Filipino-Style Barbecue Skewers – Sweet, Savory, and Irresistible!
Hello there, barbecue lovers! Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite comfort foods: Filipino-style barbecue skewers. This dish is incredibly popular in the Philippines, often found at street food stalls, family celebrations, and backyard cookouts. What makes it special? It’s that perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that cling to tender pieces of meat, grilled to smoky perfection.
If you’re new to Filipino barbecue, prepare to fall in love with its mouthwatering taste and simplicity. The ingredients are easy to find, the preparation is straightforward, and the flavor is absolutely unforgettable.
What Makes Filipino Barbecue Unique?
Filipino barbecue is all about balance. The marinade combines soy sauce, citrus or vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and spices. But the real magic often comes from an unexpected ingredient: a splash of lime soda or pineapple juice! This adds a delicate fruity note and helps tenderize the meat.
Whether you’re using pork or chicken, the result is always juicy, flavorful meat with a slightly sticky, beautifully caramelized glaze once grilled and basted.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Marinade:
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½ cup soy sauce – Adds savory umami depth.
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½ cup lemon juice or vinegar – For that touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
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½ cup ketchup – Banana ketchup is traditionally used in the Philippines, but regular ketchup works great too.
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3 tablespoons dark brown sugar – Brings that signature sweetness and color.
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2 tablespoons garlic powder – For bold, aromatic flavor.
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1 teaspoon ground black pepper – Just enough to enhance the spices.
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2 teaspoons salt – Seasoning is key!
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1 can (12 oz) lime soda, Sprite, or pineapple juice – Tenderizes the meat and adds a subtle fruity twist.
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3 pounds of meat – Pork shoulder or chicken thighs are most commonly used. Make sure the pieces are cut into 1.5-inch chunks for skewering.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Meat
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients and stir well until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved. Add your sliced meat and mix everything together, ensuring all the pieces are well-coated.
Tip: For even more flavor, use your hands (with gloves) to massage the marinade into the meat.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything to a sealed container. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours—but if you can, marinate for 24 hours. The longer it sits, the more flavorful your barbecue will be.
2. Prepare the Skewers
Before grilling, soak your bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. Then, thread the marinated meat pieces onto the skewers, leaving just a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.
Optional: Add chunks of bell pepper or pineapple between the meat for extra color and taste!
3. Make the Basting Sauce
To get that signature glossy and rich finish, we’ll make a quick basting sauce:
Basting Sauce Ingredients:
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1 cup of the leftover marinade
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¼ cup ketchup
Pour the mixture into a small saucepan and gently simmer it over low heat. Let it cook until slightly thickened—this only takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This glaze will intensify the flavor and give your barbecue that beautiful caramelized coating when grilled.
4. Grill to Perfection
Heat up your grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Place your skewers on the grill and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning frequently and basting with the sauce after every turn. Keep a close eye on them—the sugar in the marinade can burn quickly, so constant turning helps you get that perfect char without overcooking.
Grill until the meat is cooked through and beautifully browned with slightly crispy edges. The smell alone will make your mouth water!
Serving Suggestions
These skewers are best enjoyed hot off the grill. Serve them with:
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Steamed white rice – A classic pairing that soaks up all the juicy goodness.
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Garlic fried rice – For a richer, heartier meal.
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Pickled vegetables (like atchara) – The tangy crunch perfectly complements the sweet and savory meat.
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Coleslaw – Adds freshness and a little creamy contrast.
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Spicy vinegar dipping sauce – Optional, but beloved in Filipino households!
You can also serve these skewers as party appetizers or part of a summer barbecue spread.
Make It Your Own
This recipe is super flexible. You can:
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Use beef or even tofu if you prefer a different protein.
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Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar.
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Add chili flakes or fresh chilies to the basting sauce if you like a bit of heat.
Final Thoughts
Filipino-style barbecue skewers are more than just a dish—they’re a celebration of flavor, community, and tradition. Whether you’re making them for a party, a weekend treat, or just because you’re craving something delicious, these skewers will surely win hearts and fill bellies.
So grab your skewers, fire up the grill, and treat yourself to this unforgettable taste of the Philippines. You won’t regret it!
