Filipino Pork Barbecue Skewers

A beloved street food classic from the Philippines, these juicy pork skewers are marinated in a sweet and savory blend of soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and citrusy soda, then grilled to smoky perfection. Perfectly charred on the outside and tender on the inside, they're a crowd favorite for cookouts, parties, or any time you're craving bold, island-inspired flavor. I use a pellet smoker, if you want to as well, here's some extra tips / instructions: 🔧 Temperature: Set to 400°F for best results This gives you that nice balance of: A hot enough surface to caramelize the sugars Even, indirect heat to gently cook the pork through without drying 🍖 Grill Setup: Preheat the smoker to 400°F for 10–15 minutes. Place skewers directly on the grates. Optional: Use a grill grate or grill mat for easier cleanup and to avoid sticking. ⏱️ Cooking Time: 3–4 minutes per side, turning once (total ~6–8 minutes per batch) Brush lightly with reserved marinade when flipping for extra flavor. 🌫️ Bonus: Smoke Flavor If you want more smoky depth, you can: Start at 225°F for 15 minutes to smoke, then Crank to 400°F to finish and sear for that caramelized crust This adds a richer, wood-fired taste without losing tenderness.

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% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Using a sharp knife, slice the pork into 1-inch-long pieces that are 1/2-inch thick. Leave some of the fat on the meat for flavor and tenderness.

Step 2

In a bowl, combine the garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, oyster sauce, Sprite/7-up, pepper powder, and salt.

Step 3

Add in the prepared pork meat, mix well.

Step 4

Let it stand to marinate for one hour (or overnight, covered in the fridge, for best flavor.)

Step 5

After an hour, you can start to skewer the pork. Reserve excess sauce for basting.

Step 6

Place the pork skewers directly on a preheated grill grate. Line up the skewers side by side without overlapping.

Step 7

Brush with the sauce every so often. Cook the pork skewers for 3 to 4 minutes. Use barbecue tongs to flip the skewers and grill another 3 to 4 minutes on the other side, painting with sauce.

Step 8

When done, the edges will be slightly charred and the middle of the pieces should be soft, juicy, and cooked through, at least 145°F (63°C) internally.

Step 9

Prepare a spiced vinegar for the dipping sauce using Vinegar, minced onions, garlic, pepper and chili pepper flakes.