Char Siu, or Chinese BBQ Pork, is a flavorful and slightly sweet roasted pork dish that’s a favorite in Chinese cuisine. With its signature red glaze, this dish is perfect for serving with rice, noodles, or even in bao buns. Below is an easy-to-follow recipe to make this delicious dish at home.
Ingredients
For the marinade:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork belly (cut into long strips)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp red food coloring (optional, for traditional appearance)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
For basting glaze:
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp hot water
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, mix together all marinade ingredients until well combined.
- Marinate the pork: Place the pork strips into the marinade, making sure they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Roast the pork: Remove the pork from the marinade and place it on the wire rack. Reserve the leftover marinade for basting. Roast for 25 minutes.
- Baste and continue roasting: Baste the pork with the reserved marinade, flip, and baste again. Roast for another 20-25 minutes until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Apply the finishing glaze: Mix honey with hot water and brush it over the pork. Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and roast for 5 more minutes for a glossy, caramelized finish.
- Rest and slice: Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing into thin pieces. Serve with steamed rice or noodles.
FAQs
1. What cut of pork is best for Char Siu?
- Pork shoulder is ideal due to its balance of lean meat and fat, making it juicy and flavorful.
2. Can I cook Char Siu on a grill?
- Yes! Grill over medium heat, turning frequently and basting, until caramelized and cooked through.
3. Do I need to use red food coloring?
- No, it’s optional. The food coloring is mainly for the traditional red hue but won’t affect the flavor.
Notes & More
- For an extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Serve with a side of pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast to the sweet-savory pork.
Enjoy making and savoring this delicious homemade Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)!
