The smoky aroma of a tasty slab of meat is hard to rival. Satisfying for all senses, Filipinos enjoy meat no matter the portion or time of day. Whether it’s a big celebration with family and friends alike, or a nice and quiet meal by yourself, a good piece of pork is enough to lift your spirits. Take, for instance, this grilled liempo with barbecue sauce –– the ultimate pick me up!
Tender, flavorful, and altogether fantastic, this grilled liempo –– or inihaw na liempo –– is a Filipino favorite. It’s one of those dishes that simply needs no introduction; you can find this dish at any restaurant that claims it serves Filipino cuisine. This dish finds itself to be a constant presence, be it at children’s parties, family gatherings, or an inuman session with friends.
Tips for making your grilled liempo
Whether it’s your first or fiftieth (exaggerating, hopefully) time making grilled liempo, it doesn’t hurt to have a few tricks up your sleeve. Here are a few of my tips to making your grilled liempo the best it can be!
Master your marinade
Grilled liempo’s meat comes from the ever savory and succulent pork belly! One of the best and most tender portions of the pork (or of any meat, really) comes from this cut. Not only is it one of the most indulgent parts, but pork belly is really great at soaking up all the amazing flavors you have to offer. As such, a good marinade is important to ensuring your grilled liempo is a success!
For this grilled liempo, our marinade ingredients include barbecue sauce, calamansi, canola oil, ground black pepper, and five tablespoons of Knorr Liquid Seasoning. The latter especially brings out an assortment of flavors that mix together harmoniously once your pork belly is able to absorb it! Together, this marinade is the perfect combination of tangy and savory, refreshing and indulgent. The wait is almost always worth it, no matter how long.
Take your time (but not too much time, either!)
As with any dish that involves a marinade of sorts, it’s important to let your meat sit in these flavors as long as possible. In this grilled liempo recipe, a minimum of 3 hours is ideal for your meat to fulfill optimal flavors. However, the longer you let your pork belly marinate, the more flavorful it then becomes! (Note: coating your pork belly can be a pretty messy experience, so best to have plastic gloves on hand!)
But there is such a thing as too much time when it comes to marinating your pork belly. For instance, leaving it to marinate for longer than overnight may break down some components of your meat, making it mushy when you’re ready. If you really want to marinate your meat for another day, though, I recommend sealing it in an airtight bag and freezing it until you use it. This will keep your meat ready for when you need it, without sacrificing its heavenly texture.
Savor your sides
While the recipe for grilled liempo is fairly simple, you can truly make it your own by dipping it in the condiment of your choice when serving it! Another wonderful thing about this grilled liempo with barbecue sauce is that you enjoy it with a classic cup of rice, or even as a standalone. For sides, I highly recommend a creamy Chicken Macaroni Salad, or even a healthy plate of mixed veggies! And with a cold glass by your side, that just adds to whatever killer combination you come up with!
Grilled liempo truly is one of the best meat dishes to enjoy, whether it’s by yourself or with family. Don’t be afraid to try it today!
How to Cook Grilled Liempo with Barbecue Sauce
Let’s make this grilled liempo with barbecue sauce together. In a bowl, combine all your marinade and ingredients, stirring until you’ve blended them all well. Add in the 1 lb. of pork belly you sliced prior, and make sure to coat the entire piece thoroughly! The best way to do this is with your hands; trust me, the mess will definitely be worth it. Cover your bowl and let your pork marinate for about 3 hours to get all those mouthwatering flavors.
When you’re ready to start cooking, heat your grill up and prep your pork belly pieces. Per piece, grill one side of your pork for about 2 minutes. Baste the top part of your liempo by brushing it with the marinade that remains, then do the same on the other side. Continue doing this until your grilled liempo is scrumptious, succulent, and perfectly cooked.
When all your pieces are done, add your smoky, savory grilled liempo to a serving plate. Whether it’s with rice or other favorite condiments, you and your family will definitely enjoy it!
Let us know what you think of this wonderful grilled liempo with barbecue sauce.
Grilled Liempo with Barbecue Sauce
Equipment
- Grill
Ingredients
- 1 lb. pork belly sliced
Marinade ingredients:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 5 tablespoons Knorr Liquid Seasoning
- 3 pieces calamansi
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Stir until well blended.
- Add pork belly. Make sure that the pork gets coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and marinate for at least 3 hours. Note: the longer the time, the more flavorful the mixture gets.
- Heat-up the grill. Grill one side of the pork for 2 minutes. Baste the top part by brushing the remaining marinade. Turn the pork belly over and do the same procedure on the opposite side. Note: Continue this step until the pork is cooked completely.
- Transfer to a serving plate. Serve with warm rice along with your favorite condiments. Share and enjoy!
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