Pork Barbecue is a Filipino favorite, often served during festive occasions like Christmas and New Year’s Eve. This savory dish features tender slices of pork marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, calamansi, banana ketchup, and garlic, then grilled to perfection. It’s perfect as a main dish or as an appetizer paired with your favorite beverage. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just craving a delicious meal, Pork Barbecue is sure to be a hit.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

3 lbs. pork shoulder, sliced into thin pieces
2 sachets Knorr SavorRich Pork Liquid Seasoning
2 tablespoons brown sugar
½ cup banana ketchup
3 pieces calamansi (or substitute with lemon or lime)
6 cloves garlic, crushed
½ cup soy sauce
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

Arrange the pork slices in a large bowl. Add Knorr SavorRich, soy sauce, banana ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, and ground black pepper. Mix well.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pork for at least 3 hours. For best results, marinate overnight.
Skewer the marinated pork onto bamboo skewers and set aside.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the pork for 3 to 5 minutes per side, turning occasionally.
While grilling, baste the pork with a mixture of soy sauce, banana ketchup, and vegetable oil. You can add garlic and calamansi juice for extra flavor.
Serve the grilled pork barbecue with warm rice and a side of spicy vinegar for dipping.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: 2339 kcal
Carbohydrates: 68g
Protein: 281g
Fat: 98g
Saturated Fat: 34g
Cholesterol: 912mg
Sodium: 8612mg
Potassium: 5336mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 52g
Vitamin A: 697 IU
Vitamin C: 22mg
Calcium: 285mg
Iron: 20mg

The Origins of Filipino Pork Barbecue

The history of Filipino Pork Barbecue dates back to the influence of different cultures in the Philippines, particularly the Spanish colonization and the country’s proximity to Southeast Asia. The concept of marinating meat in a flavorful sauce before grilling it is a technique borrowed from various culinary traditions. Over time, the Filipino version of barbecue has evolved to incorporate local ingredients, such as banana ketchup, soy sauce, and calamansi, which add a unique twist to the familiar barbecue flavor. Today, it is an essential part of Filipino cuisine and is often featured at festive feasts and street food stalls.

The Role of Marinade in Pork Barbecue

The marinade used for Filipino Pork Barbecue plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavor of the pork. A perfect marinade combines the umami of soy sauce, the tang of calamansi, the sweetness of banana ketchup, and the aromatic garlic. The combination of these ingredients creates a balanced, multi-layered flavor that is absorbed into the pork, making it tender and juicy. The brown sugar in the marinade adds a hint of sweetness, which caramelizes during grilling, giving the pork a beautiful golden brown color and rich, smoky flavor.

Choosing the Right Cut of Pork for Barbecue

When making Pork Barbecue, the cut of pork you choose can significantly affect the texture and flavor of the dish. Pork shoulder is a popular choice because it is well-marbled with fat, which ensures that the meat remains moist and tender during grilling. The fat also contributes to the savory flavor that is characteristic of this dish. Slicing the pork into thin pieces allows the marinade to penetrate deeply into the meat, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Other cuts of pork, such as pork belly or tenderloin, can also be used, but pork shoulder is preferred for its balance of flavor and tenderness.

Grilling the Pork to Perfection

Grilling the pork is where the magic happens. The marinated pork is skewered onto bamboo sticks and cooked over medium-high heat. The goal is to achieve a perfect balance of a crispy, caramelized exterior and a juicy, tender interior. Grilling the pork for about 3 to 5 minutes per side is ideal to achieve that golden-brown, slightly charred crust while maintaining the meat’s moisture. While grilling, the pork is basted with a mixture of soy sauce, banana ketchup, and vegetable oil, which helps to keep the meat moist and adds another layer of flavor. You can also add garlic and calamansi juice to the basting sauce for extra tanginess and depth of flavor.

The Importance of Basting

Basting is a key technique in making Filipino Pork Barbecue, as it helps to lock in moisture while adding additional flavor to the meat. The basting sauce is typically a mixture of soy sauce, banana ketchup, and vegetable oil, but you can get creative by adding other ingredients like garlic or calamansi juice for extra zest. Basting the pork as it grills ensures that the surface becomes caramelized and glossy, contributing to that mouthwatering appearance and rich, savory taste. It’s important to baste the pork regularly during the grilling process to prevent it from drying out and to give it that irresistible, shiny finish.

Serving Filipino Pork Barbecue

Filipino Pork Barbecue is usually served with steamed white rice, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. The rice acts as a perfect base to balance out the richness of the grilled pork. For added flavor, the barbecue can be paired with a side of spicy vinegar for dipping. The tangy, vinegary dip cuts through the richness of the pork, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Additionally, Filipino Pork Barbecue can be served at parties or gatherings as an appetizer, often enjoyed with cold beer or a refreshing beverage. Whether enjoyed as part of a larger feast or on its own, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.

Nutritional Benefits of Filipino Pork Barbecue

While Pork Barbecue is undeniably indulgent, it also provides several nutritional benefits. Pork is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall health. The pork in this dish is also rich in B-vitamins, such as niacin and riboflavin, which play important roles in energy production and metabolism. Furthermore, the marinade ingredients provide additional health benefits. Soy sauce is a good source of antioxidants, and garlic is known for its antibacterial and immune-boosting properties. However, it is important to consume Pork Barbecue in moderation due to its high fat and sodium content, which can contribute to health concerns if eaten excessively.

Customizing Your Pork Barbecue

One of the best things about Pork Barbecue is its versatility. While the traditional marinade is already packed with flavor, there are countless ways to customize the recipe to suit your tastes. For example, you can experiment with different types of vinegar or add chili peppers to the marinade to make it spicier. Some people like to add coconut milk to the marinade for a richer, creamier texture. You can also try marinating the pork for longer than the recommended 3 hours to intensify the flavor. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to adjust the dish to your preferences.

Making Pork Barbecue Ahead of Time

Pork Barbecue is an ideal dish for meal prepping or making ahead of time. After marinating the pork, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, allowing the flavors to meld even more. If you’re hosting a party or special gathering, you can prepare the pork a day ahead of time and grill it just before serving. This saves time and ensures that you can spend more time enjoying your guests’ company rather than being tied to the grill. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Reheat the pork on the grill or in a skillet for a delicious, second round of barbecue.

Conclusion

Filipino Pork Barbecue is more than just a dish; it’s a tradition that brings people together, evoking memories of celebrations, family gatherings, and festive occasions. With its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, this dish is sure to be a hit at any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday feast or simply enjoying a flavorful dinner, Pork Barbecue offers a delicious way to experience the vibrant tastes of Filipino cuisine. By following this recipe, you can create an authentic, mouthwatering barbecue that will be loved by all. So fire up the grill, prepare the marinade, and enjoy the rich, smoky flavors of Filipino Pork Barbecue in the comfort of your home.

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