Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers Recipe – Sweet, Smoky, and Juicy Pinoy-Style Barbecue!

Pork BBQ holds a special place in the hearts of food lovers worldwide. Its delectable taste is irresistible to non-vegetarians and non-Muslims. The slow-cooked pork slices are a true delight for the palate. In the Philippines, this dish represents not only a culinary delight but also possesses significant cultural importance. 

Filipino Pork BBQ skewers, also known as “Pinoy pork barbecue,” are distinguished by their unique combination of sweet, savory, and subtly spicy flavors. These pork kebabs are a staple at gatherings and parties and are commonly found being sold on street corners. They are also one of the most popular Filipino street food items, commonly sold by vendors on street corners and near markets. They are often served with garlic fried rice and atchara, making them a delightful and essential part of traditional Filipino cuisine.

Amber’s Menu, a traditional Pinoy food chain, recognizes this and proudly serves the dish on its menu. Enjoy their version of sweet and smoky pork paired with steamed rice and their signature sauce, paired with steaming white rice, and let each bite inspire a celebration of flavors that ignite your spirit. Additionally, they offer affordable Pork BBQ party packages, ideal for large gatherings or events.  

Pork BBQ Price Philippines:  

The type of Filipino BBQ skewers used for this dish is crucial for the marination. Look for high-quality cuts with the right amount of marbling, such as the pork butt and pork shoulder (Kasim). To ensure even cooking and easy chewing, slice the pork very thinly. Why not make things easier for yourself? Ask the butcher to slice the meat just the way you like it, and let them know it’s for a bangin’ BBQ.

Banana ketchup may be unfamiliar to many people because it’s not as widely known as tomato ketchup. It’s actually a savory sauce made from bananas, sugar, and garlic, and it also contains red food coloring to give it a similar appearance to tomato sauce, despite not containing any tomatoes.

American Ketchup inspired this distinctive ketchup during colonization and is a staple in Filipino American kitchens. It is often paired with fried rice, sunny-side-up eggs, or used as a marinade for BBQ dishes. Known for its sweet taste, this ketchup offers a hint of banana flavor that adds a unique touch to any meal.

Soda and calamansi juice are the key ingredients for making the meat super tender. Experience the mouthwatering delight of these pork barbecue sticks, infused with a tantalizing sweet and smoky flavor. The secret? A flavorful marinade that takes them to the next level of deliciousness. If you like it spicy, you can definitely add some heat to it. Enjoy these tasty barbecue sticks with some steamed rice for an extra satisfying meal!

Amber takes great pride in featuring this traditional cultural dish on their menu. They meticulously prepare it with extended marination and special attention to detail. Below, you’ll discover their closely guarded secret recipe.

Pork:

• 2 kg thinly sliced pork (preferably Kasim)
• A quarter cup of cornstarch
• 2 egg whites
• 2 tablespoons of oil

Marinade :

• ¾ cup soy sauce
• ¾ cup white vinegar
• ¾ cup banana ketchup
• Half cup 7UP
• A quarter cup of brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 3 tablespoons garlic powder

How to Make Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers (Step-by-Step) :

• Marinate: To prepare a marinade for pork, it is essential to combine the pork slices with cornstarch, egg whites, and oil in a spacious mixing bowl. Thoroughly mix the ingredients to ensure the meat absorbs the flavors. Allow the mixture to marinate for one hour prior to use. 
• After the allotted time, proceed to add soy sauce, white vinegar, banana ketchup, 7UP, brown sugar, black pepper, and garlic powder to the mixture, ensuring thorough incorporation. 
• It is essential to coat the pork evenly with the marinade. Subsequently, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to achieve optimal marination.
• Pork: Soak bamboo skewers in water for 20 minutes to ensure they won’t burn on the hot grill while cooking the pork. Once the pork is marinated, expertly skewer each slice right in the center, lining them up in a single row for even cooking. 
• Depending on the amount of pork listed in the ingredients, you’ll end up with about 18-20 skewers. Don’t forget to set aside the remaining marinade for basting.
• Grill Barbeque: Kick off your grilling adventure by cranking up the heat! Preheat your grill to a lively medium-high temperature, and get ready for deliciousness to unfold. Once it’s ready, confidently add the pork skewers in batches. 
• The exact number you can fit per batch will depend on your grill’s size, so be sure to optimize the space for the best results.
• Go ahead and baste the barbecue with the reserved marinade! Cook each side until it gets that lovely char. 
• Feel free to brush on some extra marinade whenever you like to really enhance the flavor! Enjoy the grilling!
• Grill each side for about 5 minutes until perfectly cooked. Once they’re sizzling and ready, take them off the grill and serve them hot for a delicious treat!

Amber Pork BBQ Nutritional Info (Per 100g)

Want to know the pork BBQ calories per stick? On average, Filipino Pork barbecue contains about 175–180 calories per 100 grams. With leaner cuts and sugar reduction, you can also make this dish under 100 calories, perfect for calorie-conscious food lovers.

• Calories: 175-180kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 13g
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 915mg
• Potassium: 275mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 18g
• Vitamin A: 50IU
• Vitamin C: 1.8mg
• Calcium: 34mg
• Iron: 1.2mg

Amber Pork BBQ Under 100 Calories

Looking for a low-calorie BBQ option? While traditional Filipino Pork BBQ skewers are rich in flavor, they usually contain around 175–180 calories per 100 grams. However, with some smart adjustments, you can create a version of Pork BBQ under 100 calories. Here’s how:

• Use leaner pork cuts, such as pork tenderloin, and trim off any visible fat.
• Reduce the amount of sugar and banana ketchup in the marinade.
• Opt for grilling without additional oil or basting to cut down fat content.
• Keep your serving size smaller—one mini skewer (about 40–50 grams) can fall under 100 calories.

This version is perfect for those on a calorie-restricted diet or anyone looking for a healthy pork BBQ alternative without sacrificing too much flavor.

Amber Pork BBQ Allergen Info

Filipino Pork BBQ is a beloved dish that consists of marinated pork skewers, typically grilled over charcoal and glazed with a sweet and savory sauce. However, certain ingredients in traditional recipes may pose allergic concerns. 

Here are some common allergens associated with Pork BBQ :

Soy: Many traditional marinades include soy sauce, which contains both soy and wheat (gluten).

Gluten: Regular soy sauce and certain brands of banana ketchup may contain gluten due to their wheat content.

Fish: Some variations of the marinade incorporate fish sauce to enhance the umami flavor, which could be problematic for those with fish allergies.

Garlic and Onion: These ingredients are often staples in the marinade; individuals with sensitivities should be cautious.

Dairy: If butter is used to baste the skewers during grilling, it could be an allergenic concern for those with dairy allergies.

For individuals with food allergies or sensitivities, here are some helpful tips :

Opt for Gluten-Free Alternatives: Consider using gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos as substitutes for traditional soy sauce.

Check Banana Ketchup Labels: Be aware that some brands may contain wheat-based additives, so it’s advisable to read the ingredient list carefully.

Request No Fish Sauce: If you are allergic to seafood, make sure to ask for the dish without fish sauce in the marinade.

Inquire About Ingredients When Dining Out: Since recipes may vary between restaurants, it’s important to ask about the specific marinade ingredients to ensure safety.

By taking these precautions, individuals with allergies can enjoy Filipino Pork BBQ more safely.

• This delightful Filipino-style barbeque makes for a perfect appetizer, merienda, or snack, especially when paired with a tangy sukang sawsawan (vinegar dip) sauce and your favorite drinks. 
• You can also enjoy it as a hearty main course, typically served alongside Pancit or garlic fried rice, Pancit Canton, or with a side of Atchara for that extra zing! Perfect for sharing and enjoying with friends!
• The seasoned meat holds the promise of future culinary delights. Secure it in a sealable bag or air-tight container, and freeze it for up to three months, allowing your creations to wait patiently in the freezer, ready to inspire.

Filipino Pork Barbecue is not just a simple grilled meat dish; it represents a significant aspect of Filipino culture. Characterized by its sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, this dish features tender pork that results in a deeply satisfying barbecue experience. This particular recipe draws inspiration from Amber Menu’s interpretation of this classic dish, allowing you to recreate a taste of restaurant-style pork BBQ in your kitchen.