Char Siu Pork – Chinese BBQ Pork

Char Siu Pork, also known as Chinese BBQ Pork, is a delicious and flavorful dish that brings a taste of Asia right to your kitchen. This dish is famous for its sweet and savory glaze, making it a popular choice in Chinese restaurants around the world. Making Char Siu at home allows you to enjoy the tender, juicy pork with a delightful caramelized coating any time you wish.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make Char Siu Pork at home. First, it is a simple recipe that does not require complicated techniques. Second, the flavor is unbeatable! The combination of sweet and savory ingredients, like honey and hoisin sauce, creates a unique taste that you won’t forget. Finally, making this dish at home means you can control the quality of the ingredients and customize it to suit your taste. You can even enjoy it as leftovers in different meals!

How to Make Char Siu Pork

Making Char Siu Pork is easier than you might think. Follow the steps below to achieve that perfect barbecue flavor with tender, juicy pork.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar (white also ok)
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
2 tbsp light soy sauce (or all-purpose soy)
1 tbsp soy sauce (or more light soy)
1 tsp Chinese five spice powder
1 tbsp oil (vegetable or canola)
2 tsp red food coloring (optional)
1.2 – 1.5kg (2.4 – 3lb) pork scotch fillet (or pork shoulder)
2 tbsp Extra Honey

Directions:

Marinade Pork:

Cut pork in half to make two long strips.
Mix marinade ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
Place the pork and marinade in a stain-proof container or ziplock bag. Marinate for 24 to 48 hours in the fridge (3 hours is the bare minimum).

To Roast:

Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F).
Line a tray with foil and place a rack on top (recommended).
Remove pork from the marinade, saving the marinade, and place it on the rack.
Roast for 30 minutes.
In the meantime, pour the reserved marinade into a saucepan. Mix in the extra honey, bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, and cook for 2 minutes until syrupy. Remove from heat.
Remove the pork from the oven. Dab the marinade all over the pork, then turn it over. Baste and roast for a further 30 minutes.
Remove the pork again and brush with marinade, then turn and brush again. Roast for an additional 20 minutes, covering with foil if necessary.
Baste once more on the surface and bake for another 10 minutes until caramelized and sticky. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve with rice and steamed Chinese greens.

How to Serve Char Siu Pork

Char Siu Pork is best served over a bed of fluffy rice, accompanied by steamed Chinese greens. You can also use it as a filling for buns or in stir-fries.

How to Store Char Siu Pork

If you have leftovers, you can store Char Siu Pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

Tips to Make Char Siu Pork

Allow the pork to marinate for the full 48 hours for maximum flavor.
If you like it spicy, add some chili paste to the marinade.
Keep an eye on the pork while roasting, ensuring it does not burn, as the sugar can caramelize quickly.

Variation

You can try using chicken or beef in place of pork for a different take on this classic dish. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

FAQs

Q: Can I freeze Char Siu Pork?
A: Yes! You can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Q: Is Char Siu Pork spicy?
A: No, it is generally not spicy. However, you can add some chili flakes or sauce if you prefer a bit of heat.

Q: What can I do with leftover Char Siu Pork?
A: Leftover Char Siu Pork can be used in stir-fries, fried rice, or made into sandwiches or wraps.

Enjoy your homemade Char Siu Pork – a fantastic dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends!

Char Siu Pork

Char Siu Pork, also known as Chinese BBQ Pork, is a flavorful dish with a sweet and savory glaze, perfect for enjoying at home or in various meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1

Cook Time 1 40

Total Time 1 1 40

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

Marinade Ingredients

1.5 tablespoons brown sugar white sugar also ok
0.25 cup honey
0.25 cup hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or all-purpose soy)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (or more light soy)
1 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or canola)
2 teaspoons red food coloring (optional)

Pork

1.2 - 1.5 kilograms pork scotch fillet (or pork shoulder)
2 tablespoons extra honey

Instructions

Marinade Pork

Cut pork in half to make two long strips.
Mix marinade ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
Place the pork and marinade in a stain-proof container or ziplock bag. Marinate for 24 to 48 hours in the fridge (3 hours is the bare minimum).

To Roast

Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F).
Line a tray with foil and place a rack on top (recommended).
Remove pork from the marinade, saving the marinade, and place it on the rack.
Roast for 30 minutes.
In the meantime, pour the reserved marinade into a saucepan. Mix in the extra honey, bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, and cook for 2 minutes until syrupy. Remove from heat.
Remove the pork from the oven. Dab the marinade all over the pork, then turn it over. Baste and roast for a further 30 minutes.
Remove the pork again and brush with marinade, then turn and brush again. Roast for an additional 20 minutes, covering with foil if necessary.
Baste once more on the surface and bake for another 10 minutes until caramelized and sticky. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Serve with rice and steamed Chinese greens. If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving. For maximum flavor, allow the pork to marinate for the full 48 hours. For a spicier flavor, add chili paste to the marinade.

Keyword Asian Cuisine, Char Siu, Chinese BBQ Pork, Marinade, Pork Recipe