Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of Chinese BBQ pork char siu wafting through your kitchen! This dish is a staple in Chinese cuisine, beloved for its sweet and savory glaze that gets your taste buds dancing. I remember the first time I attempted to make it at home; I was a bit intimidated, but the moment I pulled that beautifully caramelized pork out of the oven, I was hooked! The vibrant color, the mouthwatering glaze—it’s like a party on a plate! Trust me, once you try making this dish, it’ll become a favorite in your household too. Plus, it’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or impressing friends at a get-together. Get ready to dive into this delicious journey!
Ingredients List
For the perfect Chinese BBQ pork char siu, you’ll need a few simple yet essential ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder: This cut is tender and juicy, ideal for absorbing all those amazing flavors.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds that savory umami punch we all love.
- 1/4 cup honey: Brings sweetness and helps create that gorgeous glaze.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: This thick sauce adds depth and a hint of spice.
- 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine: Enhances the flavor and aroma of the pork.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: To balance out the savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder: A magical blend that brings warmth and complexity.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: For that irresistible aromatic kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional): Just for that classic char siu look!
How to Prepare Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu
Preparing Chinese BBQ pork char siu is a rewarding experience, and I promise you’ll love every moment of it! Let’s break it down into easy steps. First, you’ll want to slice the pork shoulder into long strips, aiming for about one inch thick. This helps the pork cook evenly and absorb all that delicious marinade.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice wine, sugar, five-spice powder, minced garlic, and red food coloring if you’re using it. This marinade is where the magic happens! Toss the pork strips in and make sure they’re well-coated. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for that deep flavor.
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated pork on a rack over a baking tray (don’t forget to save that marinade!). Bake the pork for about 30 minutes, basting with the leftover marinade halfway through to keep it moist and flavorful. For that irresistible charred finish, broil the pork for an additional 5-10 minutes. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing, and get ready to dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Slice the pork shoulder into long strips, about one inch thick.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice wine, sugar, five-spice powder, and minced garlic.
- Toss the pork in the marinade and cover. Marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight if you can.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) when you’re ready to cook.
- Place the marinated pork on a rack over a baking tray.
- Bake for 30 minutes, basting with the leftover marinade halfway through.
- Broil for 5-10 minutes for that perfect charred finish.
- Let it rest before slicing and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Marinate longer: For the best flavor, let your pork marinate overnight. It really makes a difference!
- Use a meat thermometer: Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked pork.
- Baste generously: Don’t skimp on basting! It keeps the pork moist and enhances that beautiful glaze.
- Let it rest: Allow the pork to rest before slicing; this helps keep those delicious juices inside.
- Experiment: Feel free to adjust the honey or add more spices to suit your taste. Make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of Chinese BBQ pork char siu:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Why You’ll Love Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu
- Incredible flavor: The combination of sweet and savory makes every bite a delight!
- Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a show-stopping dish.
- Versatile: Perfect for serving with rice, in buns, or as part of a larger feast.
- Impressive presentation: The vibrant color and glossy glaze will wow your guests.
- Great for meal prep: Leftovers are just as delicious and easy to reheat!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Chinese BBQ pork char siu experience, serve it alongside fluffy jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables for a well-rounded meal. You can also tuck slices into soft bao buns or serve with steamed buns for a delightful twist. A drizzle of extra hoisin sauce on top adds a nice finishing touch!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your Chinese BBQ pork char siu, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to keep that glaze intact and delicious!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is ideal for its fat content and tenderness, you can use pork belly or even pork loin if you prefer. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary.
What if I don’t have Chinese rice wine?
No worries! You can substitute it with dry sherry or even a bit of apple juice if you’re in a pinch. It’ll still add a nice flavor to your Chinese BBQ pork char siu.
How do I know when the pork is done?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check! Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for juicy, perfectly cooked pork.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can marinate the pork a day ahead and then bake it when you’re ready. It makes meal planning a breeze!
Is char siu spicy?
Not at all! The flavor profile is more on the sweet and savory side, thanks to the honey and hoisin sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser for everyone!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Slow Cooked Brisket.
Print
Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu: 7 Reasons You’ll Love It
- Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Chinese BBQ pork char siu is a flavorful dish with a sweet and savory glaze.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the pork shoulder into long strips.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice wine, sugar, five-spice powder, garlic, and food coloring.
- Marinate the pork in the mixture for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the marinated pork on a rack over a baking tray.
- Bake for 30 minutes, basting with leftover marinade halfway through.
- Broil for an additional 5-10 minutes for a charred finish.
- Let it rest before slicing.
Notes
- Serve with rice or in buns.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the honey.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chinese bbq pork, char siu, pork recipes
