Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers
Filipino

Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers

Recipe by Frank & Lisa

Sweet-savory grilled pork is one of the easiest Filipino crowd-pleasers. Banana ketchup, soy sauce, soda, garlic, and vinegar/calamansi give the classic sticky, tangy street-food profile.

Prep Time 45
Cook Time 20
Servings 6

Instructions

  1. 1. Slice pork into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick and 1 inch wide. A little fat is good; it helps the skewers stay juicy.
  2. 2. In a large bowl or zip bag, mix soy sauce, lemon-lime soda, banana ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar/calamansi/lemon juice, garlic, black pepper, and oil.
  3. 3. Add pork and coat well. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Turn or massage the bag once if you remember.
  4. 4. Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
  5. 5. Thread pork onto skewers, folding strips accordion-style so the meat is compact but not packed too tightly.
  6. 6. Grill over medium-high heat or broil about 6 inches from the heat. Turn often until lightly charred and cooked through, usually 15-20 minutes total depending on thickness.
  7. 7. Baste only with fresh marinade or marinade that has been boiled for several minutes. Do not brush raw pork marinade onto finished skewers.
  8. 8. Cook pork to at least 145 F with a 3-minute rest. For pork shoulder strips, cooking a bit longer is fine because the cut is fatty and forgiving.
  9. 9. Serve as-is or with optional spiced vinegar dip: cane vinegar + minced garlic + chilies + pinch of salt and pepper.