot and slightly charred, we’d gather around, eagerly waiting to sink our teeth into those flavorful bites. The combination of the savory-sweet marinade, the smoky char, and the juicy pork was absolute perfection.
Those gatherings weren’t just about the food, though. They were about family, about coming together, about creating lasting memories. And to this day, whenever I make Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers, I’m transported back to those carefree, joyful moments of my childhood. That’s why this recipe has become a staple in my home – it’s not just a dish, it’s a connection to my roots, a way to share a piece of my heritage with my loved ones.
Why This Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers
What makes this Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The marinade, a blend of soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and fragrant spices, infuses the pork with a mouthwatering sweetness and tanginess that can’t be beat. And the secret to getting that irresistible charred exterior? It’s all in the technique – you’ll learn how to get that caramelized crust without drying out the meat. Trust me, once you try these skewers, you’ll be hooked!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Pork: The foundation of this dish is boneless pork shoulder, which is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for skewering.
Soy sauce: A key component of the marinade, adding a savory umami depth.
Vinegar: Either cane vinegar or distilled white vinegar works great to balance the sweetness.
Brown sugar: For that signature Filipino caramelized flavor.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is a must for maximum flavor.
Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and aroma to the marinade.
Lemon or lime juice: A squeeze of citrus brightens up the flavors.
Spices: A blend of black pepper, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes brings the heat.
Bamboo skewers: Essential for assembling and grilling the Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers.
Step-by-Step Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers Instructions
Preparing Your Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers
Get ready to wow your family and friends with these mouthwatering Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers! This recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a platter of juicy, flavorful pork skewers that are sure to be the star of your next backyard barbecue or Filipino-inspired feast. Let’s dive in!
1- Start by cutting the pork shoulder into 1-inch cubes, making sure to trim off any excess fat. This will help the pork cook evenly and give you those irresistible charred edges.
2- In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, onion, lemon or lime juice, and spices to make the marinade. Add the pork cubes and toss to coat them evenly. Cover and let the pork marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
3- When you’re ready to grill, soak the bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. This step is crucial, so don’t skip it! Thread the marinated pork cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each cube.
4- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grease the grates to prevent the skewers from sticking, then carefully place them on the grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and has a nice charred exterior.
5- To finish, baste the skewers with any remaining marinade during the last few minutes of cooking. This will create a sticky, caramelized glaze that takes the flavor to the next level.
6- Serve your mouthwatering Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers hot off the grill, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro, if desired. Pair them with steamed rice, your favorite dipping sauce, and plenty of napkins – trust me, you’re going to need them!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers is all in the marinade and the technique. First, make sure to let the pork marinate for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours) to allow the flavors to really penetrate the meat. And when it comes to grilling, be patient and resist the urge to move the skewers around too much – you want to give them time to develop that delicious char.
Another pro tip? Baste the skewers with the remaining marinade during the last few minutes of cooking. This will create a sticky, caramelized glaze that takes the flavor to the next level. And don’t forget to soak the bamboo skewers in water beforehand – this will prevent them from burning on the grill.
Serving and Storing Your Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers
Perfect Pairings for Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers
These Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or any casual gathering. Serve them with steamed white rice and a side of sweet and tangy banana ketchup or Filipino-style soy sauce for dipping. They also pair beautifully with a refreshing mango salad or a simple cucumber salad to balance out the rich, savory flavors.
And let’s not forget the beverages! An ice-cold San Miguel beer or a fruity, bubbly Filipino soda like Sarsi or Ginger Ale are the perfect accompaniments to these skewers. You can even get creative and whip up a batch of Filipino-inspired cocktails, like a mango-lime mojito or a pineapple-ginger spritz.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers recipe is that it’s super versatile when it comes to storage and meal prep. You can make the marinade and marinate the pork up to 24 hours in advance, then simply thread the cubes onto the skewers and grill them when you’re ready to serve.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the skewers on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also freeze the cooked skewers for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers
Creative Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers Variations
While the classic Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers are hard to beat, there are so many ways to put your own spin on this recipe. Try mixing up the protein by using chicken or beef instead of pork. Or get creative with the marinade – you can swap out the vinegar for pineapple juice for a sweeter twist, or add a touch of soy sauce for a more savory flavor profile.
For a fun summertime variation, you can also thread the marinated pork onto skewers alongside pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and onions for a colorful and flavorful Filipino-inspired shish kebab. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try grilling the skewers over charcoal for an extra smoky taste?
Making Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers Diet-Friendly
To make these Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers a bit more diet-friendly, you can opt for a leaner cut of pork, like tenderloin or loin, instead of the shoulder. This will reduce the overall fat content without sacrificing any of the juicy, tender texture.
For a gluten-free version, simply swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative, like tamari or coconut aminos. And for a low-carb or keto-friendly take, you can serve the skewers over a bed of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional white rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of meat besides pork for this Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers recipe?
A: Absolutely! While pork is the classic choice, you can definitely use chicken or beef as well. Just be sure to adjust the marinade and cooking times accordingly.
Q: How long should I marinate the pork for best results?
A: For maximum flavor, we recommend marinating the pork for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours. The longer the pork marinates, the more pronounced the flavors will be.
Q: Can I make the Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the marinade and marinate the pork up to a day in advance. Then, simply thread the pork onto the skewers and grill them when you’re ready to serve.
Q: How many skewers does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 12-15 Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers, depending on how much pork you use and how you portion it out. Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your needs.
Q: What should I do if the pork is drying out on the grill?
A: If you notice the pork starting to dry out, try basting the skewers with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes of cooking. This will help keep the pork moist and juicy.
Delicious Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
Description
Savor the bold, tantalizing flavors of these Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers, made with juicy pork, a sweet and savory marinade, and perfectly grilled to perfection.
Ingredients
– 1 lb pork, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp grated ginger
– 1 tsp ground black pepper
– 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
1. – In a large bowl, combine the pork, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
2. – Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
3. – Thread the marinated pork onto metal or wooden skewers.
4. – Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred.
5. – Remove from grill and garnish with sliced green onions.
6. – Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
These Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers can also be broiled in the oven for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through. For extra flavor, baste the skewers with the remaining marinade during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Filipino
Conclusion
There’s just something so special about Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers – the mouthwatering aroma, the sticky-sweet glaze, the perfectly charred edges. It’s a dish that transports me back to my childhood, to those joyful family gatherings around the grill. And now, I’m so excited for you to experience the same magic in your own kitchen.
Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a new staple in your repertoire. The combination of the flavorful marinade and the grilling technique is simply unbeatable. So gather your family and friends, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy a little taste of the Philippines. I can’t wait to hear what you think!