BBQ Pork Skewers with Filipino BBQ Marinade are a perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors. Marinated in a homemade Filipino-style BBQ marinade made with Coca-Cola, brown sugar, and spices, these tender pork skewers are grilled to perfection. Ideal for summer cookouts or BBQ gatherings, these skewers are flavorful, juicy, and incredibly easy to prepare.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Pork:

  • 4 thick cut boneless pork chops

  • 8 large skewers (soaked in water to prevent burning)

• For the Marinade:

  • ⅓ cup Coca-Cola (regular soda)

  • ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)

  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion

  • ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)

  • ¼ cup ketchup

  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice (fresh)

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

  • ½ teaspoon sriracha (optional for heat)

Directions

1. Prepare the Pork:

   • Slice each pork chop into four even strips (you should have 16 strips in total).

   • In a large bowl, combine all of the marinade ingredients.

   • Reserve about a ¼ of the marinade for basting later.

   • Toss the pork strips in the remaining marinade and cover. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

2. Skewer the Pork:

   • Once the pork is marinated, thread 2-4 strips of pork onto each skewer, making sure they fit snugly.

3. Grill the Pork Skewers:

   • Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates.

   • Place the skewers on the grill and close the lid.

   • Grill the pork for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

   • Baste the pork with the reserved marinade between turns.

4. Serve:

   • Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and serve with your favorite BBQ side dishes.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal (approx. per skewer)

• Carbohydrates: 24g

• Protein: 28g

• Fat: 15g

• Sodium: 650mg

• Fiber: 2g

The Magic of Filipino BBQ Marinade

The Filipino BBQ marinade is what makes these pork skewers truly special. The combination of Coca-Cola and brown sugar creates a subtly sweet base that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, adding a nice glaze to the pork. The soy sauce, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar bring in savory, tangy, and slightly acidic notes that balance the sweetness. Garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and sriracha contribute aromatic depth and a touch of heat, making the marinade well-rounded and flavorful.

This marinade is also incredibly versatile and can be used for other meats like chicken or beef, but it pairs particularly well with the tender pork. As the pork soaks in the marinade, it becomes more flavorful and tender, ensuring a juicy, succulent bite every time.

Preparing the Pork: Getting the Perfect Cut

To begin, you’ll need to slice the pork chops into even strips. The thickness of the pork chop slices is important, as it ensures that the skewers cook evenly. You’ll want to aim for about 16 strips from 4 thick-cut boneless pork chops. By slicing them evenly, you ensure that each strip has the same cooking time and absorbs the marinade in a balanced way. These strips are the perfect size for threading onto skewers, and the small size ensures that they cook through quickly and evenly.

Once the pork is sliced, it’s time to prepare the marinade. In a large bowl, combine the Coca-Cola, brown sugar, finely chopped onion, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and sriracha (if using). This combination of ingredients forms a rich, flavorful marinade that will tenderize and infuse the pork with delicious flavors.

Marinating the Pork: A Flavorful Infusion

Place the sliced pork into the marinade and toss it to ensure that each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pork for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results. The longer the pork marinates, the more deeply it absorbs the flavors from the marinade, which helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with the savory, sweet, and spicy notes. This step is key to ensuring that each bite is juicy, flavorful, and packed with the marinade’s signature depth.

Skewering the Pork: Preparing for the Grill

After the pork has marinated, it’s time to skewer the meat. Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them to prevent burning on the grill. Thread 2-4 strips of pork onto each skewer, ensuring that the pieces fit snugly together. Be sure not to overcrowd the skewers, as this will allow the heat to circulate evenly and help cook the pork more effectively.

Once the skewers are prepared, they’re ready to go on the grill. This method of grilling allows the pork to cook evenly, and the skewers make flipping the pork much easier than grilling individual pieces of meat.

Grilling the Pork Skewers: Achieving the Perfect Char

Preheat your grill to medium heat, and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the skewers from sticking. Once the grill is ready, place the skewers on the grill and close the lid. Grill the pork for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 160°F (71°C). The grill should provide a nice char on the outside while keeping the pork juicy on the inside.

While grilling, be sure to baste the pork skewers with the reserved marinade between flips. Basting not only helps the skewers stay moist but also adds a beautiful glaze and caramelization to the pork, enhancing the flavor further. Keep an eye on the skewers during the final stages of grilling to avoid overcooking.

Serving the BBQ Pork Skewers

Once the skewers are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, making it even more tender and juicy. Serve the BBQ Pork Skewers with your favorite BBQ side dishes such as grilled vegetables, coleslaw, rice, or a light salad.

These skewers are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. You can enjoy them as they are, or use the skewered pork in sandwiches, tacos, or wraps for an additional twist.

Nutritional Information for BBQ Pork Skewers

Each serving of these BBQ Pork Skewers contains approximately 350 calories, with 25 grams of protein and 15 grams of fat. The carbohydrate content is 24 grams per serving, mainly from the marinade ingredients such as brown sugar and ketchup. These skewers are relatively low in fiber, with 2 grams per serving, but they are packed with flavor and protein, making them a satisfying meal or snack.

The sodium content is 650mg per skewer, which comes from the soy sauce, salt, and ketchup in the marinade. For those watching their sodium intake, using a low-sodium soy sauce can help reduce the overall sodium content. Additionally, the skewers provide a good amount of protein, making them a great option for those looking for a high-protein meal.

Conclusion: A Flavorful and Fun BBQ Dish

BBQ Pork Skewers with Filipino BBQ Marinade are an excellent addition to any BBQ menu. They bring together the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and full of character. Whether you’re grilling for a summer cookout, a weekend family meal, or a festive gathering, these skewers are sure to please everyone at the table. With their easy preparation, minimal ingredients, and maximum flavor, these BBQ pork skewers are a must-try for anyone looking to add something special to their grilling repertoire.