Filipino BBQ Beef Skewers-Sweet Savory Taste

BBQ Beef Skewers with Filipino BBQ Marinade are an explosion of flavor that transports me straight to summer cookouts and vibrant street food stalls. There’s something utterly irresistible about tender chunks of beef, marinated to perfection and then kissed by the smoky char of the grill. These skewers aren’t just food; they’re a celebration! People adore them for their perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of tang – a hallmark of authentic Filipino barbecue. What truly sets these BBQ Beef Skewers with Filipino BBQ Marinade apart is the unique blend of ingredients in the marinade. It’s a carefully crafted symphony of soy sauce, calamansi (or lime), garlic, gin extractger, and that secret touch of brown sugar and banana ketchup. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these incredibly delicious and easy-to-make BBQ Beef Skewers with Filipino BBQ Marinade.

this recipe

Filipino BBQ Beef Skewers: A Taste of Home

There’s something undeniably special about a backyard barbecue, and for me, the aroma of grilling meat instantly transports me to vibrant Filipino gatherings. These BBQ Beef Skewers, infused with a classic Filipino BBQ marinade, are a true taste of home. They’re a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of tangy spice that will have everyone reaching for seconds. The beauty of these skewers lies in their simplicity, allowing the rich flavors of the beef and the marinade to shine. They are incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic appetizer for a party or a delightful main course for a casual weeknight dinner. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests with this crowd-pleasing recipe!

Ingredients:

Marinating the Beef

First, we need to prepare our beef. For these skewers, I like to use boneless beef chops, as they offer a good balance of tenderness and flavor. Trim off any excess fat, but leave a little for added moisture and taste during grilling. Cut the beef into bite-sized cubes, roughly 1-inch in size. Consistency in size is key here to ensure even cooking. Aim for pieces that are easy to thread onto the skewers and will cook through without becoming dry. Place these beef cubes in a medium-sized bowl.

Now, let’s craft our irresistible Filipino BBQ marinade. In a separate 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. Whisk everything together until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and all the ingredients are well incorporated. This combination creates a magical sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy profile that is the hallmark of Filipino BBQ. The Coca-Cola not only adds sweetness but also helps tenderize the beef.

Pour about three-quarters of the marinade over the beef cubes in the bowl. Reserve the remaining marinade for basting later. Gently toss the beef to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer the beef marinates, the more flavor it will absorb, resulting in incredibly tender and delicious skewers. Don’t skip this crucial step – it’s where all the magic happens!

Assembling and Grilling the Skewers

Once the beef has had ample time to marinate, it’s time to assemble our skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, it’s a good idea to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using them. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Thread the marinated beef cubes onto the soaked skewers, leaving a small space between each piece. This allows for better heat circulation and ensures each side of the beef gets nicely seared. Aim to get about 3-4 pieces of beef per skewer, depending on the size of your beef cubes and skewers.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are covered with gray ash. For a gas grill, preheat it for about 10-15 minutes. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the beef from sticking. Carefully place the assembled beef skewers onto the hot grill.

Now for the grilling process itself. Grill the skewers for about 4-6 minutes per side, turning them regularly. While grilling, baste the skewers with the reserved marinade. This adds an extra layer of flavor and helps create a beautiful, glossy finish. You’ll know the skewers are done when the beef is nicely browned and cooked to your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of around 130-135°F (54-57°C). Be careful not to overcook them, as beef can become tough if grilled for too long. The caramelization from the brown sugar and ketchup in the marinade will give them a lovely char.

Serving Your Delicious Skewers

Once your BBQ Beef Skewers are perfectly grilled, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the beef stays moist and tender. Serve them hot, perhaps with a side of garlic fried rice or a fresh cucumber salad. These skewers are also fantastic on their own, making them the perfect finger food for any occasion. Enjoy the explosion of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that are characteristic of Filipino BBQ!

Conclusion:

There you have it – delicious BBQ Beef Skewers infused with that irresistible Filipino BBQ Marinade! This recipe is a winner because it’s incredibly flavorful, relatively simple to prepare, and offers a taste of the Philippines right in your backyard. The combination of tender beef and the sweet, savory, and tangy marinade is truly something special. I’ve found these skewers to be a huge hit at gatherings, and they’re perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something a little more exciting than the usual.

For serving, I love pairing these BBQ Beef Skewers with fluffy white rice to soak up any extra marinade. Garlic fried rice is another fantastic option! Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or a fresh, crunchy side salad, also make great accompaniments. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding some grilled pineapple chunks to the skewers for an extra burst of tropical sweetness.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with variations! While beef is classic, you could certainly adapt this marinade for beef or even chicken. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to increase the amount of chili flakes or add a bit of sriracha to your marinade. Give these BBQ Beef Skewers a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Filipino BBQ Marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! The Filipino BBQ Marinade actually benefits from being made ahead. You can prepare it up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in even more delicious skewers.

What kind of beef is best for these skewers?

For the most tender and flavorful BBQ Beef Skewers, I recommend using cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or even flank steak. These cuts have enough marbling to stay moist during grilling. Cut the beef into uniform cubes for even cooking.

How long should I grill the beef skewers?

Grilling time will depend on the thickness of your beef cubes and how well-done you like your steak. Typically, 3-5 minutes per side over medium-high heat is a good starting point. You’re looking for a nice char on the outside and your desired level of doneness inside.

BBQ Beef Skewers with Filipino BBQ Marinade

Tender beef skewers marinated in a classic Filipino-inspired BBQ sauce with a hint of cola sweetness and spicy kick.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
12 Minutes

Total Time
32 Minutes

Servings
8 skewers

Ingredients

• 4 thick cut beef chops (boneless)
• 1/3 cup Coca-Cola
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup onion (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp sriracha
• 8 large skewers

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Cut the boneless beef chops into 1-inch cubes.
2. Step 2
   In a bowl, whisk together 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 to create the marinade.
3. Step 3
   Place the beef cubes in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the beef, ensuring all pieces are coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
4. Step 4
   Thread the marinated beef cubes onto the large skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Step 5
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the beef is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
6. Step 6
   Serve hot.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.