Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers

Sweet, smoky, sticky, and packed with garlic flavor, these Filipino Pork Barbecue Skewers are one of the most beloved street foods in the Philippines. Marinated overnight in a mixture of banana ketchup, lemon lime soda, soy sauce, garlic, calamansi, and brown sugar, the pork develops a deep savory-sweet flavor before being grilled and basted until beautifully caramelized.

Whether you're hosting a summer cookout, celebrating a holiday, or simply craving authentic Filipino barbecue, this recipe delivers the nostalgic flavors found at family gatherings and roadside barbecue stands throughout the Philippines.

Ingredients

3 lbs pork shoulder, thinly sliced

1 cup lemon lime soda

1 cup banana ketchup

½ cup soy sauce

⅓ cup brown sugar

⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)

8 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp oyster sauce

1 tbsp sesame oil

1 tsp black pepper

Basting Sauce

2 tbsp unsalted butter

2 tbsp banana ketchup

1 tsp sesame oil

1 tsp oyster sauce

1. Whisk together all marinade ingredients. Reserve ½ cup of the marinade before adding the pork. Add pork and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight, preferably 12–24 hours.

2. Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.

3. Thread pork onto skewers, folding the strips accordion-style for juicy bites.

4. In a small bowl, combine: banana ketchup, melted butter, and sesame oil.

5. Heat grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Grill skewers 4–5 minutes per side. Begin basting after the first flip. Continue turning and basting until lightly charred and caramelized, about 12–15 minutes total.

Filipino party staple