Pan-Grilled Pork Belly Skewers with Soy and Garlic Marinade

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

Tender pork belly pieces marinated in a savory soy-garlic sauce, threaded onto skewers, and grilled to a smoky finish. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 27 minutes blends pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes, soy sauce, garlic cloves, minced 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 400 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: 12 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium 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. Stir until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb pork belly cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Step 3: Thread marinated pork belly pieces onto 8 soaked bamboo skewers, distributing meat evenly.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until edges are charred and pork is cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes before serving with steamed rice or dipping sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Grilled Pork Belly Skewers with Soy and Garlic Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Grilled Pork Belly Skewers with Soy and Garlic 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 Pan-Grilled Pork Belly Skewers with Soy and Garlic 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 Pan-Grilled Pork Belly Skewers with Soy and Garlic 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 Pan-Grilled Pork Belly Skewers with Soy and Garlic 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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