Grilled Liempo Skewers with Garlic and Soy Marinade

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

Pork belly strips marinated in a savory garlic-soy mixture, skewered and grilled over open flame for smoky, tender bites. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes blends soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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

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.

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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). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Liempo Skewers with Garlic and Soy Marinade?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

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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