Absolutely! Here’s the full breakdown for Tasty and Delicious Barbecue Skewers (Filipino Style):
Tasty and Delicious Barbecue Skewers (Filipino Style)
Introduction and Origin
Filipino-style barbecue skewers are a staple in street food culture and backyard gatherings across the Philippines. Known for their signature blend of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors, these skewers are typically made with marinated pork or chicken, threaded onto bamboo sticks, and grilled over open coals. This recipe highlights a marinade that balances soy sauce, citrus, ketchup, and brown sugar to create juicy, flavorful bites that are impossible to resist.
Cultural Significance
In the Philippines, barbecue skewers are more than just food—they’re a part of the country’s social fabric. Found everywhere from bustling city corners to festive family celebrations, these skewers are enjoyed with rice, pancit, or even just on their own with a dipping sauce. Whether it’s a birthday party or a street vendor’s cart, Filipino barbecue represents hospitality, celebration, and the joyful spirit of shared meals.
Ingredients Quantity
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup lemon juice or lime juice
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Note: This is the marinade—commonly used for about 2 lbs of cubed pork, chicken, or beef.
Optional Additions
- Banana ketchup (a traditional Filipino favorite) instead of regular ketchup
- Chili flakes or hot sauce for a spicy version
- Fresh minced garlic for stronger flavor
- A splash of vinegar for extra tang
- Crushed pineapple or pineapple juice for a tropical sweetness
- Skewered vegetables like bell peppers, red onions, or cherry tomatoes
Tips for Success
- Marinate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to let the meat fully absorb the flavors.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Baste while grilling with leftover (reserved) marinade for deeper flavor and color.
- Cut meat into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Grill over medium heat to prevent burning the sugar in the marinade.
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, lemon/lime juice, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Cut meat into bite-sized cubes (about 1 to 1.5 inches) and place in a ziplock bag or shallow container.
- Pour marinade over meat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Thread marinated meat onto soaked wooden skewers.
- Grill skewers, turning frequently and basting with reserved marinade, until meat is fully cooked and slightly charred—about 10–15 minutes.
- Serve hot, optionally with rice, dipping sauce, or a vinegar-chili mixture.
Description
These skewers are bursting with flavor—juicy meat infused with a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and tangy notes. The sugars caramelize slightly on the grill, giving the outside a beautiful char and sticky glaze, while the inside stays moist and flavorful.
Nutritional Information (based on marinade per serving with chicken, approximate)
- Calories: ~120 (marinade only, per serving)
- Protein: 0g (not including meat)
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: ~800mg
Note: Total nutritional value depends on the type and amount of meat used and how much marinade is absorbed.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Filipino-style barbecue skewers are the perfect combination of easy preparation, bold flavor, and crowd-pleasing appeal. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer cookout or craving something savory and sweet, this dish never disappoints. Pair it with rice or noodles for a full meal, or serve it as an appetizer for gatherings.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
To make this dish a little lighter, use lean cuts of meat like chicken breast or pork tenderloin. You can reduce the sugar slightly or use a natural sweetener like honey. Add in veggies for extra nutrients and fiber, and serve with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the marinade.
Let me know if you’d like a printable or visual version, or if you’d like this adapted for oven-baking or air frying too!