Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork Recipe)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
50 mins
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Total Time
55 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
365 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Chinese
Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork Recipe)
Description
Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) showcases pork shoulder strips infused with a sweet, savory marinade consisting of sugar, soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, hoisin sauce, molasses, five spice powder, and seasonings. The pork is marinated overnight to deeply penetrate the flavors and then roasted at 500°F on a rack to ensure even cooking and browning. Basting the pork with honey during roasting adds a sticky glaze and enhances caramelization.
The cooking method produces tender pork with a slightly charred, lacquered surface that contrasts with the juicy meat inside. This balance of aroma, color, and flavor characterizes authentic Char Siu.
Char Siu is often served sliced with rice or noodles, or incorporated into other dishes. It pairs well with fresh cilantro garnish to add brightness.
Using a grill or smoker can help maintain temperature control and reduce smoke in the kitchen. When baking in the oven, adding a bit of water to the baking sheet helps manage fat drippings and smoke. Cooking to an internal temperature of 145°F ensures the pork is safely cooked without drying out.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder boneless
Marinade
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tsp molasses
- 1 tsp red food coloring (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp five spice powder
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
Baste
- 2 tbsp honey
Garnish
- cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Cut the pork vertically into 2 long strips about 3 inches thick.
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a small bowl and carefully whisk until sugar is dissolved and marinade is smooth.
- Using gloves, rub the pork with the marinade in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight, at least 8 hours.
- Preheat your oven or grill to 500°F (See Note 1). Remove pork from refrigerator.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a metal rack on top. Spray the rack with cooking spray to avoid sticking. Remove marinated pork, gently shaking off excess and place the pork on the rack, leaving and inch or two between pieces. Roast uncovered for 25 minutes.
- To the reserved marinade add the honey and mix well. This will be your basting sauce. Set aside.
- After 25 minutes, use tongs and carefully turn the pork. Roast another 10 minutes.
- After 35 minutes of roasting baste each pork strip, turn it over and baste the other side. Roast for a final 10 minutes. Turn one more time and baste again. Roast for a final 5 minutes (See Note 2).
- Remove from the oven/grill allow meat to rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Using a grill or smoker helps maintain even temperature and reduces kitchen smoke.
- If using the oven, add water to the baking pan to minimize fat smoke; ensure water does not touch pork.
- Cook pork to an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption.
- Marinate pork overnight for optimal flavor absorption.
- Recipe adapted from Woks of Life.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 365 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 365kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | 6% |
| Protein | 52g | 104% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 136mg | 45% |
| Sodium | 722mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 907mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 17g | 34% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 25mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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