Grilled Skewered Pork BBQ with Sweet Annatto Glaze

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

Juicy pork skewers marinated in a sweet and smoky annatto-infused glaze, then grilled to caramelized perfection for a Filipino street food favorite. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, annatto oil, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp annatto oil, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs 1-inch pork shoulder cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Thread the marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked bamboo skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F). Grill the pork skewers for about 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through, basting occasionally with leftover marinade.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with steamed rice or dipping sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Skewered Pork BBQ with Sweet Annatto 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 Skewered Pork BBQ with Sweet Annatto 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 annatto oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Skewered Pork BBQ with Sweet Annatto 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 Skewered Pork BBQ with Sweet Annatto 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 Skewered Pork BBQ with Sweet Annatto Glaze?

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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