5 from 10 votes
Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork Recipe)
Char Siu is a Chinese BBQ pork made from pork shoulder strips marinated overnight in a mixture of sugar, soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, hoisin sauce, molasses, five spice, and red food coloring (optional). The pork is roasted at high heat and basted with honey to create a glossy, caramelized exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside. It is traditionally garnished with fresh cilantro.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
50 mins
Total Time
55 mins
Servings:
6
Calories:
365 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Chinese
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.
Cup of Yum
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
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 365
% 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.