This Easy Filipino BBQ Pork is a tasty dish that’s perfect for beginners! Made with tender pork, a sweet marinade, and grilled to perfection, it’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Don’t be surprised if the smell makes your neighbors curious! I love serving it with rice and a side of veggies—simple, fun, and oh-so-delicious. You’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork: I recommend using pork shoulder or pork butt because they become tender and juicy when grilled. If you prefer a leaner cut, pork loin works but may be less moist.
Banana Ketchup: This unique ingredient adds a sweet and tangy flavor. If you can’t find it, regular ketchup is a good alternative, though the taste will be slightly different. You might add a bit of sugar to mimic the sweetness.
Brown Sugar: This adds a depth of sweetness. You can swap it with white sugar or honey if needed, but keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly.
Vinegar: Cane vinegar is traditional but any white vinegar works well too. If you’d like a milder flavor, try apple cider vinegar.
How Do I Ensure Juicy and Flavorful Pork on the Grill?
To keep your pork juicy and flavorful, marinating is key. Make sure to let your meat soak in the marinade for at least 3 hours, but overnight is best. This allows it to absorb all the delicious flavors.
- When grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high. A properly heated grill helps sear the meat for that caramelized surface.
- Baste frequently with the reserved marinade while grilling. This not only adds flavor but helps keep the meat moist.
- Look for an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) for safety, but for more tender results, aim for around 160°F (71°C).
Easy Filipino BBQ Pork Recipe for Beginners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into 1-inch thick slices or chunks
- 1/2 cup banana ketchup (or regular ketchup)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (white or cane vinegar)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil or vegetable oil
For Grilling:
- Bamboo or metal skewers (soaked in water if bamboo)
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions or parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the marinade and thread the pork onto skewers. Then, the marinating time is at least 3 hours, but for the best flavor, try to marinate it overnight. The grilling process takes about 15-20 minutes. In total, you’re looking at around 4 hours, including marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the banana ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, water, and cooking oil. Use a whisk to combine everything until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
2. Marinate the Pork:
Toss the pork pieces into the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours—overnight is even better. This helps the flavors seep into the meat.
3. Thread the Pork onto Skewers:
After marinating, take the pork out of the fridge. Reserve some of the marinade for basting later. Carefully thread the marinated pork pieces onto the skewers, ensuring they’re packed closely but not too tight.
4. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill or grill pan ready by heating it up to medium-high. If using charcoal, wait until the coals are white-hot but still manageable for cooking.
5. Grill the Pork:
Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, turning frequently. While grilling, use the reserved marinade to baste the pork to keep it juicy and to create a beautiful caramelized coating.
6. Watch for Charring:
It’s perfectly normal for the pork to develop some charred edges, which add extra flavor. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning by adjusting the distance from the heat or the heat level as needed.
7. Finish and Serve:
Once the pork is cooked through and has a lovely color, take it off the grill. Allow the skewers to rest for a few minutes. If you’d like, you can sprinkle them with chopped green onions or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
8. Serve With:
Enjoy your flavorful BBQ pork skewers with steamed white rice, fresh tomatoes, or atchara (pickled papaya). For an extra kick, prepare a dipping sauce with vinegar, crushed garlic, and chili!
Dig in and savor the sweet-savory flavors of this delicious Filipino BBQ pork. You’re sure to impress family and friends with this easy and delightful dish!
FAQ for Easy Filipino BBQ Pork Recipe
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder or pork butt is ideal for their tenderness, you can also use pork loin or tenderloin. Just be aware that leaner cuts may need more attention to avoid drying out while grilling.
What If I Can’t Find Banana Ketchup?
No worries! If you can’t find banana ketchup, regular ketchup works as a substitute. Just keep in mind that using regular ketchup may make the flavor slightly less fruity and tangy. You can add a touch of brown sugar to mimic that sweetness if desired.
Can I Marinate the Pork for Longer?
Yes, marinating the pork overnight is actually recommended for more intense flavor. However, try not to marinate for more than 24 hours, as the texture of the meat might start to break down if left too long.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled pork skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or quickly on a grill or skillet until heated through to maintain their juiciness.
