Description
These grilled adobo marinated pork skewers are sticky, charred, and savory-sweet, offering a restaurant-quality Filipino-inspired meal that is faster and cheaper than takeout.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, crushed
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Optional: Pineapple chunks or red onion chunks
- Steamed white rice or garlic fried rice for serving
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, white vinegar, minced garlic, bay leaves, crushed peppercorns, brown sugar, and sesame oil until the sugar is dissolved.
- Cut pork shoulder into 1-inch cubes and add to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 4-12 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C). If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior.
- Thread pork cubes onto skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces. Alternate with pineapple or onion if desired.
- Place skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally.
- Brush with reserved marinade during the last few minutes for a sticky glaze.
- Cook until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and char marks appear.
- Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with steamed rice and lime.
Notes
Do not use marinade that has touched raw pork for basting; reserve a portion before adding meat. Pork shoulder is preferred for juiciness; pork loin may dry out. Soak wooden skewers to prevent burning. For a spicy kick, add chili flakes or jalapeño to the marinade.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 skewers per servin
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 25
Keywords: Filipino food, pork skewers, adobo marinade, grilled pork, weeknight dinner, Asian recipes, meal prep, easy grilling