Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers

Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers are one of the most famous foods in the Philippines. Tender pieces of pork marinated with the secret ingredients, 7-Up and Banana Ketchup, create a sweet and savoury taste that the whole family will enjoy.

These skewers are often a favorite street food, as they are so easy to eat on the go. Served with rice it is the ultimate comfort food.

The Secret Recipe

Banana Ketchup is a staple in Filipino kitchens. Derived from, you guessed it, bananas, this ketchup was partly a creation out of a wartime shortage of tomatoes during WW2, comparative to an abundance of bananas. This sweet and tasty sauce is a mixture of banana sauce, vinegar, sugar and some spices.

Filipino BBQ Pork Skewers History

While today we are making Pork BBQ Skewers, barbecued and grilled meats are a vital part of Filipino culture and cuisine. Traditionally cooked over charcoal, BBQ is a big part of street food culture as well as family gatherings. No party is complete without a hearty serving of rice and BBQ skewers shared with friends. And maybe a Red Horse Beer or two.

Ingrediens needed

• Pork: pork butt or shoulder works best for this recipe.
• Banana ketchup: is a must! You will find them in filipino or asian store.
• 7 Up: can be substituted with sprite.
• Vinegar & Soy Sauce: i am using the Datu Puti (filipino brand) but you can also use regular soy sauce and white vinegar.
• Oyster Sauce: for umami flavour.
• Sesame Oil: toasted sesame oil.
• Brown Sugar: brown sugar or white sugar is totally fine.
• Black Pepper & Garlic
• Lemon Juice
• Bamboo Skewers

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare sauce by mixing banana ketchup, 7 up, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic and black pepper in a large bowl.

Step 2. Stir in pork and massage to fully incorporate. Marinade the meat for 6 hours or overnight in refrigerator.

Step 3. Assembling BBQ by threading about 5 pieces of pork onto bamboo skewers alternating fattier and leaner. In a small bowl, combine the banana ketchup, oyster sauce, and sesame oil and mix thoroughly.

Step 4. Grill pork BBQ skewers over hot coals for about 4-5 minutes each side. When pork starts to turn pink brush with banana glazed. Continue to grill and baste, turning on sides, until meat is cooked through.

Step 5. Remove from heat and served over rice with spicy vinegar dip.

Tips and Notes

• soak bamboo skewers with water for 30 minutes before assembling to prevent them from burning the stick.
• marinating the pork overnight gives more depth flavour, so I suggest to leave the pork overnight in refrigerator.
• in the Philippines we always use charcoal for grilling make sure to preheat the grate before grilling so the pork won't stick.
• you can substitute 7 up with sprite and banana ketchup is a must for this recipe.

Looking for more Filipino recipes?

• ginisang sayote
• filipino cucumber salad
• air fryer crispy pata
• cheesy baked tahong mussels
• beef giniling
• coconut milk chicken adobo

Did you make this Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers today? I’d love to hear on the comment section below. Or let’s get social! Follow and tag me on Facebook and Instagram.

Recipe