Grilled Filipino Sweet-Salty Pork Barbecue Skewers

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

Tender pork skewers marinated in a balanced sweet and salty sauce, grilled to sticky, caramelized perfection. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 27 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 3 tablespoons banana ketchup, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil until the sugar dissolves into a smooth marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 pounds of 1-inch cubed pork shoulder to the marinade, stirring to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F). Thread the marinated pork cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
  4. Step 4: Grill the pork skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until the edges are caramelized and the pork is cooked through with a sticky glaze.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Filipino Sweet-Salty Pork Barbecue Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Sweet-Salty Pork Barbecue Skewers?

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 Sweet-Salty Pork Barbecue Skewers?

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 Sweet-Salty Pork Barbecue Skewers 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 Sweet-Salty Pork Barbecue Skewers?

Filipino pork 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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