Heavenly Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu Recipe For Family Dinners

My mom’s cherished chinese bbq pork char siu recipe brings memories of bustling weekend markets and sizzling street-side grills.

Fragrant spices dance through our kitchen whenever I prepare this classic dish.

Marinating techniques passed down through generations create an incredible depth of flavor.

Sweet and savory notes weave magic into tender pork slices that practically melt on your tongue.

Rich marinades infuse each bite with traditional cantonese culinary wisdom.

Succulent meat glazed with a gorgeous crimson sheen promises a dining experience that transports you straight to hong kong’s vibrant food culture.

Dive in and let these incredible flavors tell a delicious story.

Char Siu Cooking Tips for Maximum Flavor

• Maximize Marinade Magic: Let the pork soak in the marinade overnight to develop deeper, more complex flavors that will make your char siu truly unforgettable.
• Choose the Right Cut: Select pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) for its perfect balance of lean meat and fat, ensuring juicy and tender results every time.
• Rack Roasting Revolution: Using a wire rack on the baking sheet allows hot air to circulate around the meat, creating an even, crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist.
• Caramelization Technique: The final high-heat basting creates those signature glossy, slightly charred edges that give char siu its distinctive look and delicious flavor profile.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Swap soy sauce for tamari to make the recipe gluten-free, or use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup for a different flavor twist.

How to Store and Reheat Char Siu

• Store leftover char siu in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for up to 3 months, preserving the meat's texture and flavor.
• Warm sliced pork at 325F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out, ensuring moist and delicious results.
• Heat small portions on medium power in 30-second intervals, drizzling a teaspoon of water to maintain tenderness and prevent toughness.

Favorite Sides for Char Siu Pork

• Riesling's subtle sweetness and bright acidity perfectly cuts through the rich, caramelized pork, balancing its intense flavors and cleansing the palate with each sip.
• Stir-fried bok choy or Chinese broccoli with garlic provides a crisp, slightly bitter green that complements the sweet and savory char siu, adding nutritional balance and textural diversity.
• Jasmine or fragrant steamed white rice absorbs the delicious marinade drippings, creating a delectable base that soaks up the pork's complex flavor profile and provides a comforting foundation.
• Whip up a quick ginger-scallion sauce with minced ginger, chopped green onions, salt, and a touch of oil to add a punchy, fresh dimension that elevates the char siu's deep umami notes.

Flavor Options for BBQ Pork Lovers

• Low-Sodium Alternative: Replace regular soy sauce with reduced-sodium soy sauce and omit added salt, perfect for those monitoring sodium intake while preserving authentic Chinese BBQ flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute hoisin and oyster sauce with gluten-free versions, use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce, ensuring celiac and gluten-sensitive individuals can enjoy this classic dish.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace pork with firm tofu or seitan strips, marinating and roasting using identical techniques to maintain similar texture and absorb the rich, savory marinade.
• Lean Meat Option: Use pork tenderloin instead of fattier cuts, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining tenderness and maximizing marinade penetration during cooking process.

FAQ for Chinese BBQ Pork

• Is char siu traditionally spicy?

Not typically. Char siu is known for its sweet and savory flavor profile, focusing on rich umami tastes from hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and honey rather than heat.

• Why use five-spice powder in the marinade?

Five-spice powder provides a complex, warming blend of flavors including cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and Sichuan pepper, which adds depth and authenticity to the Chinese BBQ pork.

• Can I use a different cut of pork for char siu?

Pork shoulder or pork belly work best due to their fat content, which keeps the meat tender and flavorful during roasting. Leaner cuts might dry out more quickly.

• What gives char siu its signature red color?

Traditionally, red food coloring is used, but some recipes use beetroot juice or annatto for a natural red hue. The coloring is optional but helps achieve the classic char siu appearance.

What Makes Char Siu Pork So Irresistible

• Easy BBQ Pork Mastery
• Minimal prep time with maximum taste, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour.
• Overnight soaking guarantees tender, deeply flavored meat that practically melts in your mouth, making even novice cooks look like pros.
• Perfect for casual family dinners, meal prep, potlucks, or impressing guests with authentic Chinese cuisine without complicated techniques.
• Adaptable serving options from rice bowls to sandwiches, ensuring everyone from kids to food enthusiasts will love this delicious protein.

What You Need for Chinese BBQ Pork

• Pork Loin, Pork Belly: Tender cut perfect for absorbing rich marinade flavors, with nice meat-to-fat ratio for juicy results.

• Honey, Hoisin Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Soy Sauces: Create sweet, savory, and complex flavor profile with deep umami characteristics. Choose authentic Asian brands for best taste.
• Shaoxing Wine: Traditional Chinese cooking wine that adds depth and subtle complexity to the marinade.

• Five-Spice Powder: Classic Chinese spice blend with warming, aromatic notes. Provides traditional char siu flavor profile.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves add intense aromatic base to marinade. Premium fresh garlic recommended over pre-minced.
• White Pepper, Sesame Oil: Provide subtle heat and nutty undertones to enhance overall dish complexity.

• Red Food Coloring: Helps achieve traditional bright red exterior characteristic of restaurant-style char siu. Not essential for flavor.

• Honey, Water: Creates glossy, caramelized exterior with slightly sweet finish. Helps achieve signature char siu shine.

How to Make Classic Char Siu at Home

Step 1: Slice and Prepare Meat

Grab a sharp knife and slice pork into long, tender strips about 1.5 inches wide. Choose a fatty cut like pork shoulder or pork belly for richer flavor and juiciness.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Marinade

• Honey
• Hoisin sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Light soy sauce
• Dark soy sauce
• Shaoxing wine
• Five-spice powder
• Minced garlic
• Sesame oil
• White pepper
• Red food coloring (optional)

Step 3: Infuse Meat with Marinade

Thoroughly coat each pork strip in marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Place marinated meat in a sealed container or zip-lock bag. Refrigerate for minimum 6 hours, preferably overnight to develop deep, rich flavors.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil and place wire rack on top. Arrange marinated pork strips with small gaps between them. Roast for 25 minutes, then flip and roast additional 20 minutes.

Step 5: Caramelize and Glaze

Create basting mixture by combining honey and water. Increase oven temperature to 425°F. Brush pork with honey mixture. Roast for 5-7 minutes until edges become beautifully caramelized and slightly charred.

Step 6: Rest and Slice

Remove pork from oven. Allow meat to rest for 10 minutes. Slice against the grain into thin, succulent pieces. Serve alongside steamed rice, noodles, or inside soft bao buns.

Chinese Bbq Pork Char Siu Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu delivers a symphony of sweet and savory flavors that dance across your palate. Marinated and roasted to perfection, this classic dish brings the authentic taste of Cantonese cuisine straight to your kitchen with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 lbs (0.9 kg) pork shoulder

Marinade Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• ½ teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for traditional red color)

Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon water

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Instructions

1. Transform succulent pork into classic Chinese barbecue by slicing meat into elongated strips approximately 1.5 inches thick, promoting uniform cooking and optimal marinade penetration.
2. Craft an aromatic marinade by blending honey, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, five-spice powder, minced garlic, sesame oil, white pepper, and optional red food coloring in a spacious mixing vessel.
3. Thoroughly massage marinade into meat strips, guaranteeing comprehensive coverage, then seal and refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours, ideally overnight to intensify flavor profiles.
4. Position wire rack atop foil-lined baking sheet, strategically arranging marinated pork strips with adequate spacing, then roast in preheated 375F (190C) oven for initial 25-minute segment.
5. Carefully rotate meat pieces, continuing roasting for subsequent 20 minutes to ensure balanced caramelization and consistent internal temperature.
6. Prepare honey-water basting mixture, then elevate oven temperature to 425F (220C), delicately brushing pork with sweet glaze.
7. Continue roasting for additional 5-7 minutes, watching for elegant charred edges and glistening caramelized surface.
8. Allow meat to rest peacefully for 10 minutes post-roasting, enabling juices to redistribute throughout protein.
9. Slice meticulously and present alongside steamed rice, tender noodles, or nestled within pillowy bao buns for an authentic culinary experience.

Notes

• Select pork with good marbling to ensure tender, juicy results that melt in your mouth.
• Use the fattiest cut like pork belly or pork shoulder for maximum flavor and succulence.
• Consider using a digital meat thermometer to check internal temperature, aiming for 145F to guarantee perfect doneness without drying out the meat.
• Customize the marinade by adjusting spice levels or replacing Shaoxing wine with dry sherry for a similar depth of flavor.
• Prepare extra marinade as a glaze or dipping sauce for added excitement to the dish.
• Swap food coloring with natural alternatives like beet juice for traditional color without artificial ingredients.
• Transform leftovers into delicious fried rice, banh mi sandwiches, or chopped toppings for noodle bowls.
• Store marinated uncooked pork in the freezer for up to 3 months, allowing spontaneous meal preparation anytime.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg