Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu

Introduction

Chinese BBQ Pork, or Char Siu, is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that has gained popularity worldwide. Known for its vibrant color and tender texture, this dish is often enjoyed in Chinese restaurants and can be paired beautifully with rice or noodles. It’s a great recipe to try at home, as it fills your kitchen with enticing aromas and is sure to impress your family and friends. Making Char Siu involves marinating pork in a special mixture of ingredients that give it that iconic flavor and texture that we all love.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Pork shoulder

2 pounds of pork shoulder, cut into long strips

Soy sauce

1/4 cup of soy sauce

Hoisin sauce

1/4 cup of hoisin sauce

Honey

2 tablespoons of honey

Chinese five-spice powder

1 teaspoon of Chinese five-spice powder

Rice wine or sherry

2 tablespoons of rice wine or sherry

Red food coloring

Optional, for color

Garlic

3 cloves of minced garlic

Green onions

2 chopped green onions, for garnish

Prep Time

The preparation time for this Chinese BBQ Pork is approximately 15 minutes. During this time, you can prepare the marinade and slice the pork into strips.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time

After marinating, the cook time is about 30 minutes. This can vary depending on your cooking method, whether you’re using an oven, grill, or stovetop.

Total Time

The total time required, including marination, cook time, and prep time, is around 2 hours and 15 minutes. This includes 2 hours of marinating for the best flavor.

Yield

This recipe generally yields about 4 servings, making it perfect for a family meal or for leftovers to enjoy later.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, Chinese rice wine (or sherry), granulated sugar, honey, five-spice powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the sugar is dissolved.

Marinate the Pork

Place your pork tenderloin in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring that it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and placing a wire rack on top. This will allow the juices to drain off during cooking.

Prepare the Char Siu for Cooking

Remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use. Place the pork tenderloin on the prepared wire rack.

Cook the Pork

Bake the pork in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. After 15 minutes, baste the pork with the reserved marinade to enhance the flavor and glaze.

Broil for a Finish

Once the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), switch the oven to broil. Broil the pork for an additional 3-5 minutes to achieve a caramelized exterior, watching closely to prevent burning.

Rest the Pork

After broiling, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat moist.

Slice and Serve

Once rested, slice the pork into thin pieces and serve with additional dipping sauce if desired.

Notes

Choosing the Right Cut

For the best results, use pork tenderloin or pork shoulder as they both offer great flavor and tenderness.

Marinating Time

Longer marination times improve flavor absorption. Overnight is ideal, but even a few hours will enhance the taste.

Cooking Method Alternatives

If preferred, you can grill the pork instead of baking it. Just ensure it cooks through and reaches the appropriate internal temperature.

Serving Suggestions

Char Siu can be served with rice, in pancakes, or as a filling for bao buns for various delicious meal options.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Cook techniques

Marinating

Marinating the pork is essential for infusing it with flavor. A mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder is used to enhance the meat’s richness.

Roasting

Roasting at high temperatures ensures that the pork develops a caramelized exterior while keeping the interior juicy. This technique is pivotal for achieving the right texture and flavor.

Glazing

Applying a glaze during the last few minutes of cooking adds a shiny finish and an additional layer of sweetness, making the pork visually appealing and delicious.

Slicing

Properly slicing the pork against the grain allows for tender pieces that are easy to chew, ensuring a pleasant eating experience.

FAQ

What cut of pork is best for Char Siu?

Pork shoulder or pork belly is typically used for Char Siu due to its balance of meat and fat, which keeps the dish moist and flavorful.

Can I make Char Siu in the oven?

Yes, Char Siu can be made in the oven by roasting it at a high temperature, ensuring that you regularly check for doneness and apply the glaze.

How long should I marinate the pork?

It’s recommended to marinate the pork for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal for deeper flavor penetration.

Is Char Siu spicy?

Char Siu is not generally considered spicy; it has a sweet and savory flavor profile, with a hint of warmth from the Chinese five-spice powder.

What should I serve with Char Siu?

Char Siu can be served with rice, noodles, or as part of a larger meal including vegetables and dipping sauces.

Conclusion

The Chinese BBQ Pork, or Char Siu, is a savory and delicious dish that stands out for its unique flavors and appealing appearance. With its blend of sweetness and a hint of smokiness, this meal is perfect for any occasion. Whether served over rice, in a bao, or as part of a larger feast, it embodies the essence of traditional Chinese cuisine. Enjoy making this dish at home and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Char Siu Fried Rice

Combine leftover Char Siu with rice, vegetables, and soy sauce for a tasty and satisfying fried rice dish.

Pork Bao Buns

Use slices of Char Siu as a filling for soft steamed bao buns, garnished with cucumber and cilantro.

Char Siu Noodle Soup

Add chunks of Char Siu to a savory broth with noodles and your favorite vegetables for a comforting soup.

Char Siu Lettuce Wraps

Serve shredded Char Siu in lettuce leaves, topped with hoisin sauce and shredded vegetables for a fresh appetizer.

Grilled Char Siu Skewers

Skewer pieces of Char Siu with vegetables and grill them for a fun and flavorful barbecue option.