Char Siu Pork

Char Siu Pork, also known as Chinese BBQ pork, is a beloved dish in Chinese cuisine. Known for its tender, juicy texture and sweet-savory glaze, Char Siu is a classic street food found in Chinese BBQ shops and restaurants worldwide. The pork is marinated in a flavorful mixture of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, five-spice powder, and honey, then roasted to perfection. The result is a dish with a glossy, caramelized exterior and tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. Whether served with steamed rice, in bao buns, or sliced thin for a noodle dish, Char Siu Pork is a versatile and delicious treat.

Here’s how to make this iconic dish at home.

Ingredients for Char Siu Pork

For the Char Siu Marinade:

• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp Chinese rice wine or Shaoxing wine
• 1 tsp five-spice powder
• 1 tsp ground white pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp red food coloring (optional, for that signature red hue)

For the Pork:

• 2 lbs (900 g) pork shoulder or pork belly, cut into 2-inch thick strips
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for roasting)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice wine, five-spice powder, white pepper, garlic, and red food coloring (if using).
2. Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more honey for sweetness or more soy sauce for saltiness.

Step 2: Marinate the Pork

1. Place the pork strips in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
2. Pour the marinade over the pork, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Roast the Pork

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to elevate the pork.
3. Remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting.
4. Place the pork strips on the wire rack and roast for 25–30 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
5. While roasting, baste the pork with the reserved marinade every 10 minutes to build up a glossy, flavorful coating.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

1. Once the pork is cooked and has developed a rich, glossy finish, remove it from the oven.
2. Let the pork rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
3. Serve the Char Siu Pork with steamed rice, in bao buns, or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love Char Siu Pork

1. Sweet and Savory Flavor: The combination of hoisin sauce, honey, and five-spice powder creates a perfect balance of sweetness and umami.
2. Versatile Dish: Char Siu can be enjoyed in various ways—served with rice, added to noodle dishes, or even used as a filling for sandwiches or buns.
3. Easy to Make at Home: With a little patience for marinating, this restaurant-quality dish can be made in your own kitchen.

Tips for Success

• Use Pork Shoulder or Belly: Pork shoulder is the most common cut used for Char Siu due to its balance of meat and fat, which keeps the pork juicy and tender. Pork belly can also be used for an extra-rich result.
• Marinate Overnight: The longer you marinate the pork, the more flavorful and tender it will be.
• Grilling Option: For an even smokier flavor, you can grill the Char Siu Pork instead of roasting it in the oven. Just be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Char Siu Pork is a dish that embodies the essence of Chinese BBQ—flavorful, tender, and satisfying. With its sweet, savory glaze and melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s no wonder that Char Siu is a favorite in Chinese restaurants and homes alike.

Try this recipe and bring the irresistible flavors of Char Siu Pork to your own kitchen!

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