The secret that makes these Filipino BBQ Pork Skewers stand out is a can of 7-Up soda in the marinade. The soda helps tenderize the meat while adding a subtle sweetness that balances the savory soy and tangy vinegar—making these skewers a favorite for summer grilling and backyard parties.
Filipino BBQ Pork Skewers
If you want an easy crowd-pleaser for your next barbecue, these Filipino BBQ Pork Skewers deliver bold Filipino-inspired flavor with very little fuss. The 7-Up marinade works wonderfully with pork, and it’s equally tasty on beef or chicken. You can serve these skewers right off the grill or prepare them ahead for stress-free entertaining.
Why We Love This Recipe
This recipe comes from a longtime friend who often brings these pork skewers to summer gatherings. The simple marinade is versatile and enhances any protein. A few helpful notes:
- Marinade: Although the marinade contains sugar and soy sauce, most of it is discarded after marinating. The amount you mix is larger than what remains on the meat.
- Pork: Fattier cuts work well because they stay juicy on the grill. Country-style pork ribs or boneless pork ribs are good choices, but you can use any pork with some marbling.
Ingredients You Will Need
Below are the ingredients used to make these Filipino BBQ Pork Skewers. Exact measurements and a clear ingredient list are provided in the recipe section further down.
- Pork: Country-style pork ribs or another cut with some fat for flavor and juiciness. You can also substitute chicken or beef if you prefer.
- 7-Up Marinade: A 7-Up soda can tenderize and sweeten the meat. Soy sauce provides savory saltiness, white vinegar and lemon add bright acidity, brown sugar balances the flavors, and garlic, black pepper and optional red pepper flakes add depth and heat.
How To Make Filipino BBQ Pork Skewers
This recipe is ideal for preparing ahead: marinate the meat earlier in the day or overnight, then skewer and grill when guests arrive. The process is straightforward and yields juicy, flavorful skewers every time.
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a large non-reactive bowl, add the pork cubes, and marinate at least 6 hours or preferably overnight for deeper flavor and tenderness.
- Discard the leftover marinade before cooking. Thread the pork onto skewers—if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30–60 minutes so they won’t burn on the grill.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat and oil the grates. Grill the skewers 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the pork is cooked through and nicely charred at the edges.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the skewers with steamed rice and a crisp green salad for a simple weeknight dinner.
- Pair with creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or a bright corn-tomato-avocado salad for a complete summer spread.
- These skewers also make a great appetizer—cut the meat off the skewers and serve with toothpicks and a dipping sauce.
Other Filipino and Grilled Favorites
- Filipino Adobo Chicken
- Slow Cooker Filipino Adobo Pulled Pork
- Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers
- Gochujang-Honey Glazed Shrimp Skewers
- Grilled Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Recipe: Filipino BBQ Pork Skewers
Yield: 8 servings — Serving size: 1 skewer
Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 10 mins | Marinate: 6 hrs | Total: 6 hrs 25 mins
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds country-style pork ribs, trimmed and cut into 48 1-inch cubes
- 6 oz can 7-Up
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 6 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Instructions
- Mix the 7-Up, soy sauce, white vinegar, lemon juice, brown sugar, crushed garlic, black pepper and red pepper flakes (if using) in a large non-reactive bowl.
- Add the pork cubes, stir to coat, cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight for best results.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Discard any unused marinade. Thread the pork cubes onto 8 skewers.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates. Grill the skewers about 5–6 minutes per side or until cooked through and nicely browned.
- Remove from the grill and let rest a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 201 kcal | Protein: 29.5 g | Carbohydrates: 1 g | Fat: 8 g | Fiber: 0.5 g | Sugar: 0.5 g | Sodium: 160 mg | Cholesterol: 105 mg
These Filipino BBQ Pork Skewers are an easy way to add a bright, sweet-savory Filipino flavor to your summer grilling lineup. The 7-Up marinade is a simple trick that tenderizes and balances the pork—try it the next time you fire up the grill.