Chinese BBQ pork, also known as Char Siu, is a beloved dish famous for its tender, juicy meat and that irresistible smoky-sweet glaze. Whether you’ve enjoyed it at a restaurant or in a dim sum setting, making this flavorful classic at home is easier than you think. In this article, I’ll guide you through a simple, foolproof recipe to make Chinese BBQ pork that will impress your family and friends.
What Makes Chinese BBQ Pork So Special?
Char Siu is traditionally made with pork shoulder or pork neck, marinated in a mixture of savory, sweet, and aromatic ingredients. The magic comes from the marinade — a blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, garlic, and sometimes a touch of red food coloring or beetroot powder to give it that iconic red hue and glossy finish. When roasted or grilled, the pork caramelizes beautifully, creating a sticky, flavorful crust that’s pure perfection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For about 2 pounds of Chinese BBQ pork, gather these ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork shoulder or pork neck (pork tenderloin can also work but is leaner)
– 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
– 1/4 cup soy sauce (light soy sauce preferred)
– 1/4 cup honey or maltose syrup
– 2 tablespoons Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry as a substitute)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
– Optional: a few drops of red food coloring or 1 tablespoon beetroot powder for color
– Optional: 1/4 cup ketchup for a tangy sweetness
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chinese BBQ Pork
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Shaoxing wine, brown sugar, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, and ketchup if using. Add red food coloring or beetroot powder if you want that classic red glaze. Mix well until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are fully blended.
2. Marinate the Pork
Slice the pork into long strips about 2 inches thick. Place the pork pieces in a large ziplock bag or container and pour the marinade over them. Seal tightly and massage the marinade into the meat to coat evenly. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for maximum flavor absorption.
3. Preheat Your Oven or Grill
For oven roasting, preheat to 350°F (180°C). If you prefer grilling or smoking, set your grill to medium heat or smoker to about 220°F (104°C).
4. Roast or Grill the Pork
– Oven Method: Place the pork on a rack over a foil-lined tray. Pour a little water into the tray to prevent burning. Roast for 20 minutes, then baste with leftover marinade. Continue roasting for another 20 minutes or until the pork is cooked through and caramelized. Baste again and roast for an additional 10 minutes if needed.
– Grill/Smoker Method: Grill the pork over medium heat, turning and basting frequently with marinade until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the pork is nicely charred on the outside.
5. Rest and Slice
Remove the pork from heat and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist. Slice into thin pieces and serve.
Serving Suggestions for Chinese BBQ Pork
Char Siu is incredibly versatile. Here are some tasty ways to enjoy it:
– Serve over steamed white rice with a side of sautéed greens.
– Add slices to fried rice or noodle dishes for extra flavor.
– Use as a filling for steamed buns (bao) or in sandwiches.
– Dice and toss into stir-fries or soups.
Tips for Perfect Chinese BBQ Pork Every Time
– Use pork shoulder or pork neck for the best balance of fat and tenderness.
– Marinate the pork overnight for deeper flavor.
– Baste frequently while cooking to build up that sticky glaze.
– If you want the authentic red color but prefer natural ingredients, beetroot powder is a great alternative to artificial food coloring.
– Let the pork rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
Making Chinese BBQ pork at home is rewarding and delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that’s bursting with flavor. Give it a try, and you’ll never want to order takeout again!
Enjoy your homemade Char Siu pork — tender, juicy, and packed with that perfect smoky-sweet glaze!