This Easy Filipino BBQ Pork Recipe is perfect for those new to cooking! It features tender pork marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce, then grilled to perfection. Yum!
It’s super fun to make, and your kitchen will smell amazing! I love serving it with rice and some fresh veggies. You might want to make extra—you’ll want seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork: I recommend using pork shoulder or belly, as they are tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute with chicken thighs for chicken BBQ skewers.
Banana Ketchup: This is a sweet and tangy Filipino staple that adds a unique flavor. If you can’t find it, regular ketchup works well but will lack that special twist!
Calamansi Juice: This citrus fruit adds brightness to the marinade. If you don’t have it, lemon juice is a great substitute! It gives a similar zing.
Oyster Sauce: This adds depth to the marinade. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, try using a mushroom-based sauce for that umami flavor.
How Do I Get My Pork BBQ to Be Juicy and Flavorful?
To keep the pork moist and packed with flavor, the marinade is key! Let the pork marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you can. This really allows the flavors to soak in.
- Make sure to mix the marinade well to dissolve the brown sugar fully.
- When grilling, baste the pork with the leftover marinade during cooking. This keeps it juicy and flavorful!
- Don’t rush the grilling. Cooking the pork over medium-high heat ensures it gets those lovely char marks without drying out.
Easy Filipino BBQ Pork Recipe for Beginners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1½ pounds pork shoulder or pork belly, cut into long strips
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup banana ketchup (or regular ketchup as substitute)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons calamansi juice (or substitute with lemon juice)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for preparation and at least 2 hours for marinating (preferably overnight). Then, you will need around 15-20 minutes to grill the pork. So, in total, plan for about 2 hours and 35 minutes (including marinating time) to enjoy this flavorful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, banana ketchup, brown sugar, minced garlic, calamansi juice, oyster sauce, ground black pepper, and cooking oil. Whisk these ingredients together until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
2. Marinate the Pork:
Add the pork strips into the marinade, ensuring that all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor. This helps the pork absorb all those delicious flavors!
3. Preheat the Grill:
After the pork has marinated, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sear the meat nicely!
4. Skewer the Pork:
Take the marinated pork strips and thread them onto the soaked bamboo skewers. Make sure not to crowd the skewers; leave some space between pieces for even cooking.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side. Remember to baste the pork with any leftover marinade while grilling to keep it moist and flavorful. Grill until the pork is cooked through and has beautiful char marks—just make sure not to burn them!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once grilled, remove the skewers from the grill and place them on a serving plate. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Serve hot with steamed white rice on the side, and enjoy your delicious homemade Filipino BBQ Pork!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Cuts of Meat?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder and pork belly are great choices, you can also use chicken thighs or beef for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, especially for chicken, which cooks faster than pork.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some minced chili peppers or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade. You can also serve the skewers with a spicy dipping sauce on the side!
What If I Don’t Have Bamboo Skewers?
No worries! You can grill the pork directly on the grill or use metal skewers if you have them. Just make sure to oil them slightly to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can cook the marinated pork on a grill pan.
Can I Prepare the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the marinade a day in advance! Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, simply add the pork to the marinade and let it soak up the flavors for a couple of hours.
