Grilled Liempo Skewers with Garlic and Soy Marinade

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

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Pork belly strips marinated in a savory garlic-soy mixture, skewered and grilled over open flame for smoky, tender bites. This Filipino-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 15 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, and 1 tbsp vegetable oil to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb pork belly strips to the marinade and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Step 3: Thread the marinated pork belly pieces evenly onto 6 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a charcoal grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the pork is nicely charred and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 3 minutes before serving. Serve with steamed rice and a dipping sauce of vinegar and crushed chili.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Liempo Skewers with Garlic and 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 Liempo Skewers with Garlic and 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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Liempo Skewers with Garlic and 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 Liempo Skewers with Garlic and 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 Liempo Skewers with Garlic and Soy Marinade?

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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