The Rich Tradition of Filipino BBQ: Banana Ketchup is Key!
Nothing says relaxed Sunday Funday like the smells of sweetish soy, and chicken wafting through the casa. Filipino BBQ chicken Air Fryer Version is a simple crowd-pleaser that’s sure to have even the pickiest eaters lining up for seconds.
As a busy mom, I’m always on the hunt for easy recipes I can whip up after a long day. This one fits the bill with made ahead prep and even less cleanup if you’re using the air fryer. The sweet and savory chicken bbq marinade recipe does all the heavy lifting – just coat the chicken with the chicken bbq marinade, let it soak up those bold flavors, then toss it on the air fryer. No fuss, maximum yum.
Before you know it, you’ll have a feast worthy of any Filipino backyard bash. The best part is everyone can get in on the action. Teamwork makes the dream of relaxing with good food a reality!
What is Filipino BBQ?
Filipino BBQ, known locally as “Inihaw,” is a beloved culinary tradition in the Philippines. This cooking style, which involves marinating in chicken bbq marinade recipe then grilling over an open flame. Tracing back to the pre-colonial times when early settlers from Malay and Indonesian origins brought their method of grilling with bamboo skewers over an open fire, Flipino bbq has evolved over the centuries, influenced by various cultural interactions, particularly with Spanish colonizers who introduced new cooking techniques and ingredients.
By the 19th century, Filipino BBQ became a popular street food, with vendors setting up carts and stalls along the streets, selling grilled meats on skewers to passersby. This tradition has continued to thrive, with street food vendors, known locally as “Manang” or “Manong,” becoming a staple in Filipino culture.
The Secret of Filipino BBQ
Now for the savory secrets behind this skewer: The island marinade with Banana Ketchup is key. A typical Filipino BBQ involves marinating slices of pork or chicken in a blend of soy sauce, calamansi juice (a local citrus fruit), banana ketchup, and spices. The meat is then skewered and grilled, often basted with the same marinade to enhance its flavor. One of the unique aspects of Filipino BBQ is the use of banana ketchup, a sweet and tangy condiment made from mashed bananas, sugar, vinegar, and spices, which adds a distinctive flavor to the dish.
Another interesting ingredient often used in the marinade is lemon-lime soda locally known as Sprite (or 7Up), which helps tenderize the meat and adds a subtle sweetness. This combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors makes Filipino BBQ a truly unique and delicious culinary experience.
Personally, I like my skewers with a little zazz. If it tastes a little plain to you, don’t be afraid to amp things up. A splash of soy sauce packs umami punch while calamansi citrus zings with brightness. For a spicy twist on the typical BBQ, I add more Siling Labuyo (or Thai chili if that’s what you have).
Taste and tweak as you go. A smidge of brown sugar balances tartness. Red pepper flakes provide spicy sprinkles of delight. Let your taste buds be your guide – if something tastes “meh” to you, adjust accordingly. Seasoning is personal so tailor the flavors to your crew’s unique taste profiles.
Proper prep prevents poor presentations too. Once marinade meets meat, thoroughly coating each piece ensures savory saturation all the way through. If you’re bbqing in the flame, skewer size also deserves scrutiny. Bite-sized pieces allow little mouths to fully savor each morsel without frustration.
Grilling / Air Frying expertise emerges with practice, so don’t be afraid to fine-tune as you fire up those skewers. The great thing about this recipe is that it is already precooked in the marinade beforehand. Adjust heat levels or cooking time as needed. With some trial and error, your methods will become masterful in no time!
Preparing The Chicken BBQ Marinade Recipe
For moms looking to recreate this Filipino tradition at home, this cooking process is straightforward enough. Here’s a simple recipe to get started:
- Make the Chicken BBQ Marinade Recipe : Combine soy sauce, calamansi juice, banana ketchup, and 7Up in a bowl. Add garlic, sugar, and pepper. Marinate the pork or chicken pieces for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
- Precook Meat with Marinade. Cook meat with marinade over low fire until liquid is halved.
- Grill: Grill chicken (or other meat) over medium heat until each side is nicely charred and cooked through, basting occasionally with the remaining marinade.
- Serve: Serve hot with steamed rice or pusô and your choice of dipping sauce and sides.
Grill or Air Fry?
As much as I love firing up the grill for summer suppers, not every day calls for tending open flame. Sometimes a mama just needs a no-hassle, virtually mess-free alternative. Enter: the air fryer, my ever loyal favorite kitchen witchcraft for speedy weeknight dinners.
Loaded with Filipino flavors but lacking oven space? No worries – this classic chicken BBQ can now be prepared indoors in a fraction of the time and cleanup. Simply toss the meat in a sweet and savory marinade, then cook to perfection with the help of a convection oven’s super-circulating hot air.
The results? Chicken BBQ thats an explosion of flavors but still juicy inside, just like grilling without all the smoke. Trust me, your whole fam will be amazed!
So fire up that air fryer basket and read on for my no-fail method to bring the Filipino BBQ experience right to your countertop:
Ingredients
- 1.5 -2 kilos chicken parts (or other types of meat)
Marinade
- 3 whole garlic
- 2-3 pcs Siling labuyo (add more if you want it more spicy)
- Pepper
- 1 & 1/4 cup white sugar (or less if prefer it less sweet)
- 3 Tbsp calamansi juice
- 3/4 cup Soy sauce
- 1 cup Sprite/7-up
- 1 cup UFC Banana ketchup
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients and mix in a blender.
- Check the taste and and fix according to taste.
- Marinade chicken overnight.
- Cook in low fire and occasioanlly mix. Cook till marinade is almost half.
- Arrange chicken on your air fryer tray. Baste with remaining marinade.
- Cook at 200°C for 6-8 minutes.
- Coat with leftover marinade befor serving.
How to Serve Filipino BBQ
The Filipino BBQ is typically served with a side of steamed rice, In Cebu where chicken BBQ is in every street corner, it would be served with rice cooked in coconut leaves known as “pusô.” It is also common to have a spicy vinegar dipping sauce on the side, which complements the sweet and savory flavors of the BBQ.
The dish is not only popular as a street food but is also served at various gatherings and celebrations, including family reunions, festivals, and parties.
The payoff? Grinning goblins chowing down on seriously satisfying skewers. Your clan will go gaga for the Filipino BBQ, I guarantee.
So what are you waiting for buzzybabies? Get tasting and tweaking those tasty treats! With a little flavor flair, you’ll go from BBQ novice to grill ninja in no time. Your tastebud troops will thank you.
Let me know if you need any other grilling tips! And be sure to sign up for my Relax Lang Mom newsletter below for more family-friendly recipe rounds. I’d also love to see your skewer creations on social media – don’t be shy to tag #RelaxLangMom. Mwah! Grilling goddess out!
