Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu

Introduction

Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu is a flavorful and irresistibly delicious dish that originates from Cantonese cuisine. Known for its tender texture and signature sweet-savory glaze, this recipe is perfect for bringing authentic Asian flavors right to your kitchen.

Char Siu is a versatile dish that can be paired with rice, noodles, or even enjoyed on its own. Whether you’re entertaining guests or creating a family meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details of how to prepare this iconic dish.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

2 pounds pork shoulder or pork tenderloin

1/4 cup honey

3 tablespoons hoisin sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1/4 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for the traditional red hue)

Prep Time

Preparing the marinade and slicing the pork should take approximately 10 minutes. Additionally, allowing the pork to marinate overnight is highly recommended for the best flavor.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook time for this recipe is about 30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the pork. The total time, including prep, cook time, and marinating, is around 10 hours and 40 minutes. This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

A flavorful and popular dish, Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu is easy to prepare and brings the authentic taste of Cantonese cooking to your home. With the right balance of sweetness and spice, it’s sure to become one of your favorite recipes.

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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

– In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, Chinese five-spice powder, grated or minced garlic, red food coloring (if using), and sesame oil. Mix all the ingredients well to create a uniform marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the Pork

– Select pork shoulder or pork belly with good marbling for flavor.
– Trim excess fat if necessary and cut into long strips approximately 2 inches wide for even cooking.
– Place the pork strips into a large zip-top bag or a sealable container.
– Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring it is fully coated. Close the bag or container, and massage the marinade into the pork.
– Refrigerate for 8 hours or preferably overnight for enhanced flavor penetration.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the pork for cooking.

Step 4: Arrange Pork on a Rack

– Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
– Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet, then arrange the marinated pork strips on the rack. Ensure there is space between the strips to allow for even cooking.

Step 5: Bake the Pork

– Move the rack of pork into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
– After 25 minutes, turn the pork strips over to cook the other side evenly.

Step 6: Add the Glaze

– While the pork cooks, create a glaze by reserving some marinade, cooking it down in a small saucepan over medium heat, and adding additional honey if desired until it thickens slightly.
– Remove the pork after the initial baking time, and generously brush the glaze over each strip of pork.

Step 7: Broil to Finish

– Set your oven to broil.
– Return the glazed pork strips to the oven and broil for 5 to 7 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, allowing the edges to caramelize and turn slightly charred.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

– Remove the pork from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes.
– Slice the pork into thin pieces and serve warm with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

Note 1: Ingredients Substitutions

– If red food coloring is not available or preferred, you can omit it, but the meat will lack the classic reddish hue of traditional char siu.

Note 2: Adjusting Sweetness

– Honey or brown sugar quantities can be adjusted to suit your desired level of sweetness without compromising the recipe.

Note 3: Marinating Time

– While overnight marination is highly recommended, a minimum of 8 hours is necessary for the flavors to develop fully.

Note 4: Storage

– Leftover char siu should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Note 5: Alternative Cooking Methods

– If you prefer, the pork can be grilled instead of baked for a smokier flavor. Cook over medium heat until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), basting periodically with glaze.
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Cook Techniques

Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Marinating the pork overnight is crucial for deeply infused flavor. Allow the meat to sit in the marinade mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. This step helps create the authentic char siu taste.

Properly Cook the Pork

Use an oven to roast the pork on a rack placed over a lined baking sheet. The rack setup allows the heat to circulate evenly, preventing the pork from becoming soggy and ensuring caramelization.

Add Glaze During Cooking

To achieve the glossy exterior characteristic of char siu, glaze the pork several times during the cooking process. This layering helps develop the sticky, flavorful coating.

Let the Pork Rest Before Slicing

Let the cooked pork rest for a few minutes before slicing to lock in the juices, ensuring the meat is tender and moist.

Slice Thin for Serving

Slice the rested pork into thin, uniform pieces. This ensures each bite has a good balance of the flavored crust and tender meat.

FAQ

Can I use a different cut of pork for char siu?

Yes, while pork shoulder is ideal for its fat content and marbling, you can use pork tenderloin or pork belly. Keep in mind these cuts may alter the texture slightly.

How do I get the signature red color for char siu?

Traditionally, annatto powder or red food coloring is used to achieve the bright red hue. However, this ingredient is optional and doesn’t affect the overall flavor.

Can I cook char siu on a grill instead of the oven?

Yes, grilling is another option. Be sure to use indirect heat and turn the pork frequently to avoid burning. Glaze the pork during grilling for the signature sticky crust.

How long should I marinate the pork?

Marinate for at least 24 hours for the best flavor, though even a couple of hours can still yield tasty results.

What should I serve with Chinese BBQ Pork?

Char siu pairs perfectly with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or as a filling in steamed buns for a complete meal.

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Conclusion

Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu) is a flavorful and savory dish that is perfect for creating authentic Chinese flavors at home. It offers a delightful combination of sweetness, smokiness, and tender meat, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. This recipe is easy to execute and provides a deliciously versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Char Siu Fried Rice

Diced Char Siu pork can be added to fried rice, combining it with vegetables, scrambled egg, and soy sauce for a quick and flavorful meal.

Char Siu Noodle Soup

Slice the Char Siu pork thinly and add it to a bowl of warm noodles and broth for a comforting and hearty soup.

Char Siu Bao (Steamed Buns)

Use the BBQ pork as a filling for steamed buns to recreate this popular dim sum dish at home.

Char Siu Stir-Fry

Incorporate Char Siu pork into a quick stir-fry with fresh vegetables and your favorite stir-fry sauce for an easy weeknight dinner.

Char Siu Wrap

Use wraps or buns to make quick sandwiches filled with slices of Char Siu, fresh veggies, and your favorite condiments for a tasty on-the-go option.

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