Pro Tips

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**

- Brush the grill grates with oil before cooking to prevent the meat from sticking.

- Let grilled meat rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute evenly.

- Baste the meat with oil or marinade while grilling to keep it moist and flavorful.

- Let the pork rest for 5 minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute evenly.

Cooking Tips

Let the meat rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before grilling so it cooks evenly from edge to center. Baste the marinade on during the last few minutes of grilling — applying it too early can char the sugars and create bitter flavors. Have all your ingredients prepped and measured before you start cooking — quick dishes leave no time for chopping mid-recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

No soy sauce? Use tamari (gluten-free), coconut aminos (paleo-friendly), or a mix of fish sauce and water for a different but delicious umami profile. For a low-sodium version, use light soy sauce or dilute regular soy sauce with a splash of water or broth. Pork alternatives: Chicken thighs work well in most pork recipes (they stay moist like pork does). For a leaner option, use turkey breast or firm tofu. Short on time? A pressure cooker (Instant Pot) can reduce cooking time by roughly half for most braised and stewed Filipino dishes. Reduce liquid slightly since less evaporates.

Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened during storage. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.

Inihaw na Pork Chop

Inihaw na Pork Chop

Metro Manila, NCR

Grilled pork chop marinated Filipino-style, cooked over charcoal until smoky and tender — a Filipino home-cooked favorite.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 12 min Total: 42 min Medium Serves 3

Instructions

  1. Make the marinade by combining the soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, salt, sugar, ground black pepper, and lemon juice in a bowl. Mix well.
  2. Arrange the pork chops in a ziploc bag or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade inside the bag. Let the air out and seal the bag. Place in the fridge to marinate for 5 to 8 hours.
  3. Separate the pork chops with the remaining marinade. Place the marinade in a bowl and then add cooking oil. Stir.
  4. Heat-up the grill. Grill the marinated pork chops in medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side while basting with the remaining marinade and oil mixture. Do this step twice and add more grilling time as needed.
  5. Transfer to a serving plate. Serve!

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Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**
- Brush the grill grates with oil before cooking to prevent the meat from sticking.
- Let grilled meat rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute evenly.
- Baste the meat with oil or marinade while grilling to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Let the pork rest for 5 minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute evenly.

Cooking Tips

Let the meat rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before grilling so it cooks evenly from edge to center.
Baste the marinade on during the last few minutes of grilling — applying it too early can char the sugars and create bitter flavors.
Have all your ingredients prepped and measured before you start cooking — quick dishes leave no time for chopping mid-recipe.

Substitutions

No soy sauce? Use tamari (gluten-free), coconut aminos (paleo-friendly), or a mix of fish sauce and water for a different but delicious umami profile.
For a low-sodium version, use light soy sauce or dilute regular soy sauce with a splash of water or broth.
Pork alternatives: Chicken thighs work well in most pork recipes (they stay moist like pork does). For a leaner option, use turkey breast or firm tofu.
Short on time? A pressure cooker (Instant Pot) can reduce cooking time by roughly half for most braised and stewed Filipino dishes. Reduce liquid slightly since less evaporates.

Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened during storage. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.
G

Lola Nena Guerrero

Ilocano & Visayan Regional Specialties

Lola Nena Guerrero is a contributor to the UlamDaily editorial team. Born in Laoag and raised in Cebu, she brings decades of home cooking experience preserving Ilocano and Visayan regional recipes that have been passed down through her family.

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