BBQ Pork Skewers with Filipino BBQ Marinade

BBQ Pork Skewers with Filipino BBQ Marinade are sweet, savory, and irresistibly smoky—an iconic street food favorite in the Philippines. Made with thinly sliced pork marinated in a rich blend of soy sauce, banana ketchup, garlic, and brown sugar, these skewers are grilled to caramelized perfection. Juicy, tender, and packed with bold flavor, they’re perfect for backyard BBQs, parties, or casual weeknight meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Filipino street food flavor
• Sweet, savory, and slightly smoky taste
• Easy to prep and cook—great for entertaining
• Uses affordable ingredients with big payoff
• Juicy, tender pork with caramelized edges
• Banana ketchup adds a unique, tangy-sweet twist
• Great for grilling season or indoor grill pans
• Delicious on its own or with rice and sides
• A crowd-pleaser for parties and potlucks
• Kid-friendly and highly customizable

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pork shoulder or pork butt, thinly sliced
• Soy sauce
• Banana ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Garlic, minced
• Lemon juice or calamansi juice
• Black pepper
• Sprite or 7-Up (optional, for tenderizing)
• Skewers (wooden or metal)
• Optional: chili flakes or hot sauce for spice

directions

this recipe

1. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if using.
2. In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine soy sauce, banana ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, lemon juice, black pepper, and optional soda. Stir or shake to mix well.
3. Add sliced pork to the marinade and mix until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
4. Thread marinated pork onto skewers, folding or layering thin slices for even cooking.
5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
6. Grill skewers for 3–5 minutes per side, basting with extra marinade (boiled first) for added flavor and shine. Cook until pork is caramelized and fully cooked through.
7. Serve hot with steamed rice, atchara (pickled papaya), or dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 4–24 hours
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 4.5–24 hours (including marination)

Variations

• Use chicken thigh or beef for variation
• Add chili for a spicy BBQ version
• Swap banana ketchup for tomato ketchup and a bit of sugar if unavailable
• Finish with a squeeze of calamansi or lime for brightness
• Serve with a vinegar dipping sauce for tangy contrast

storage/reheating

Store leftover cooked skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, grill or pan-fry briefly over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture. You can also freeze uncooked, marinated pork for up to 2 months—just thaw and grill when ready.

FAQs

What is banana ketchup, and can I substitute it?

Banana ketchup is a sweet, tangy Filipino condiment made from bananas, sugar, and vinegar. If unavailable, use tomato ketchup with added sugar and a splash of vinegar.

Why use soda like Sprite in the marinade?

It tenderizes the pork and adds a mild sweetness that balances the savory flavors.

Can I use pork belly instead of shoulder?

Yes, pork belly adds extra richness and is commonly used in Filipino BBQ.

How thin should I slice the pork?

Thin slices (about ¼ inch) cook quickly and absorb marinade well—ideal for skewers.

Can I grill these on a stovetop?

Yes, use a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for similar results.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade for heat.

How do I prevent the pork from burning on the grill?

Keep the heat at medium-high and avoid flare-ups. Turn skewers often and baste with care.

What sides go well with these skewers?

Steamed jasmine rice, pickled vegetables (atchara), or grilled corn are perfect pairings.

How long should I marinate the pork?

At least 4 hours is good, but overnight yields the best flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes—marinate the pork in advance, and grill when ready. You can also cook and reheat skewers for easy serving.

Conclusion

BBQ Pork Skewers with Filipino BBQ Marinade are a vibrant, flavorful way to bring island-style grilling to your table. With their perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, these skewers are a must-try for any BBQ lover. Whether you’re serving them at a party or a casual weeknight dinner, they deliver delicious results every time.

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