Grilled Pinoy Pork Barbecue Skewers with Sweet Soy Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork skewers marinated in a sweet and savory soy-based sauce, grilled over charcoal for an irresistible smoky flavor. This filipino-inspired street food ready in about 35 minutes pairs pork shoulder, sliced into 1-inch cubes, 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp banana ketchup, 2 tbsp calamansi juice, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; stir until sugar dissolves and marinade is well mixed.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb pork shoulder cubes to the marinade, toss to coat evenly, cover with plastic wrap, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat around 400°F. Thread the marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
  4. Step 4: Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally and basting with leftover marinade, until pork is cooked through and edges are slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with steamed rice or dipping sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Pinoy Pork Barbecue Skewers with Sweet Soy Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Pinoy Pork Barbecue Skewers with Sweet Soy Glaze?

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 Pinoy Pork Barbecue Skewers with Sweet Soy Glaze?

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 Pinoy Pork Barbecue Skewers with Sweet Soy Glaze 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 Pinoy Pork Barbecue Skewers with Sweet Soy Glaze?

Filipino street food 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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