Grilled Pork BBQ Skewers with Tangy Green Mango Slaw
Filipino-inspired grilled pork tenderloin marinated in banana ketchup, soy, and warm spices, served alongside a bright, crunchy green mango slaw with cashews and jalapeño heat. The pork strips cook quickly on the grill while the cool, zesty slaw balances the smoky char. Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, or summer gatherings. This version combines authentic Pinoy flavors with restaurant-quality plating and the convenience of skewered portions.
Ingredients
- 2 large green mangoes, peeled, seeded, cut into thin stripsunripe papaya or tart apple1:1veganvegetariandairy-free
provides similar tartness and crunch
- ¾ cup cashews, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp banana ketchup, for slawtomato ketchup plus 1/2 tsp brown sugar1:1sweetsavoryumami
maintains signature Pinoy flavor profile
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tsp lime juice, for slaw
- 1 tsp jalapeño, finely chopped
- ½ tsp Sicilian sea salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 pound pork tenderloinchicken breast or shrimp1:1protein-swapquick-cookadds shellfish
reduces cooking time; adjust heat to medium
Full guide → - ½ cup banana ketchup, for marinadetomato ketchup plus 1/2 tsp brown sugar1:1sweetsavoryumami
maintains signature Pinoy flavor profile
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 5 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp lime juice, for marinade
- 1 tsp red pepper, crushed
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika, smoked
- ¼ tsp black pepper, coarse ground
Instructions
- 1
Combine green mango strips, cashews, red onion, banana ketchup, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne in a medium bowl until well blended. Cover and refrigerate.
- 2
Cut pork tenderloin in half crosswise. Slice each piece lengthwise into 1/8-inch thick strips, creating pieces 1 to 2 inches wide.
- 3
Whisk together banana ketchup, soy sauce, sugar, lime juice, red pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- 4
Place pork strips in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour marinade over pork and turn to coat thoroughly. Massage pork and marinade for 4 to 5 minutes.
- 5
Refrigerate 1 hour.
- 6
Remove pork from marinade and discard remaining liquid. Thread pork strips onto skewers.
- 7
Grill skewers over medium-high heat 3 minutes per side until cooked through.
- 8
Serve hot skewers with chilled green mango slaw on the side.
Tips
Massage pork and marinade vigorously for the full 4-5 minutes to ensure even flavor penetration and tenderize the meat.
Keep the slaw cold until serving to maintain crunch and brightness that contrasts the warm, charred pork.
Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning on the grill.
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked pork skewers in an airtight container up to 3 days. Store slaw separately in a covered bowl up to 2 days to maintain crunch.
Marinate pork up to 8 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor. Prepare slaw up to 4 hours ahead; cover and refrigerate.
Serve hot pork skewers immediately off the grill with chilled slaw on the side. Accompany with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or warm flatbread.
Common Mistakes
Under-massage the marinade to avoid under-flavored, tough pork.
Skip the 1-hour rest to avoid shallow flavor penetration.
Discard marinade immediately after removing pork to avoid bacterial contamination.
Grill over too-high heat to avoid charred exterior with raw interior.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
provides similar tartness and crunch
Vegan Options
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
maintains signature Pinoy flavor profile
reduces cooking time; adjust heat to medium
Full guide →FAQ
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes. Pork shoulder or butt works well but may require longer cooking. Thicker cuts benefit from lower grill heat. Pork loin also suits this marinade. Tenderloin is preferred for quick, even cooking and tender texture.
What if I don't have banana ketchup?
Blend regular tomato ketchup with 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar and a pinch of turmeric per batch. This mimics the sweet, slightly earthy profile of banana ketchup. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Can I freeze the marinated pork?
Yes, up to 3 months in a resealable freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling. Do not refreeze raw pork after thawing. Cooked skewers freeze up to 2 months; reheat gently.