This Easy Oven-Roasted Pork Barbecue is a winner! Tender pork cooked to perfection with a sweet and tangy sauce that will make your taste buds dance. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder or Butt: This cut is ideal because it’s juicy and tender. You could substitute it with pork loin for a leaner option, but keep in mind it might not be as flavorful.
Soy Sauce: The backbone of the marinade! If you’re watching sodium levels, try low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free version.
Brown Sugar: It adds sweetness and depth. For a healthier option, consider using honey or maple syrup, but adjust quantities as they are sweeter than brown sugar.
Vinegar: Both white and apple cider vinegar work here. You could also use rice vinegar for a slightly different taste.
Paprika or Annatto Powder: These are used mainly for color. If you don’t have them, just skip it, or use a tiny bit of turmeric for color.
What’s the Best Way to Marinade the Pork for Full Flavor?
Marinating your pork is key to bringing out rich flavors. Aim for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best! This gives the marinade time to soak into the meat, making it tender.
- Mix all ingredients first, so they blend well.
- Make sure every piece of pork is coated in the marinade. Use your hands for a thorough mix!
- Cover and refrigerate, as this helps the flavors develop.
How to Make Sure Your Pork Skewers Cook Evenly?
Cooking skewers in the oven can lead to uneven results if not done carefully. Here are tips to ensure they turn out great:
- Be sure to soak bamboo skewers in water to prevent burning.
- Thread pieces tightly enough that they melt together during cooking but leave space for even heat distribution.
- Flipping halfway through allows for uniform cooking, so don’t skip this step!
With these tips, your Easy Oven-Roasted Pork Barbecue will be tasty and delightful every time!
Easy Oven-Roasted Pork Barbecue
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, thinly sliced or cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vinegar (white or apple cider)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika or annatto powder (for color, optional)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, but you’ll want to marinate the pork for at least 4 hours or, even better, overnight. Cooking in the oven will take about 25-30 minutes. So plan for about 4 hours and 45 minutes to enjoy this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, paprika or annatto powder, and vegetable oil. Mix well until the sugar is mostly dissolved. This marinade is what gives the pork its wonderful flavor!
2. Marinate the Pork:
Add the sliced pork to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything into a resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better for deeper flavor!
3. Prepare the Oven:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top of it. This will help excess marinade drip off while cooking.
4. Skewer the Pork:
Take the marinated pork pieces and carefully thread them onto the soaked bamboo skewers. Ensure they are packed closely together but not too tight, allowing some room for even cooking.
5. Roast the Skewers:
Arrange the skewers on the wire rack and place them in the preheated oven. Roast for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking. If you like a caramelized finish, you can broil them for an additional 3-5 minutes at the end, but keep a close watch to avoid burning!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skewers from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or a simple vinegar with chili. You can also add pickled vegetables or fresh tomato slices as a delightful garnish.
Enjoy your tender, flavorful oven-roasted pork barbecue, a perfect easy-to-make dish that tastes like it was grilled outdoors!
FAQ for Easy Oven-Roasted Pork Barbecue
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder or butt works best for tenderness, you can use pork loin or even chicken thighs. Just adjust cooking times as lean cuts cook faster!
How Long Can I Marinate the Pork?
You can marinate the pork for anywhere between 4 hours to 24 hours. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the meat will be, but avoid going over 24 hours as the texture may begin to break down.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Bamboo Skewers?
If you don’t have bamboo skewers, feel free to use metal skewers. If you have no skewers at all, you can also spread the marinated pork pieces directly on the lined baking sheet and roast them without skewering!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork barbecue in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. For best results, add a little extra sauce to keep it moist!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions about this delicious recipe! Enjoy your cooking!
