
The Philippines is known for its grilling tradition. Along with Texans, Aussies and Argentinians, Filipino grilling aficionados are some of the most dedicated. You can see this passion for food kissed by smoke and fire in their famous whole roasted suckling pig or lechon, but also in their sticky and juicy BBQ pork skewers.
Today I’m sharing with you my recipe for Filipino-style pork skewers. These are a fun recipe to cook with friends and family at a backyard grilling party. You’ll be happy to know it is not only reliable and yields delicious results but also quite easy. You only need 7 ingredients, and one of them is the pork meat.
Here’s the thing, anyone can pile some meat on a stick and grill it, but extraordinary skewers are more than that — the key is the marinade. Combine garlic powder, powdered ginger, and lemon juice for a sweet and savory marinade. It will tenderize the meat and give it flavor.
Keep in mind we also have the basting sauce, which we’ll brush over the skewers as they cook; I make that one with soy sauce and honey. You can add a splash of lemon juice too.
By the way, do you know what the word Pinoy means in Filipino? It’s used to reference anything Filipino-style, from the way you talk to food, especially overseas.
I love contrasting these hearty skewers with something fresh, and that means a tossed salad. I slice a cucumber, grate a carrot and use a bag of ready-to-use lettuce, all mixed with olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
I don’t mean this is the only compatible salad, so I would like to encourage you to make your own salads and eat some veggies with all that meat!
In a mixing bowl, add the meat, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, and 7-up or Sprite. Combine until incorporated.
Let the meat marinate for at least 30 minutes.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce and the honey. Stir until combined.
Build your skewers with the meat tightly packed between pieces.
Grill the skewers while turning them often.
Baste the skewers with the soy sauce-honey basting sauce every time you turn them.
Remove and enjoy with a side of white rice and salad.