This Easy Filipino Pork Barbecue is a crowd-pleaser! Made with tender pork marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, it’s perfect for grilling up at your next cookout.
I love how the sweet aroma fills the air while it cooks. Plus, it’s so easy to prepare with just a few ingredients! You can’t go wrong serving this at a party!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork: I recommend using pork shoulder for its balance of meat and fat, making it juicy after grilling. Alternatively, pork belly can offer more richness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken thighs also work well with this marinade.
Banana Ketchup: This unique ingredient adds sweetness and a hint of spice. If you can’t find it, you can use regular ketchup mixed with a little sugar and vinegar to mimic the flavor.
Pineapple Juice: This ingredient enhances sweetness and adds a tropical twist. For a healthier option, you can replace it with orange juice or omit it altogether if you prefer a less sweet marinade.
Garlic and Onion: Fresh garlic and onion better the flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder and onion powder are okay alternatives but fresh really packs a punch!
How Do I Grill the Pork Barbecue to Perfection?
Perfectly grilled pork barbecue takes a bit of care but is well worth it. Follow these steps for great results:
- Ensure your grill is preheated and at medium heat. This helps cook the pork through while also achieving nice char marks.
- Make sure to soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Regularly baste the pork with leftover marinade while grilling for added flavor and moisture. Just make sure not to use the marinade that has been in contact with raw pork unless it’s boiled first.
- Let the pork skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and flavorful.
Easy Filipino Pork Barbecue
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Marinade:
- 2 pounds pork shoulder or pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup banana ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of active preparation time, but you should allow for at least 4 hours (or ideally overnight) for marinating the pork. Grilling will take about 10-15 minutes, depending on your grill and the size of the pork cubes. So, set aside some time to let those flavors meld beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by gathering a large mixing bowl. In it, combine the soy sauce, banana ketchup, brown sugar, pineapple juice, minced garlic, chopped onion, ground black pepper, salt, and cooking oil. Mix everything together well until the sugar has dissolved, and you have a smooth marinade.
2. Marinate the Pork:
Once your marinade is ready, add the pork cubes to the bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to stir and coat the pork evenly in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let the pork marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for maximum flavor.
3. Prepare to Grill:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium heat. While it’s heating up, take the bamboo skewers that have been soaking in water (this prevents them from burning) and thread the marinated pork cubes onto the skewers. Give them a little space in between each piece for even cooking.
4. Grill the Pork Skewers:
Place the skewers onto the hot grill. Grill them for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. Don’t forget to baste them with leftover marinade throughout the grilling process to keep them juicy and add extra flavor!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the pork is grilled to perfection and slightly charred at the edges, remove them from the grill. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Pair the delicious skewers with steamed rice and enjoy your tasty Filipino Pork Barbecue!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Meats Besides Pork?
Absolutely! While pork is traditional for this recipe, you can also use chicken thighs or even beef if you prefer. Just adjust the marinade time slightly; chicken only requires about 2-3 hours, while beef may need a similar marinating time as pork.
What If I Don’t Have Banana Ketchup?
No problem! If banana ketchup isn’t available, you can substitute with regular ketchup mixed with a bit of sugar and vinegar to achieve a similar sweetness and tang. Aim for about 3 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of vinegar for this substitute.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover pork barbecue can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the skewers for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Grill These in an Oven or Air Fryer?
Yes! If you’re using an oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. For an air fryer, cook at 375°F (190°C) for around 10-12 minutes, depending on the size of the pork pieces.
