BBQ Beef Skewers – Filipino Style Marinade Recipe

BBQ Beef Skewers with Filipino BBQ Marinade are more than just a meal; they’re an explosion of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors that instantly transport you to a vibrant summer cookout. If you’ve ever craved that irresistible char and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, then these skewers are your answer. What makes this Filipino BBQ marinade so utterly addictive? It’s a masterful blend of ingredients – think soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and a touch of vinegar – that creates a caramelized crust as it grills, infusing every bite of tender beef with an unforgettable taste. People adore these BBQ Beef Skewers because they’re incredibly easy to make, yet deliver a restaurant-quality experience. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking for a flavorful weeknight dinner, these skewers are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, leaving everyone asking for the secret to your delicious Filipino BBQ marinade.

this Recipe

BBQ Beef Skewers with Filipino BBQ Marinade

There’s something incredibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into a perfectly grilled skewer, especially when it’s coated in a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy marinade. These BBQ Beef Skewers with Filipino BBQ Marinade are exactly that – a flavor explosion that’s perfect for your next backyard cookout or casual dinner. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Filipino barbecue, this marinade is surprisingly simple to whip up and transforms humble beef chops into something truly special. The secret lies in the unexpected addition of Coca-Cola, which tenderizes the meat and adds a subtle caramel note, while the other ingredients bring that signature sweet and savory punch. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these incredibly delicious and easy-to-make skewers!

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Preparing the Marinade and Beef

The first step to amazing BBQ Beef Skewers is creating the flavor-packed marinade. In a medium bowl, combine the 1/3 cup of Coca-Cola, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of ketchup, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon of Sriracha. Whisk everything together until the brown sugar is dissolved and all the ingredients are well incorporated. The Coca-Cola will help to tenderize the beef, while the brown sugar and ketchup provide sweetness. The vinegar adds a delightful tang, and the garlic, onion, soy sauce, and Sriracha bring depth and a hint of spice.

Next, prepare your beef. Trim any excess fat from the 4 thick-cut boneless beef chops. You want the fat for flavor, but too much can cause flare-ups on the grill. Cut the beef into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in size. This size is perfect for skewering and ensures even cooking. Place the beef cubes into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour about ¾ of the prepared marinade over the beef, ensuring each piece is coated. Reserve the remaining ¼ of the marinade for basting later. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably for 4-6 hours for maximum flavor penetration. If you have the time, an overnight marinade will yield even more incredible results. The longer the beef marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will become.

Assembling the Skewers

While the beef is marinating, it’s a good idea to prepare your skewers. If you are using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before you plan to grill. This prevents the wooden skewers from burning on the grill. Once soaked, thread the marinated beef cubes onto the 8 large skewers. Aim for about 4-5 pieces of beef per skewer, leaving a small space between each piece. This allows the heat to circulate and cook the beef evenly. Don’t overcrowd the skewers, as this can lead to uneven cooking and steaming rather than grilling. The visual appeal of evenly spaced meat on a skewer is also much more inviting!

Grilling the Skewers

Now for the fun part – grilling! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want a hot grill to get a nice sear on the beef and develop those delicious caramelized bits. Once the grill is hot, carefully place the assembled beef skewers onto the grates. Grill for approximately 8-12 minutes, turning the skewers every 2-3 minutes. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers with the reserved marinade. This will add an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful glaze to the beef. Continue to cook until the beef reaches your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). For medium, 135-140°F (57-60°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Be careful not to overcook the beef, as it can become tough. The char marks from the grill are a good indicator of deliciousness!

Resting and Serving

Once the skewers are perfectly grilled, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite. If you slice into the beef immediately, all those delicious juices will run out, leaving you with dry meat. After resting, your BBQ Beef Skewers are ready to be enjoyed! These are fantastic served on their own, or with a side of steamed rice, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables. They’re always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for a casual get-together. The sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes of the Filipino-inspired marinade are sure to make these a new favorite. Enjoy the fruits of your grilling labor!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a foolproof guide to creating incredibly flavorful BBQ Beef Skewers with Filipino BBQ Marinade! This recipe is a winner because it brings together tender, juicy beef with that iconic sweet, tangy, and savory Filipino barbecue profile. It’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for impressing guests or simply elevating your weeknight dinner. The vibrant marinade infuses every bite, making these skewers a guaranteed hit at any gathering.

For serving, these skewers are incredibly versatile. They’re fantastic on their own as an appetizer, or as a main course served with steamed jasmine rice, a fresh cucumber salad, or grilled corn on the cob. You can also get creative with variations! Try adding bell peppers and onions to the skewers for extra color and crunch. For a spicier kick, incorporate some finely chopped red chilies into the marinade. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make them your own!

I truly hope you give these BBQ Beef Skewers with Filipino BBQ Marinade a try. They are a fantastic way to experience a taste of the Philippines right in your own backyard. Let me know how yours turn out!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What’s the best cut of beef for these skewers?

For the most tender and juicy results, I recommend using sirloin, tenderloin, or even flank steak. Cut the beef into uniform cubes for even cooking.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! The Filipino BBQ Marinade can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld even further, resulting in an even more delicious marinade.

How long should I marinate the beef?

For optimal flavor, marinate the beef for at least 2 hours, but ideally for 4-6 hours. You can even marinate it overnight for an intensely flavorful result.

BBQ Beef Skewers with Filipino BBQ Marinade

Tender beef skewers marinated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy Filipino-inspired BBQ sauce, grilled to perfection.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
35 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 beef chops into 1-inch cubes. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2. Step 2
   In a bowl, whisk together the Coca-Cola, brown sugar, 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
   Add the beef cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
4. Step 4
   Thread the marinated beef cubes onto the prepared skewers, leaving a small space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Step 5
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the beef is cooked to your desired doneness and has a nice char.
6. Step 6
   Serve the BBQ beef skewers hot, perhaps with extra marinade brushed on during the last few minutes of grilling.

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.