🇨🇳 Chinese

Char Siu (Cantonese BBQ Pork)

Name: Char Siu (Cantonese BBQ Pork)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 lb pork shoulder or pork belly, sliced into strips; 3 tbsp hoisin sauce; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp Chinese rice wine or Shaoxing wine; 2 tbsp honey or maltose syrup; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tsp five-spice powder; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fermented red bean curd (optional, for color); Red food coloring (optional, for traditional color); 1 tbsp sesame oil; Black pepper to taste; 2 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp cornstarch (for marinade thickening)

Prep time10 min

Cook time35 min

Total time45 min

Calories300 kcal

Charsiu.jpg by Simon Shek · CC BY-SA 3.0

Char Siu, also known as Cantonese BBQ Pork, is a beloved dish that combines tender pork with a sweet, savory glaze, making it a standout in Chinese cuisine. Its vibrant red color and aromatic marinade create a deliciously irresistible aroma, making it perfect for gatherings or a family dinner.

Originating from Guangdong Province, Char Siu has a rich history dating back centuries when roasted meats were a traditional Cantonese specialty. The name 'Char Siu' translates to 'fork roasted,' referencing the traditional method of skewering the meat over open flames. Today, this iconic dish remains a favorite worldwide, celebrated for its deeply flavored marinade and caramelized exterior.

Ingredients

1 lb pork shoulder or pork belly, sliced into strips
3 tbsp hoisin sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp Chinese rice wine or Shaoxing wine
2 tbsp honey or maltose syrup
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp five-spice powder
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fermented red bean curd (optional, for color)
Red food coloring (optional, for traditional color)
1 tbsp sesame oil
Black pepper to taste
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch (for marinade thickening)

Instructions

1
In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine, honey, oyster sauce, five-spice powder, minced garlic, sesame oil, sugar, and red food coloring if using. Mix well to form the marinade.
2
Place the pork strips in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring all pieces are coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
3
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
4
Arrange the marinated pork on the wire rack, shaking off excess marinade, and reserve the leftover marinade for basting.
5
Bake the pork for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and baste with the reserved marinade, then continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the edges are caramelized and glossy.
6
For extra char and caramelization, you can broil the pork for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
7
Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin pieces.
8
Serve the Char Siu with steamed rice, noodles, or use as a flavorful filling for buns or sandwiches.