This Filipino Pork BBQ is a treat! It’s made with tender pork marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, giving it tons of flavor. Perfect for grilling at backyard parties!
When it’s sizzling on the grill, my mouth starts watering. I love sharing this with family and friends—everyone goes for seconds! It just makes gatherings more fun!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is flavorful and tender when grilled. If you can’t find it, you can use pork tenderloin or even chicken thighs for a leaner option. Just remember, chicken might require less marination time.
Soy Sauce: It’s the base of your marinade, providing a salty and umami flavor. You can substitute low-sodium soy sauce for a lighter version, or try coconut aminos if you’re looking for a gluten-free option.
Pineapple Juice: This adds sweetness and a bit of acidity, helping to tenderize the meat. You can swap it for orange juice or even apple cider vinegar mixed with water if you’re out of pineapple juice.
Brown Sugar: It brings a nice caramel taste. If you’re watching your sugar intake, feel free to use coconut sugar or an artificial sweetener suitable for cooking.
How Do I Marinate Pork For Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is vital to making these BBQ pork skewers delicious! Here’s how you can do it effectively:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl, remembering to mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the cubed pork, ensuring each piece is coated. It’s a good idea to massage the marinade into the meat for better flavor.
- Cover the bowl tightly and let it rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best. This allows the flavors to really penetrate the pork.
Remember that the longer you marinate, the deeper the flavors will be! Just don’t exceed 24 hours as the meat can become too soft.
How to Make Filipino BBQ Pork Skewers?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
For the Skewers:
- 1 pound pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Skewers (bamboo or metal)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the marinade and skewers, plus at least 2 hours of marinating time (or overnight for better flavor). After marinating, grilling takes about 10-15 minutes. So in total, you’ll need around 2 hours and 30 minutes, plus cooking time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, minced garlic, black pepper, paprika, five-spice powder, ketchup, vegetable oil, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything well until the sugar dissolves and the marinade is smooth.
2. Marinate the Pork:
Add the cubed pork shoulder to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but if you can, overnight is even better for that amazing flavor!
3. Preheat and Skewer:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. While it heats up, take the marinated pork out of the fridge. Thread the marinated pork cubes onto your skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking.
4. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the hot grill. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally so they cook evenly and get a nice, charred look. You can check if the pork is done by cutting into a piece—there should be no pink inside!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once grilled, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices in. Serve the BBQ pork skewers hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley if you like. They’re perfect over rice or as a tasty appetizer. Enjoy your delicious culinary creation!
Can I Use Another Cut of Pork Instead of Shoulder?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder gives a great flavor and tenderness, you can also use pork loin or tenderloin. Just remember that tender cuts may cook quicker, so adjust your grilling time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
What Can I Use Instead of Pineapple Juice?
If you don’t have pineapple juice, you can substitute it with orange juice for a slightly different flavor. Apple juice can also work in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level may vary, so adjust the brown sugar as needed.
How Long Can I Marinate the Pork?
You can marinate the pork for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Just be cautious not to exceed this time too much, as the meat can become too tender and mushy. If you’re in a hurry, marinating for just 2 hours is still effective for a decent flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can be reheated in the microwave or quickly on the grill to restore some of their original texture. If you want to freeze them, wrap them tightly in foil and they can last up to 3 months! Just remember to thaw them in the fridge before reheating.
