Char Siu, also known as Chinese BBQ Pork, is a flavorful and juicy dish that’s beloved in Chinese cuisine. Its distinct sweet and savory marinade gives the pork a gorgeous red hue and irresistible glaze. Traditionally, Char Siu is made with pork shoulder or pork belly, but you can use any cut of pork you prefer. The key to perfecting this dish is marinating the meat for several hours, allowing it to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork belly
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 tablespoon rice wine or Shaoxing wine
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for the signature red color)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, sugar, five-spice powder, rice wine, garlic, sesame oil, and food coloring (if using). Stir until the sugar dissolves and everything is well-mixed.
2. Marinate the Pork:
Cut the pork into long strips about 2-3 inches wide. This allows the marinade to penetrate the meat more effectively. Place the pork strips in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the meat. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to catch any drippings, and place a rack on top to hold the pork.
4. Cook the Pork:
Place the marinated pork on the rack, ensuring there’s enough space between the pieces for even cooking. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, turning the pork halfway through to ensure both sides cook evenly. After 20 minutes, brush the pork with some of the leftover marinade to give it a nice glaze.
5. Finish with a Glaze:
Once the pork is cooked through and has a golden, caramelized glaze, remove it from the oven. For an extra touch, you can baste the pork with additional honey for a glossy finish and slightly sweeter taste.
6. Serve:
Let the Char Siu rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it into thin pieces. It’s perfect served with steamed rice, noodles, or as part of a larger Chinese banquet.
Tips for the Best Char Siu:
- Choosing the Right Cut of Pork: Pork shoulder or pork belly works best for this dish because it’s tender and juicy. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use pork tenderloin, but it might not have the same richness.
- Marinating Time: Don’t rush the marinating process. The longer you allow the pork to soak up the marinade, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal.
- Basting: If you have extra marinade, use it to baste the pork during cooking. It enhances the glaze and adds more depth to the flavor.
- Grilling Option: For a smoky flavor, you can also cook the Char Siu on the grill instead of baking. Simply preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the pork, turning it occasionally and basting with the marinade.
Char Siu is versatile enough to be enjoyed in a variety of dishes beyond just a standalone roast. It can be sliced thinly for buns, stir-fries, or even used as a topping for fried rice or noodle soups. Whether you serve it as part of a traditional Chinese feast or as a delicious family meal, homemade Char Siu will bring a taste of authentic Chinese BBQ into your kitchen.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Char Siu with family and friends, and take in the sweet, savory aroma that fills the kitchen during cooking!