Homemade Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu Recipe: Sweet & Savory Magic

Tender, succulent char siu barbecue pork sends appetites soaring with its irresistible blend of sweet and savory flavors.

Chinese culinary traditions shine through this incredible char siu recipe that brings restaurant-quality taste straight to your kitchen.

Marinades packed with rich sauces create a glossy, caramelized exterior that seals in every ounce of juicy goodness.

Authentic techniques transform simple pork into a mouthwatering delicacy that dances between sweet and umami notes.

Simple ingredients come together to craft a dish that celebrates robust Asian cooking techniques.

Each slice promises a perfect balance of tender meat and deeply layered seasonings.

Fire up your passion for classic Chinese cooking and let this char siu recipe become your new weekend cooking adventure.

Tools for That Signature Char Siu Shine

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining marinade ingredients and coating pork strips.
• Whisk: Essential for blending marinade components smoothly.
• Baking sheet: Provides stable surface for roasting pork.
• Wire rack: Allows air circulation and even cooking of meat.
• Basting brush: Crucial for applying honey glaze and creating caramelized exterior.
• Sharp knife: Needed for slicing pork into strips and serving after cooking.
• Measuring spoons and cups: Helps accurately measure marinade ingredients.
• Aluminum foil: Helps with easy cleanup and prevents burning.

How to Make Chinese BBQ Pork

• Slice and Prep Pork

Cut pork into long strips about finger-width thick for maximum flavor absorption and even cooking.

• Create Flavor Bath

Whisk together a vibrant blend of sweet and savory sauces including honey, hoisin, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and aromatic spices to create a mouth-watering marinade.

• Marinate and Infuse

Thoroughly coat pork strips in the marinade, ensuring every inch is covered. Let the meat soak up flavors in the refrigerator overnight for deep, rich taste.

• Fire Up the Oven

Heat oven to 375F. Place pork on a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet, allowing air to circulate and create crispy edges.

• Roast and Caramelize

Roast pork for 25 minutes, flip, then roast another 20 minutes. Boost oven temperature to 425F, brush with honey glaze, and cook until edges turn golden and slightly crisp.

• Rest and Devour

Let pork rest for 10 minutes to seal in juices. Slice and serve with steamed rice or stuff into soft bao buns for a delicious feast.

Char Siu Tips, Marinade Tricks, and Flavor Boosters

• Pro Roasting Tricks: Use a wire rack to elevate pork strips, allowing hot air to circulate evenly and create that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Marinate the pork up to 24 hours in advance to develop deeper, richer flavor profiles that will make your char siu absolutely irresistible.
• Healthier Protein Swap: Replace traditional pork belly with leaner pork tenderloin or chicken thighs to reduce fat content without sacrificing that classic barbecue taste.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make this recipe completely gluten-free while maintaining authentic Asian flavor notes.
• Veggie Lover's Version: Create a plant-based alternative using firm tofu or seitan, cutting into strips and following the same marinating and roasting technique for a delicious meat-free char siu experience.

How to Serve This Sweet-Savory Pork Favorite

• Perfect Plate Partners: Steamed white rice pairs wonderfully with the rich, caramelized char siu, soaking up the delicious marinade juices.
• Refreshing Side Kick: Quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame seeds provides a cool, crisp contrast to the sweet and savory pork.
• Bao Bun Bliss: Slice the char siu thinly and stuff into soft, pillowy steamed bao buns with pickled vegetables for an authentic street food experience.
• Noodle Nest: Chop the pork and toss over hot egg noodles or rice noodles, drizzling extra marinade as a flavorful sauce.

Storage Tips for Keeping Leftover Char Siu Tender

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover char siu wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or sealed container in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Moisture-controlled packaging prevents meat from drying out quickly.
• Quick Reheating Tricks: Warm sliced pork in microwave with damp paper towel for 30-45 seconds, or reheat gently in skillet with small splash of water to maintain tenderness and original juiciness.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Slice cooked pork into portion-sized pieces, place in freezer-safe bags, remove excess air, and store frozen for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare extra char siu during weekend cooking session. Use versatile protein in multiple dishes like fried rice, noodle bowls, salads, and sandwiches throughout busy weekdays, saving time and ensuring delicious meals.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)

• Pork Belly: Select a cut with balanced fat and lean meat for juicy, tender results.
• Pork Shoulder: Offers rich flavor and excellent marbling for succulent texture.

• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create beautiful caramelization.
• Hoisin Sauce: Delivers complex sweet and savory notes with deep umami undertones.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds rich, salty depth and glossy finish to the meat.
• Soy Sauce: Introduces classic Asian seasoning and enhances overall savoriness.
• Light Soy Sauce: Contributes lighter salt profile and enriches color.
• Shaoxing Wine: Brings sophisticated fermented complexity and tenderizes meat.

• Five-Spice Powder: Delivers warm, traditional Chinese spice blend with layered complexity.
• Garlic: Infuses bold, pungent flavor and creates aromatic foundation.
• White Pepper: Adds subtle heat and traditional Chinese culinary character.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty, toasted undertone for authentic flavor.
• Red Food Coloring: Optional traditional touch for classic bright red appearance.

Authentic Chinese Bbq Pork Char Siu Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory chinese bbq pork char siu brings authentic Cantonese flavors to home kitchens. Sweet-glazed roasted pork delivers rich marinaded meat that satisfies regional culinary traditions. Meat lovers will appreciate its bold taste and simple preparation technique.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (0.9 kg) pork shoulder
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsps soy sauce
• 2 tbsps oyster sauce
• 2 tbsps hoisin sauce
• 3 tbsps honey
• ½ tsp white pepper
• ½ tsp red food coloring (optional, for traditional red color)
• 2 tbsps honey (for glaze)
• 1 tbsp water (for glaze)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Slice pork into elongated strips approximately 1.5 inches thick to ensure uniform cooking and optimal marinade absorption.
2. Marinade Creation: Blend honey, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, five-spice powder, minced garlic, sesame oil, white pepper, and optional red food coloring in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. Marinating Process: Massage marinade comprehensively into meat strips, ensuring complete coverage. Seal and refrigerate for 6-8 hours or overnight to enhance flavor depth and tenderize the meat.
4. Initial Roasting: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Position wire rack over foil-lined baking sheet, arranging marinated pork strips with adequate spacing. Roast for 25 minutes, allowing initial caramelization to develop.
5. Temperature Adjustment: Rotate meat pieces, continue roasting for 20 minutes. Simultaneously, prepare honey-water basting mixture and increase oven temperature to 425F (220C).
6. Final Caramelization: Delicately brush pork with sweet glaze, roast for an additional 5-7 minutes until edges become elegantly charred and surface develops a glistening caramelized finish.
7. Resting and Serving: Remove from oven and let meat rest for 10 minutes, allowing internal juices to redistribute. Slice meticulously and serve alongside steamed rice, tender noodles, or nestled within soft bao buns for an authentic culinary presentation.

Notes

• Slice Precisely: Cut pork into uniform 1.5-inch thick strips to ensure even cooking and optimal marinade absorption.
• Marinate Strategically: Allow meat to marinate overnight in refrigerator for maximum flavor depth and tenderization.
• Monitor Caramelization: Watch closely during final roasting stage to achieve perfect char without burning, using honey-water glaze for glossy finish.
• Temperature Control: Use wire rack over baking sheet to promote air circulation and prevent meat from becoming soggy, ensuring crisp exterior.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg