Savory Filipino Grilled Pork Skewers
Experience the bold and delicious flavors of the Philippines with these Savory Filipino Grilled Pork Skewers. This recipe combines tender slices of pork marinated in a rich blend of soy sauce, banana ketchup, garlic, and spices, creating a deliciously sweet and tangy dish that's perfect for barbecues, family gatherings, or simply a fun dinner. Serve these skewers with a side of sticky rice and drizzle the flavorful marinade on top for an unforgettable meal straight from the heart of Filipino cuisine.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork
2 lbs (sliced thinly and long)
Soy Sauce
1/2 cup (none)
Banana Ketchup
1/4 cup (none)
Brown Sugar
1/4 cup (none)
Garlic
1/2 head (minced)
Carbonated Lemon-Lime Beverage
1/2 cup (such as 7-Up or Sprite)
Pineapple Juice
1/2 cup (optional (if not using, compensate with more lemon-lime beverage))
Oyster Sauce
2 tablespoons (or hoisin sauce)
Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (optional)
Ground Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
MSG
1 dash (none)
Skewers
as needed (soaked if wooden)
Instructions
1
Cut the pork into thin, long slices to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
2
In a blender, combine soy sauce, banana ketchup, brown sugar, minced garlic, carbonated lemon-lime beverage, pineapple juice (if using), oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce), lemon juice (if using), ground black pepper, and MSG. Blend until smooth.
3
In a large bowl, mix the pork slices with the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight to enhance the flavors.
4
Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes if using, to prevent burning.
5
String the marinated pork slices onto the skewers, applying a slight twist as you go to ensure stability.
6
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side or until the pork is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks.
7
Meanwhile, pour any leftover marinade into a medium pot. Bring to a vigorous boil over high heat and cook for about 10 minutes to ensure food safety. Strain sauce to remove solid bits.
8
Serve the grilled pork skewers hot, drizzled with the strained marinade over a bed of steamed rice or alongside a fresh salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Filipino Grilled Pork Skewers?
They are tender slices of pork marinated in a rich, sweet, and tangy blend of soy sauce, banana ketchup, garlic, and spices, traditionally grilled for a smoky flavor.
What cut of pork is best for these skewers?
For the best results, use pork shoulder or pork butt sliced into thin, long pieces to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
What is the secret to the marinade's flavor?
The secret lies in the combination of banana ketchup, soy sauce, garlic, and a carbonated lemon-lime beverage which tenderizes the meat.
Why is banana ketchup used in this recipe?
Banana ketchup provides a distinct sweetness and vibrant red color that is a hallmark of traditional Filipino barbecue.
How long should I marinate the pork?
It is recommended to marinate the pork slices in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
What can I use if I don't have pineapple juice?
If you do not have pineapple juice, you can compensate by adding more carbonated lemon-lime beverage to the marinade.
Can I substitute oyster sauce?
Yes, if you do not have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce as a substitute to maintain the savory depth of the marinade.
How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the meat to prevent them from catching fire on the grill.
What is the best way to thread the pork onto skewers?
String the thin pork slices onto the skewers while applying a slight twist as you go to ensure the meat stays stable and cooks evenly.
What grill temperature is recommended?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to achieve beautiful grill marks while ensuring the pork is cooked through.
How long does it take to grill the skewers?
The skewers typically take approximately 4-5 minutes on each side depending on the thickness of the meat slices.
Is it safe to use the leftover marinade as a sauce?
Yes, but you must bring it to a vigorous boil for at least 10 minutes to kill any bacteria from the raw meat before serving.
Should I strain the boiled marinade?
Straining the sauce is recommended to remove solid bits of garlic and pepper, resulting in a smooth glaze for the skewers.
Is MSG necessary for this recipe?
A dash of MSG is included to enhance the umami flavors, but it can be omitted if you prefer not to use it.
How much pork do I need for this recipe?
This specific recipe calls for 2 lbs of pork, which is ideal for a family gathering or meal prep.
What is the purpose of the lemon-lime beverage?
The carbonation and acidity in beverages like 7-Up or Sprite act as a tenderizer for the pork while adding sweetness.
What should I serve with Filipino Grilled Pork Skewers?
These skewers are traditionally served with a side of steamed white rice or sticky rice and occasionally a fresh side salad.
Can I use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice is an optional addition to the marinade to provide extra brightness and acidity.
How do I ensure the marinade is smooth?
Combining all marinade ingredients in a blender and blending until smooth ensures the garlic and spices are evenly distributed.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Common tags include filipino, pork skewers, grilled, barbecue, marinated meat, and sweet and savory.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, Filipino pork barbecue is a classic comfort food often enjoyed at street stalls, parties, and family dinners.
How much garlic is used?
This recipe uses a generous amount of garlic, specifically 1/2 head of minced garlic, for a bold and aromatic flavor.
Can I use brown sugar alternatives?
While brown sugar provides a rich molasses sweetness, you can use other sweeteners, though the flavor profile may change slightly.
What are the main flavor profiles of the dish?
The primary flavor profiles are sweet, savory, and tangy, which is characteristic of Southeast Asian grilled meats.
How do I prep the garlic for the marinade?
The garlic should be finely minced before being added to the blender with the other liquid ingredients.
Is this a good dish for parties?
Absolutely, these skewers are a popular party dish because they are easy to serve as finger food and can be prepared in large batches.
What kind of pepper should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper to add a subtle spice and depth to the marinade.
Can I grill these indoors?
Yes, you can use an indoor grill pan or broiler if an outdoor grill is not available, though you will miss the smoky outdoor flavor.
How thick should the pork slices be?
The pork should be sliced very thinly and long to allow it to be woven onto the skewer and to cook quickly over high heat.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe originates from the Philippines, where grilled skewers are a staple of street food and celebrations.