This easy oven-roasted pork barbecue recipe brings huge flavor with little fuss! You’ll enjoy tender pork, coated in a tangy barbecue sauce that makes your mouth water.
Cooking this dish makes your kitchen smell amazing, and the best part? It’s simple enough for any night of the week. Just pop it in the oven and relax while it cooks!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder or Butt: This cut is great for barbecue because it’s juicy and flavorful. If you need a substitute, you can use pork loin or chicken thighs, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
Soy Sauce: Adds a depth of flavor. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos instead. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
Brown Sugar: This brings sweetness to balance the savory. If you prefer, you can use honey or maple syrup as a natural alternative, but you may need to adjust quantities for sweetness.
Vinegar: It adds acidity to the sauce. White vinegar is common, but you can also use apple cider vinegar for a fruity twist. Just avoid too strong-flavored varieties like balsamic.
Oyster Sauce: It enhances flavor but is optional. If avoiding seafood, consider hoisin sauce as a good substitute or simply omit it for a simpler flavor profile.
How Do You Make Sure the Pork is Tender and Flavorful?
The key to tender and flavorful pork is marinating it well. Make sure each piece of pork is thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover and let it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better. This allows the flavors to really penetrate the meat.
- Choose a heavy-duty resealable bag or a bowl with a lid for marinating.
- Don’t rush this step! Longer marinating times yield better results.
- When ready to cook, preheat your oven and make sure skewers are soaked to avoid burning during roasting.
Your patience will pay off with delicious, tender bites of pork barbecue that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Oven-Roasted Pork Barbecue Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, thinly sliced or cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vinegar (white or cane vinegar)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely grated or minced
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
- Cooking oil or non-stick spray for the baking tray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for preparation and a marinating time of at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. Roasting in the oven will take about 20-25 minutes, plus an optional 2-3 minutes for broiling if you like a caramelized finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, minced garlic, grated onion, ketchup, oyster sauce (if using), ground black pepper, and salt. Stir the mixture until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved. This marinade is what will infuse flavor into the pork.
2. Marinate the Pork:
Add your pork pieces into the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but for the best results, let it sit overnight. This will really help the flavors penetrate the meat.
3. Preheat the Oven:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, line a baking tray with aluminum foil to catch any drips. Lightly grease the foil with cooking oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Take your marinated pork out of the fridge. Thread the pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. Make sure not to pack them too tightly!
5. Roast the Skewers:
Place the skewers in a single layer on the prepared baking tray. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through to ensure even cooking.
6. Broil for a Caramelized Finish:
If you’d like a bit of caramelization or char, you can switch your oven to broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
7. Let Them Rest:
Once they’re out of the oven, allow the skewers to rest for a few minutes. This will help retain the juices.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious pork barbecue skewers hot! Pair them with a simple dipping sauce made of vinegar, chili flakes, and sliced chili peppers. Fresh tomato or cucumber slices make great side accompaniments.
Enjoy your flavorful, tender oven-roasted pork barbecue skewers that bring the taste of summer grilling right into your kitchen!
FAQ for Easy Oven-Roasted Pork Barbecue Recipe
Can I Use Other Cuts of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder or butt is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use pork loin or even chicken thighs as alternatives. Just be mindful that cooking times may need to be adjusted based on the cut.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want to add some heat, consider marinating the pork with sliced chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce mixed into the marinade. You can also serve with a spicy dipping sauce made from vinegar, chili flakes, and minced garlic!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftover pork skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For best results, reheat in the oven to help retain their original texture.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can marinate the pork the night before and just roast it on the day you plan to serve. If you’re short on time, you can also prepare the skewers in advance and keep them in the fridge, cooked within the same day for maximum freshness.
