These succulent Filipino Pork Barbecue grilled pork skewers are marinated in a delightful blend of sweet and savory ingredients. The addition of lemon-lime soda adds a unique twist to the recipe that makes it both tender and delicious! Perfect for summer grilling and sure to please everyone.
Filipino cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and vibrant dishes, and one staple that truly exemplifies this is the Filipino Barbecue Pork Skewers. These succulent grilled pork skewers are marinated in a delightful blend of sweet and savory ingredients, and the addition of Sprite or 7 Up in the marinade adds a unique twist to the recipe.
In this article, we will explore the tantalizing flavors of Filipino Pork Barbecue Skewers and provide you with a delicious recipe to recreate this popular street food in the comfort of your own home.
The Perfect Marinade: The key to achieving the delectable flavors of Filipino Pork Barbecue Skewers lies in the marinade. Traditionally, the marinade consists of soy sauce, ketchup, calamansi juice, garlic, brown sugar, and various spices. However, using Sprite as an ingredient gives the marinade an unexpected twist that enhances the flavors and adds a subtle sweetness to the dish. However, the lemon-lime soda not only adds flavor to the meat, but also acts as a meat tenderizer which results in the most tender and flavorful barbecued meat.
Sprite or 7Up, a lemon-lime soda, provides a delicate effervescence and acidity to the marinade, tenderizing the pork and infusing it with a refreshing zing. The citrusy notes of Sprite harmonize perfectly with the other marinade ingredients, resulting in a well-balanced flavor profile that complements the smoky char from the grill.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FILIPINO PORK BARBECUE SKEWERS?
What is the best cut of meat for this Filipino Barbecue Pork Skewers?
The best cut of meat for Filipino Barbecue Pork Skewers is pork shoulder or pork belly. Both cuts are well-suited for grilling and provide the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.
Pork shoulder, also known as pork butt or Boston butt, is a popular choice for barbecue skewers due to its marbling and rich flavor. It has enough fat content to keep the meat moist and tender while grilling, resulting in juicy and succulent skewers.
Pork belly, on the other hand, is known for its tender meat and deliciously fatty layers. It is often used in Filipino cuisine for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and flavor. When grilled, the fat renders and caramelizes, imparting a mouthwatering taste to the skewers.
Both cuts of meat offer a good amount of fat, which is essential for flavor and moisture during grilling. However, if you prefer leaner options, you can also use pork loin or tenderloin, although they may not be as juicy and flavorful as pork shoulder or belly.
Ultimately, the choice of meat cut comes down to personal preference. Consider your desired level of tenderness, marbling, and flavor when selecting the cut of meat for your Filipino Barbecue Pork Skewers.
How long do we need to marinate these Filipino Barbecue Pork Skewers?
For optimal flavor and tenderness, it is recommended to marinate Filipino Barbecue Pork Skewers for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. Marinating the pork for a longer period allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender end result.
During the marinating process, the marinade ingredients work their magic by tenderizing the meat and infusing it with their sweet and savory flavors. The Sprite in the marinade helps to further tenderize the pork and adds a unique twist to the taste profile.
If you’re short on time, marinating the pork for a minimum of 2 hours will still provide some flavor enhancement. However, if you have the luxury of time, marinating overnight is highly recommended as it allows the flavors to develop and permeate the meat thoroughly.
Remember to keep the marinated pork in the refrigerator while it’s marinating to ensure food safety. Before grilling, allow the skewers to come to room temperature for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.
Can I use this Sprite marinade mixture for other types of meat?
Yes, the marinade used for Filipino Barbecue Pork Skewers can be adapted and used for other types of meat as well. While it is commonly used for pork, you can certainly experiment with different proteins to create delicious grilled dishes.
Chicken: The marinade can be used for chicken skewers or bone-in chicken pieces like chicken thighs or drumsticks. Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight to ensure maximum flavor infusion.
Beef: You can use the same marinade for beef skewers or cuts like beef sirloin, flank steak, or even beef short ribs. Adjust the marinating time according to the cut of beef you are using. For tender cuts, marinate for 1-2 hours, while tougher cuts may benefit from marinating overnight.
Seafood: The marinade can add a delightful touch to grilled seafood like shrimp, squid, or fish fillets. Marinate seafood for a shorter time, around 30 minutes to 1 hour, as they tend to be more delicate and can become overly seasoned if marinated for too long.
Remember, the cooking times may vary depending on the type of meat you choose, so it’s essential to adjust accordingly. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to consider the specific flavors and characteristics of the protein you are using and how they will interact with the marinade. Feel free to experiment and tailor the marinade to your taste preferences and the meat or vegetables you are using.
WHAT ARE THE BEST TIPS TO ENSURE THE PERFECT FILIPINO BARBECUE PORK SKEWERS?
To ensure the perfect Filipino Barbecue Pork Skewers, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Choose the right cut of meat: Opt for pork shoulder or pork belly, as they are well-suited for grilling and provide a good balance of tenderness and flavor. Make sure the meat is not too lean; some fat is needed for flavoring.
- Marinate for optimal flavor: Marinate the pork skewers for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. This helps in tenderizing the pork and infusing it with sweet and savory marinade flavors.
- Soak bamboo skewers: To prevent the skewers from burning on the grill, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before threading the meat. This prevents them from catching fire and ensures even cooking.
- Preheat the grill: Make sure to preheat your grill to medium-high heat before placing the skewers on it. This ensures that the meat cooks evenly and develops a nice char on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.
- Oil the grill grates: Before placing the skewers on the grill, brush or spray the grates with oil to prevent the meat from sticking. This also helps in achieving those beautiful grill marks.
- Maintain the right temperature: Keep an eye on the grill temperature to ensure it remains at a consistent medium-high heat. Fluctuating temperatures can result in uneven cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers: Leave a small space between each piece of pork on the skewer to allow for even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to uneven heat distribution and result in some pieces being undercooked or overcooked.
- Baste with basting sauce: When nearly done, baste the skewers with the basting sauce to add extra flavor and moisture to the meat.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time: Filipino Barbecue Pork Skewers typically cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and nicely charred. Be mindful of the cooking time to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.
- Rest before serving: Once the skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in more tender and flavorful skewers.
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating perfect Filipino Barbecue Pork Skewers that are flavorful, tender, and sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!
FOR FULL RECIPE & INSTRUCTIONS and to PRINT, SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW.
Here’s a simple yet flavorful recipe to prepare Filipino Pork Barbecue Skewers with the unique addition of Sprite or 7 Up in the marinade.
WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS TO MAKE FILIPINO PORK BARBECUE SKEWERS?
- 2-3 lbs pork shoulder or pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
MARINADE
- 2 cups Sprite or 7 Up (or your favorite lemon-lime soda)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup calamansi lime or lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Oyster Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Fish Sauce (if you don’t have this, you may increase the salt to 2 teaspoons, but use it if you have it for even better flavor)
- 1 whole garlic, peeled and crushed
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
BASTING SAUCE
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2-3 tablespoons oyster sauce (adjust to taste)
- 4 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
- 1/2 tablespoon oil
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
HOW DO YOU MAKE FILIPINO PORK BARBECUE SKEWERS?
- In a bowl, combine the Sprite or 7 Up, soy sauce, calamansi or lemon juice, oyster sauce and fish sauce, crushed garlic, brown sugar, and salt. Mix well until the sugar has dissolved and the marinade is well blended.
- Place the pork cubes in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring all the pieces are coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the pork to tenderize.
Preheat your grill to high heat (about 450 F). If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are evenly heated and have turned white.
Thread the marinated pork cubes onto the soaked bamboo skewers. Make sure to tightly bunch the meat together (with little to no space in between) to prevent the skewers from burning and breaking during cooking. The only parts of the skewers that should be exposed are the ends on either side.
Mix together the ketchup, sugar, and oil in a bowl and set aside. This is your basting sauce.
Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and nicely charred on all sides.
When the pork is nearly done, quickly baste it with the basting sauce and cook for another minute until the sauce is fully heated and looks caramelized on the meat.
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Serve the Filipino Pork Barbecue Skewers hot with steamed rice, a side of atchara (pickled papaya), and a dipping sauce made of vinegar, soy sauce, and chopped chili for an authentic Filipino barbecue experience.
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Filipino Barbecue Pork Skewers
Equipment
- Grill
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs pork shoulder, pork belly, or pork butt, cut into 2-inch lengths or long strips (if you wish it to be just one long piece of meat per skewer)
MARINADE
- 2 cups sprite or 7 Up, or your favorite lemon-lime soda
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup calamansi lime or lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (you can increase the salt content if you don't have fish sauce but use it if you can because it adds depth of flavor to the barbecue)
- 1 whole garlic, peeled and crushed
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt, (adjust to taste – I taste the marinade and adjust the saltiness to my liking)
BASTING SAUCE
- 1/2 cup cup ketchup
- 2-3 tablespoons oyster sauce, or to taste
- 1/4 Cup sugar, or to taste
- 1/2 tablespoon oil
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the Sprite or 7 Up, soy sauce, calamansi or lemon juice, oyster sauce, fish sauce, crushed garlic, brown sugar, and salt. Mix well until the sugar has dissolved and the marinade is well blended.
- Place the pork cubes in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring all the pieces are coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the pork to tenderize.
- Thread the marinated pork cubes onto the soaked bamboo skewers. Make sure to tightly bunch the meat together (with little to no space in between) to prevent the skewers from burning and breaking during cooking.
- Preheat your grill to high heat (about 450 F). If using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly heated and have turned white.
- Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and nicely charred on all sides.
- When the pork is nearly done, quickly baste it with the basting sauce (very important!!!) and cook for another minute until the sauce is fully heated and looks caramelized on the meat.
- Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Serve the Filipino Pork Barbecue Skewers hot with steamed rice, a side of atchara (pickled papaya), and a dipping sauce made of vinegar, soy sauce, and chopped chili for an authentic Filipino barbecue experience.
Nutrition
Last updated on June 27th, 2024 at 06:09 pm
