Filipino Grilled Pork BBQ Skewers (Inihaw na Baboy) with Banana Ketchup Glaze

In a large bowl whisk the banana ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, calamansi juice, soda, garlic, black pepper and oil into a marinade.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into thin 1.5-inch strips
• 1/2 cup banana ketchup (or tomato ketchup)
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup calamansi or lime juice
• 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite)
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp neutral oil
• Bamboo skewers, soaked 30 minutes
• For the dip: 1/3 cup cane vinegar, 1 sliced shallot, 1 chopped chili, pinch of salt

Instructions

1. In a large bowl whisk the banana ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, calamansi juice, soda, garlic, black pepper and oil into a marinade.
2. Add the pork strips and turn to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
3. Thread the pork onto soaked bamboo skewers in tight, flat ribbons so they cook evenly. Reserve the marinade.
4. Simmer the reserved marinade in a small pot for 5 minutes until slightly thickened to use as a basting glaze.
5. Grill the skewers over hot charcoal 3-4 minutes per side, basting generously with the glaze each time you turn them, until lacquered and lightly charred at the edges.
6. Watch closely near the end — the sugar in the glaze caramelizes fast and you want sticky, not burnt.
7. Stir together the vinegar, shallot, chili and salt for a sharp dipping sauce.
8. Serve the skewers hot off the grill over steamed rice, with calamansi to squeeze and the spiced vinegar alongside.
9. Inihaw na baboy is the soul of any Filipino backyard gathering, where a charcoal grill and a tray of marinated pork skewers signal a celebration. The signature sweet-savory lacquer comes from banana ketchup — a wartime invention born when tomatoes grew scarce — and a splash of lemon-lime soda that tenderizes the meat and deepens the caramelization. It is festive, communal grilling at its best, perfect for a Father's Day cookout with a global accent.

Nutrition (estimated, per serving)

• Calories: 470 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 1180mg