Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and make your grill the hottest spot in the neighborhood! This authentic Filipino BBQ recipe is not just a meal – it's a celebration of bold flavors, traditional cooking techniques, and the vibrant street food culture of the Philippines. Prepare to impress your friends and family with a dish that combines sweet, savory, and smoky notes in every single bite of succulent pork belly.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: Filipino
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 kg pork belly, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Skewers for grilling
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by combining soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Cut the pork belly into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring each piece is relatively similar in size for even cooking and consistent marination.
- Add the pork belly cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning during cooking.
- Remove the marinated pork from the refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling to allow it to come to room temperature, which helps ensure even cooking.
- Thread the marinated pork cubes onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to promote even heat distribution.
- Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-204°C).
- Grill the skewers for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes to ensure all sides are evenly charred and cooked through.
- Baste the skewers with remaining marinade during grilling to enhance flavor and keep the meat moist.
- Check the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) to ensure it's fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Remove from grill and let the skewers rest for 5-7 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, atchara (pickled papaya), or a simple vinegar dipping sauce for an authentic Filipino BBQ experience.
Tips
- Marination is Key: Don't rush the marinating process. The longer the pork sits in the marinade (ideally overnight), the more flavorful and tender it becomes.
- Skewer Smart: Leave a small space between meat cubes on the skewer to ensure even cooking and perfect charring.
- Temperature Matters: Let the meat come to room temperature before grilling and use a meat thermometer to check for the perfect 145°F internal temperature.
- Basting Brilliance: Regularly baste the skewers with remaining marinade to keep the meat moist and add an extra layer of flavor.
- Rest and Relax: Always let the meat rest for 5-7 minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Serve with Tradition: Pair your BBQ with steamed rice and atchara (pickled papaya) for an authentic Filipino dining experience. Pro Tip: Wooden skewers can burn easily, so always soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent charring.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 130mg
