This Easy Filipino BBQ Pork recipe is a winner! It features tender pork marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, perfect for grilling. You’ll love how simple it is to make!
Trust me, the smell alone will have everyone flocking to the grill. I usually serve it with rice and a side of veggies for a yummy meal. Can’t wait for you to try it! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder or Pork Belly: This dish works great with either cut. I prefer pork shoulder for its balanced fat and meat ratio, making it tender when grilled. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try pork loin instead.
Banana Ketchup: This is the star ingredient! It adds a unique sweetness. If you can’t find it, you can use regular ketchup mixed with a bit of sugar and vinegar for a similar taste.
Soy Sauce: Used for seasoning and adding depth. If you’re gluten-free, consider tamari or coconut aminos as substitutes.
Brown Sugar: This gives a lovely caramel flavor. If you’re out, white sugar or honey can work, though honey may change the texture a bit.
Vinegar: White vinegar works fine, but cane vinegar is traditional. If you want a different flavor, try apple cider vinegar.
How Do I Marinate the Pork Properly?
Marinating the pork is crucial for bringing out flavor and tenderness. Here’s how to do it well:
- Make sure to fully coat the pork pieces in the marinade, so every bit absorbs that delicious flavor.
- Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. The longer it marinates, the better it gets! A minimum of 2 hours is good, but overnight is ideal.
- Mix or turn the meat once or twice while marinating to ensure even flavor distribution.
What’s the Best Grilling Technique?
Grilling is where the magic happens! Here are my tips:
- Preheat your grill well to get that charred finish. A medium-high heat is perfect!
- Keep an eye on the skewers as they cook, turning them every few minutes to avoid burning.
- Use leftover marinade to baste the skewers for extra flavor; just be sure to do this only while cooking, not before to avoid any cross-contamination.
Easy Filipino BBQ Pork Recipe for Beginners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder or pork belly, thinly sliced or cut into strips
- 1/2 cup banana ketchup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp vinegar (white or cane vinegar)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Metal or bamboo skewers, soaked if using bamboo
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Filipino BBQ Pork recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus a marinating time of at least 2 hours (or overnight for best flavor). Grilling takes around 10-15 minutes. So, you’re looking at around 2 hours and 30 minutes in total with marinating — most of which is just waiting, so grab a snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the banana ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, vinegar, ground black pepper, salt, and vegetable oil. Mix everything together until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.
2. Marinate the Pork:
Add the sliced pork strips to the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the pork marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. For the best flavor, marinate overnight!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot when the pork goes on.
4. Thread the Pork on Skewers:
Thread the marinated pork strips onto your skewers. If using bamboo skewers, make sure they are soaked in water to prevent burning. Bunch the pieces together as needed to fit them onto the skewers.
5. Grill the Pork:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking and to get a beautiful char. Brush with any leftover marinade while grilling to keep the pork moist and to add extra flavor.
6. Check for Doneness:
Grill until the pork is cooked through and has a slightly charred appearance, which is the hallmark of that classic Filipino BBQ look.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and sprinkle chopped green onions on top for garnish. Serve your BBQ Pork hot with steamed white rice, and enjoy the delightful flavors of this Filipino favorite!
Happy cooking! 😊
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Cuts of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder or pork belly are traditional, you can use chicken thighs or beef if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken cooks faster than pork.
Is It Necessary to Marinate Overnight?
While marinating overnight is ideal for the best flavor, a minimum of 2 hours will still impart great taste. Just plan accordingly based on your available time!
How Do I Store Leftover BBQ Pork?
Any leftover BBQ pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Dish in the Oven?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re nicely cooked and a bit charred!
