Filipino Pork BBQ

Filipino Pork BBQ is hands down one of my favorite street foods ever. The perfect mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors makes it absolutely irresistible. Marinated with pineapple juice, soy sauce, and banana ketchup, the pork gets a delightful caramelized glaze when grilled. It’s perfect for any occasion, and Filipinos love to prepare it for special events like birthdays and fiestas. The smoky aroma and delicious taste make it a crowd-pleaser every time. Trust me, once you try it, you'll be coming back for more!

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Why Filipino Pork BBQ is My All-Time Favorite Street Food

When friends ask me what my favorite Filipino street food is, without hesitation, I always say Filipino BBQ. I absolutely love its sweet and tangy flavors. Who wouldn’t? It’s one of the most amazing street foods in the Philippines.

Back when I was in college, there was a street vendor who set up her BBQ grill right outside our school every afternoon. Just as my classes ended, the smell of the BBQ would fill the air, drawing everyone in like a magnet. I could never resist it either! I would grab a few sticks—sometimes five, sometimes even ten—and dip them in vinegar sauce, which enhanced the flavor with a perfect combination of acidity and sweetness. It made each bite even more delicious and satisfying.

One day, I asked the vendor for her recipe. She smiled and said her BBQ was made with “love.” It was a funny moment, but I realized she wasn’t going to give away her secret recipe. So, I took it upon myself to create my own version. After several attempts, I finally came up with the perfect Pork BBQ recipe. I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it brings me! Of course, everyone’s taste is different, so feel free to adjust it to your liking. Whether you like it sweeter or less sweet, the beauty of cooking is making it your own.

How Do You Perfect the Marinade for Filipino Pork BBQ?

The key to making mouthwatering Filipino Pork BBQ lies in the marinade. So, how do you achieve that perfect balance of flavors? It’s actually quite simple, and the ingredients are probably ones you already have in your kitchen.

A typical Filipino BBQ marinade includes:

Soy sauce for that deep umami flavor
Lemon juice to add brightness and a bit of tang
Brown sugar for sweetness
Banana ketchup to give it that classic Filipino BBQ taste
Garlic for a bit of sharpness
Black pepper for a touch of spice

But if you want to take it to the next level, you can add pineapple juice. Not only does it add sweetness, but it also gives the marinade extra depth. Additionally, the acidity in the pineapple juice helps tenderize the meat, making each bite juicy and flavorful.

Some people also use soda, like 7-Up or Sprite, to tenderize the meat further. The carbonation helps break down the fibers in the pork, resulting in a more tender BBQ. If you have the time, let the pork marinate for several hours, but overnight is best. This way, the flavors fully penetrate the meat, giving you that irresistible taste in every bite.

What’s the Best Cut of Pork for Filipino BBQ?

Choosing the right cut of pork is just as important as the marinade. I always recommend using pork shoulder or pork belly. These cuts have the ideal amount of fat to keep the BBQ moist and juicy. The fat renders as you grill, infusing the meat with more flavor and ensuring it stays tender.

If you prefer something leaner, you can use pork tenderloin. Just keep in mind that tenderloin doesn’t have as much fat, so it might not be as juicy as pork belly or shoulder. You’ll need to be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out faster.

The combination of a well-balanced marinade and the right pork cut makes all the difference in creating that perfect Filipino BBQ.

How to Slice Pork for Filipino BBQ

The way you slice pork for Filipino BBQ can make all the difference in how it cooks and absorbs the marinade. To ensure even cooking and maintain that juicy, tender bite, it’s important to get the cutting technique just right.

What’s the Best Way to Slice Pork for BBQ?

Slice into Thin Strips or Small Cubes:
Start by cutting the pork into thin strips or small, bite-sized cubes. This allows the marinade to penetrate the meat fully and ensures it cooks quickly on the grill. Thin strips give the pork a perfect char on the edges, which adds extra flavor and texture.
Keep Pieces Evenly Sized:
No matter how you slice it, be sure each piece is about the same size. This ensures the pork cooks evenly, which helps you avoid some pieces being overcooked while others remain underdone. Therefore, aim for pieces that are around 1 to 2 inches thick for ideal results.
Cut Against the Grain:
Always slice the pork against the grain, meaning you cut perpendicular to the natural lines in the meat. This helps break down the muscle fibers, making the pork more tender and easier to chew after it’s grilled.

By slicing the pork into even, thin pieces and cutting against the grain, you’ll ensure your Filipino BBQ comes out perfectly cooked, flavorful, and tender every time!

Pork BBQ Grilling Tips

Grilling your pork BBQ just right can make all the difference! Here are some friendly tips to help you achieve that perfect, mouthwatering result:

Go for Charcoal: If you want that amazing smoky flavor, grilling over charcoal is the way to go! It adds a unique depth to your BBQ that you just can’t replicate with a gas grill or oven. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Add Wood Chips with Gas Grills: Don’t have charcoal? No problem! If you’re using a gas grill, you can still get that smoky taste by adding some soaked wood chips. Just toss them on the grill to infuse your BBQ with that delicious aroma.
Soak Your Bamboo Skewers: If you’re using bamboo skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This little step helps prevent them from burning and keeps your tasty pork on the skewer!
Baste with Leftover Marinade: While your BBQ is grilling, give it a brush with the leftover marinade. This keeps the meat moist and adds even more flavor as it cooks—yum!
Let It Rest: After grilling, let your pork BBQ rest for a few minutes before diving in. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite even more flavorful and juicy.

Additional Cooking Tips

Marinate Longer for Better Flavor: Marinating the pork overnight gives the best flavor and tenderness.
Preheat Your Grill: Always preheat the grill to medium-high to prevent sticking and burning.
Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Ensure there’s enough space between skewers on the grill for even cooking.

How to Make Filipino Pork BBQ: Step-by-Step

Ready to grill up some delicious Filipino Pork BBQ? It’s super easy, and I promise it’ll be a hit! Let’s walk through the steps together:

Make the Marinade: In a big bowl, mix pineapple juice, brown sugar, lemon juice, minced garlic, 7-Up, soy sauce, onion powder, and banana ketchup until the sugar dissolves.
Prep the Pork: Cut 2 pounds of pork shoulder or pork belly into thin strips or cubes.
Marinate the Pork: Place the pork in a resealable bag or container, pour the marinade over it, and seal. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for better flavor.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Skewer the Pork: Thread the marinated pork onto the soaked skewers, leaving space between pieces.
Grill the Pork: Cook the skewers on the grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. Baste with leftover marinade to keep it moist.
Serve: Let the BBQ rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it hot with steamed rice or as a tasty appetizer!

How to Make the Perfect Dipping Sauce for Filipino BBQ

No BBQ is complete without a dipping sauce, right? The right sauce adds that extra burst of flavor to your Filipino BBQ. Whether you go for the traditional vinegar-based sauce or my special blend with honey and garlic, both will elevate your BBQ experience.

Traditional Filipino BBQ Dipping Sauce:

Mix vinegar with minced garlic and, if you prefer, throw in some chili for heat.
Add a splash of soy sauce for a salty kick.
Stir in a bit of sugar if you want to balance the flavors.
Stir everything thoroughly and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Serve with your BBQ and enjoy the tangy contrast to the sweet, smoky pork.

My Special Dipping Sauce:

Start by combining honey and vinegar in a small bowl, stirring until the sweetness and acidity blend perfectly.
Add grated garlic and minced onion for extra flavor and texture.
Season with black pepper and salt to taste.
Stir everything well and let the sauce rest for about 10 minutes so the flavors come together.
Serve with your BBQ and enjoy a sweet, tangy, and savory dip that enhances every bite.

Both sauces bring something unique—the traditional sauce offers a sharp, tangy flavor, while my special blend adds a layer of sweetness and depth. Try them both and discover your favorite!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making BBQ

Getting your BBQ just right can be a bit tricky, but don’t worry! Here are some friendly tips on common mistakes to avoid so you can grill up the perfect dish:

Not Marinating Long Enough:
One of the biggest blunders is not giving your meat enough time to soak up those delicious flavors. Aim to marinate your pork overnight or at least for 4 hours. Trust me, it makes a huge difference!
Skipping the Soaking of Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This little step prevents them from burning on the grill, so you won’t lose any tasty bites!
Grilling on a Cold Grill:
Always preheat your grill before you throw on the meat. Starting with a cold grill can lead to sticking and prevent that nice sear that we all love.
Overcrowding the Grill:
Avoid cramming too many pieces onto the grill at once. Leaving some space between each piece helps ensure even cooking and that lovely char we’re after.
Flipping Too Often:
Resist the urge to flip your meat constantly! Let it sear on one side before turning it. Too much flipping can prevent that gorgeous crust from forming.
Not Basting During Cooking:
For moist and flavorful BBQ, remember to baste with the leftover marinade while grilling. It adds moisture and boosts the flavor—who wouldn’t want that?
Ignoring Food Safety:
Keep raw meat separate from cooked food to avoid cross-contamination. Use different utensils and platters, and always check that your meat is cooked to the right temperature for safety.