Discover the irresistible flavors of Chamorro BBQ with this authentic recipe. Perfect for summer cookouts, this dish features marinated pork or chicken grilled to perfection. Learn how to make the traditional Chamorro BBQ marinade, enjoy tender and juicy meats, and bring a taste of Guam to your table. Ideal for family gatherings and outdoor grilling, this recipe is sure to impress with its rich, smoky flavor.

Ingredients:

- 2 lbs pork shoulder or chicken thighs

- 1/2 cup soy sauce

- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

- 1/4 cup brown sugar

- 1/4 cup ketchup

- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

- 1 tablespoon minced garlic

- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

- 1 teaspoon black pepper

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, ginger, garlic, Dijon mustard, black pepper, salt, smoked paprika, and ground cumin until well combined.

Marinate the Meat: Cut the pork shoulder or chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Place the meat in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over it, and ensure all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly spread and have a medium flame.

Grill the Meat: Remove the meat from the marinade and discard any excess marinade. Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Place the meat on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and has a nice char, about 15-20 minutes for pork or 10-15 minutes for chicken.

Serve: Transfer the grilled meat to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes and enjoy the delicious flavors of Chamorro BBQ.

Nutritional Values

Pork Shoulder or Chicken Thighs (2 lbs)

Pork Shoulder:

  - Calories: 250 kcal

  - Protein: 20 grams

  - Fat: 18 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

Chicken Thighs:

  - Calories: 220 kcal

  - Protein: 20 grams

  - Fat: 16 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

Benefits:

 - High in protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.

 - Provides a good amount of fat for energy, especially in the case of pork shoulder.

Soy Sauce (1/2 cup)

 - Calories: 10 kcal

 - Protein: 1 gram

 - Fat: 0 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

 - Sodium: 900 mg

Benefits:

 - Adds umami flavor and depth to the dish.

 - Contains small amounts of protein.

Apple Cider Vinegar (1/4 cup)

 - Calories: 3 kcal

 - Protein: 0 grams

 - Fat: 0 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

Benefits:

 - May aid in digestion and help regulate blood sugar levels.

 - Adds acidity and tanginess to balance flavors.

Brown Sugar (1/4 cup)

 - Calories: 52 kcal

 - Protein: 0 grams

 - Fat: 0 grams

 - Carbohydrates: ~13 grams

Benefits:

 - Adds sweetness to balance the savory and tangy flavors.

 - Contains trace minerals like calcium and iron.

Ketchup (1/4 cup)

 - Calories: 15 kcal

 - Protein: 0 grams

 - Fat: 0 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 4 grams

Benefits:

 - Adds sweetness and tomato flavor.

 - Contains lycopene, an antioxidant.

Grated Fresh Ginger (1 tablespoon)

 - Calories: 5 kcal

 - Protein: 0 grams

 - Fat: 0 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

Benefits:

 - Provides anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.

 - Adds a spicy, aromatic flavor.

Minced Garlic (1 tablespoon)

 - Calories: 4 kcal

 - Protein: ~0.2 grams

 - Fat: 0 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

Benefits:

 - Contains allicin, which has potential health benefits such as boosting immunity and reducing inflammation.

Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon)

 - Calories: 15 kcal

 - Protein: 0.5 grams

 - Fat: 0 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

Benefits:

 - Adds tangy flavor.

 - Contains antioxidants and supports digestive health.

Black Pepper (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: 6 kcal

 - Protein: 0 grams

 - Fat: 0 grams

 - Carbohydrates: ~1 gram

Benefits:

 - Contains piperine, which may improve nutrient absorption and metabolism.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon)

 - Sodium: 2300 mg

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor.

 - Essential for maintaining fluid balance in the body.

Smoked Paprika (1/2 teaspoon)

 - Calories: 6 kcal

 - Protein: 0 grams

 - Fat: 0 grams

 - Carbohydrates: ~1 gram

Benefits:

 - Adds smoky flavor and antioxidants.

Ground Cumin (1/2 teaspoon)

 - Calories: 8 kcal

 - Protein: 0.4 grams

 - Fat: 0.4 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

Benefits:

 - Adds warm, earthy flavor.

 - Contains antioxidants and supports digestion.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons)

 - Calories: 120 kcal

 - Protein: 0 grams

 - Fat: 14 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

Benefits:

 - Provides necessary fats for cooking and flavor.

Chopped Green Onions (1/4 cup, for garnish)

 - Calories: 5 kcal

 - Protein: 0.2 grams

 - Fat: 0 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

Benefits:

 - Adds a fresh, crisp flavor.

 - Provides vitamins and antioxidants.

This combination of ingredients will create a rich, flavorful dish with a balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy notes.