Filipino cuisine is renowned for its bold and diverse flavors, influenced by a rich history of indigenous ingredients and global culinary traditions. One of the most popular methods of cooking in the Philippines is grilling, known locally as ihaw-ihaw. This technique involves cooking meats, seafood, and vegetables over an open flame, which imparts a distinct smoky flavor while allowing the natural flavors to shine. Filipino BBQ has become a staple in everyday life, especially at gatherings, street food stalls, and festive occasions.
In this article, we will explore 10 must-try Filipino BBQ recipes that will transport you to the islands with every bite. Whether you’re looking to recreate classic Filipino BBQ dishes or experiment with new flavors, these recipes will give you everything you need to light up your grill and experience the vibrant, delicious world of ihaw-ihaw right in your backyard.
What Makes Filipino BBQ Unique?
The Significance of Filipino Grilling Traditions
Grilling is more than just a cooking method in the Philippines—it’s a cultural experience that brings people together. Ihaw-ihaw typically involves marinating ingredients in bold and aromatic sauces, then grilling them over hot charcoal. The use of local ingredients such as soy sauce, vinegar, calamansi (Philippine lime), garlic, and various herbs creates an unforgettable flavor profile that balances sweet, sour, salty, and savory notes.
Filipino BBQ is also known for its versatility. While ihaw-ihaw is most often associated with meats like pork, chicken, and beef, seafood, and even vegetables, are also commonly grilled. Whether served as skewers, whole fish, or in the form of grilled pork belly (liempo), Filipino BBQ dishes showcase a variety of textures and tastes, often accompanied by a medley of dipping sauces and side dishes.
The Role of Marinades and Dipping Sauces
One of the key features of Filipino BBQ is the use of marinades and dipping sauces. Filipino BBQ recipes typically feature sweet, tangy, and salty marinades that infuse deep flavors into the meat. A common marinade is made with soy sauce, vinegar, banana ketchup, and brown sugar, creating a well-balanced sweet and savory taste.
On the side, dipping sauces are often used to enhance the flavor of grilled dishes. A popular sauce is toyomansi, a combination of soy sauce and calamansi, which adds a refreshing citrus tang. Sarsa (sauce) made with fermented shrimp paste, vinegar, and chili also adds depth to the grilled meats, providing the perfect contrast to the smoky flavors.
10 Filipino BBQ Recipes You Must Try
1. Inihaw na Liempo (Grilled Pork Belly)
Inihaw na Liempo is a Filipino classic that never fails to impress. The pork belly is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, brown sugar, and lemongrass before being grilled to perfection. The result is a crispy, caramelized exterior with juicy and tender meat on the inside.
Tip: Baste the pork with the marinade while grilling for an extra layer of flavor and a glossy finish.
2. Chicken Inasal (Grilled Chicken)
Chicken Inasal is a famous dish from the Visayas region of the Philippines. This grilled chicken is marinated in a tangy mixture of vinegar, calamansi, garlic, and annatto oil, which gives the chicken a distinct yellow color and smoky flavor. The chicken is usually served with a side of sinamak (spicy vinegar dipping sauce) and kilos (rice).
Serving Tip: Pair with a refreshing iced tea or sago’t gulaman (a sweet drink made of tapioca pearls and brown sugar syrup).
3. Bistek Tagalog (Filipino Beef Steak)
Bistek Tagalog is a Filipino version of beef steak, where thinly sliced beef is marinated in soy sauce, calamansi, garlic, and onions, then grilled or pan-fried. While it’s often cooked on the stovetop, grilling it over hot coals gives it a smoky and tender finish. The savory, citrusy marinade is the key to making this dish special.
Tip: Serve with steamed rice and grilled onions for a complete meal.
4. Inihaw na Isda (Grilled Fish)
Fresh fish is a common ingredient in Filipino BBQ. Inihaw na isda features whole fish, typically bangus (milkfish), tilapia, or bangus, marinated with garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, and calamansi. The fish is grilled until the skin is crispy, and the flesh is tender and smoky.
Grilling Tip: Wrap the fish in banana leaves to retain moisture while grilling, giving it an aromatic flavor.
5. Isaw (Grilled Chicken or Pork Intestines)
For the more adventurous eater, isaw (grilled intestines) is a popular Filipino street food. Chicken or pork intestines are cleaned, skewered, and marinated in a blend of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices before being grilled to perfection. It’s often enjoyed with vinegar dipping sauces.
Tip: Serve isaw with puso (rice wrapped in palm leaves) for an authentic street food experience.
6. Barbecue Pork Skewers
Filipino-style pork BBQ skewers are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, banana ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, and spices, then grilled over hot coals. The result is a deliciously sweet and savory skewer that’s tender on the inside with a crispy caramelized exterior.
Pro Tip: Make sure to soak the skewers in water before grilling to prevent them from burning.
7. Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Butter
Grilled shrimp is a popular ihaw-ihaw dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. The shrimp is marinated in a garlic butter mixture with a squeeze of calamansi before being grilled. The garlic butter adds richness, while the shrimp absorbs the smoky flavor of the grill.
Serving Tip: Serve with a side of garlic rice and fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
8. Tocino (Sweet Cured Pork)
Tocino is a sweet and savory Filipino dish made by marinating pork in a syrupy mixture of sugar, soy sauce, and spices. Once marinated, the pork is grilled or pan-fried until the exterior caramelizes into a glossy, sweet crust.
Tip: Serve with sinigang (sour soup) for a perfect pairing of sweet and sour flavors.
9. Grilled Eggplant with Bagoong (Fermented Shrimp Paste)
For a unique and flavorful vegetarian BBQ dish, grilled eggplant with bagoong is a must-try. The eggplant is grilled until the skin is charred, then served with a dipping sauce made from bagoong (fermented shrimp paste), garlic, chili, and vinegar.
Tip: Add a dash of sugar to the bagoong sauce to balance the salty and spicy flavors.
10. Kebabs (Filipino-Style Skewers)
Filipino kebabs, often called barbecue in the Philippines, feature marinated pieces of chicken, pork, or beef, skewered and grilled. The marinade typically includes soy sauce, calamansi, vinegar, garlic, and spices, creating a tangy and savory flavor profile.
Grilling Tip: Grill over medium heat to avoid burning the marinade and to ensure the meat stays tender.
Essential Ingredients for Filipino BBQ
1. Soy Sauce and Vinegar
Soy sauce and vinegar are the backbone of many Filipino marinades. They create the perfect balance of salty and tangy flavors, which are essential in Filipino grilling.
2. Calamansi
Calamansi, a small citrus fruit native to the Philippines, adds a bright, tangy flavor to many marinades and dipping sauces.
3. Garlic and Onion
Garlic and onion are the foundational aromatics in Filipino BBQ, providing depth and richness to the flavors of grilled meats and seafood.
4. Banana Ketchup
A uniquely Filipino condiment, banana ketchup adds sweetness and color to many BBQ marinades and dipping sauces.
Tips for a Successful Filipino BBQ
1. Marinate for Flavor
Filipino BBQ relies heavily on marinades. The longer the meat marinates, the more flavorful it becomes. Aim for at least 2-3 hours of marination time, but overnight marination will yield even better results.
2. Control the Heat
When grilling, ensure the heat is medium-high. High heat may cause the outside to burn before the inside is cooked through, while too low heat can result in tough meat.
3. Use Charcoal for Authentic Flavor
Charcoal adds an authentic smoky flavor that’s integral to Filipino BBQ. If possible, use charcoal instead of gas for a more traditional grilling experience.
Conclusion
Filipino ihaw-ihaw is more than just a way of grilling—it’s a reflection of the Philippines’ rich culinary culture, where bold flavors, family gatherings, and street food traditions come together. From the smoky, tender liempo to the sweet and savory barbecue skewers, Filipino BBQ offers a diverse array of flavors that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. By incorporating these 10 recipes into your grilling routine, you can recreate the vibrant tastes of the Philippines right at home, while celebrating the communal spirit that defines Filipino dining.
References
- “The Food of the Philippines,” Reynaldo A. Ordonez
- “Filipino Street Food: A Cultural Exploration,” Liza H. G.
- “Filipino Recipes for Every Occasion,” Margarita S.
- “The Filipino Grill: Traditional BBQ Recipes,” Jessica F.
See Also: Singaporean BBQ: 10 Vibrant Recipes to Light Up Your Grill
