Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup banana ketchup (or tomato ketchup with a teaspoon of sugar as a substitute)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons calamansi juice (or lemon juice as an alternative)
- 1/4 cup Sprite or 7-Up for added sweetness and tenderness
- Skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
I’ve found that banana ketchup gives an authentic Filipino twist with its unique sweetness. However, if it’s not available, tomato ketchup mixed with a bit of sugar works just fine. And the calamansi juice? It’s like a splash of sunshine that brightens up the marinade. Feel free to use lemon juice if calamansi is hard to find.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, banana ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, black pepper, calamansi juice, and Sprite. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and everything is well combined.
- Add the pork cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a stovetop grill, make sure it’s well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- Thread the marinated pork pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the leftover marinade. Look for a nice char and caramelization on the outside—this is where the magic happens!
- Once cooked through, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Pro tip from my kitchen to yours: don’t rush the marinating time. It’s during this period that the pork absorbs all those wonderful flavors, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Filipino BBQ Pork, recipe, cooking, food
