Grilled Filipino Pork Barbecue Skewers with Sweet Soy Marinade

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork skewers marinated in a sweet and savory Filipino-style soy-vinegar blend, grilled to caramelized perfection. This filipino-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 30 minutes pairs pork shoulder, soy sauce, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup banana ketchup, 1/4 cup vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir until sugar dissolves and marinade is smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 pounds of 1-inch cubed pork shoulder to the marinade, tossing thoroughly to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Thread marinated pork cubes evenly onto 8 soaked bamboo skewers.
  4. Step 4: Brush the grill grates with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning until pork is cooked through and edges are caramelized with a sticky glaze.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving the skewers warm, enjoying the sweet, salty, and smoky flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Filipino Pork Barbecue Skewers with Sweet Soy Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Filipino Pork Barbecue Skewers with Sweet Soy Marinade?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Filipino Pork Barbecue Skewers with Sweet Soy Marinade?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Filipino Pork Barbecue Skewers with Sweet Soy Marinade for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Filipino Pork Barbecue Skewers with Sweet Soy Marinade?

Filipino bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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