Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Smoky Sweet Delight: Discover the Irresistible Charm of Filipino BBQ Pork - Featured Image

Smoky Sweet Delight: Discover the Irresistible Charm of Filipino BBQ Pork

Learn how to make delicious Filipino BBQ Pork. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a stovetop grill, make sure it’s well-oiled to prevent sticking.
  4. Thread the marinated pork pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
  5. 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!
  6. 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.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: Filipino BBQ Pork, recipe, cooking, food