Filipino BBQ sauce is a deliciously bold and sweet-savory marinade that brings the vibrant flavors of the Philippines to your grill.
Blending banana ketchup, soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of citrus, this sauce delivers a unique balance of tangy, smoky, and umami notes.
It’s a staple in Filipino-style barbecues, often used to marinate pork, chicken, or beef before grilling over open flames.
Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or craving island flavors, this sauce adds an irresistible twist to any dish.
How To Make Filipino BBQ Sauce?
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Filipino
Yield: Approximately 1 cup (enough for 1 kg of meat)
Equipment Needed
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- An airtight container or jar
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup banana ketchup (or tomato ketchup if unavailable)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped red onion. Sauté until fragrant and lightly golden.
2. Build the Base Flavor
Stir in banana ketchup, soy sauce, and apple cider. Let it simmer for a minute to blend the flavors.
3. Sweeten and Spice It
Add brown sugar, lemon juice, and oyster sauce (if using). Sprinkle in black pepper, chili flakes, and a pinch of salt.
4. Simmer to Perfection
Stir the sauce well and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Cool and Use
Let the sauce cool down. Use as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce for grilled meats.
Nutrition Facts Of Filipino BBQ Sauce
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Carbs: 13 g
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
Which Goes Best With Filipino BBQ Sauce?
❖ Grilled Meats: Brush over pork, chicken, or beef skewers while grilling for a sweet-savory glaze.
❖ Dipping Sauce: Serve as a dip for lumpia (Filipino spring rolls), grilled seafood, or fried snacks.
❖ Burger Topping: Use it as a tangy alternative to ketchup on burgers or sandwiches.
❖ Rice Bowls: Drizzle steamed rice with grilled meat and vegetables for a flavorful Filipino-style rice bowl.
❖ Marinade Base: Use as a marinade for barbecue or oven-roasted dishes to infuse deep Filipino flavor.
Tips & Variations
✤ Adjust Sweetness: Add more brown sugar or banana ketchup for a sweeter sauce, or reduce for a tangier profile.
✤ Spice It Up: Include more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
✤ Smoky Flavor: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a grilled aroma.
I always check the thickness before removing the sauce from the heat. Also, taste as I cook, adjusting sweetness or acidity to match my flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes it different from other BBQ sauces?
The use of banana ketchup gives it a unique, sweet, and fruity flavor.
Can I use tomato ketchup instead of banana ketchup?
Yes, but banana ketchup is preferred for authentic taste.
Can I use it as a dipping sauce?
Sure! Just simmer it to thicken before serving.
Can I store the sauce?
Yes, refrigerate in a sealed jar for up to 1 week.
Conclusion
Filipino BBQ sauce is more than just a marinade—it’s a celebration of rich, island flavors. With its perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, it brings authentic Filipino taste to any grilled dish. Try it once, and it just might become your go-to sauce for every barbecue.
Filipino BBQ sauce
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- An airtight container or jar
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup banana ketchup or tomato ketchup if unavailable
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce optional, for extra umami
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 red onion finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes optional, for a spicy kick
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped red onion. Sauté until fragrant and lightly golden.
Stir in banana ketchup, soy sauce, and apple cider. Let it simmer for a minute to blend the flavors.
Add brown sugar, lemon juice, and oyster sauce (if using). Sprinkle in black pepper, chili flakes, and a pinch of salt.
Stir the sauce well and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Let the sauce cool down. Use as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce for grilled meats.
Notes
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.