Char Siu, or Chinese BBQ Pork, is a classic Cantonese dish known for its shiny, red-glazed exterior and succulent, flavorful interior. This beloved dish involves marinating strips of pork in a sweet and savory sauce, then roasting them to perfection. The unique flavor of Char Siu comes from a combination of honey, five-spice powder, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sometimes red bean curd or red food coloring to achieve its signature color. Char Siu can be enjoyed on its own, served with rice or noodles, or used as a filling for baozi (steamed buns) and other dim sum dishes. Making Char Siu at home allows you to customize the flavors to your liking and creates a fun cooking project with delicious results.
Ingredients Required
- Pork shoulder or loin: 2 lbs (about 900g), cut into long strips
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Hoisin sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Honey: 2 tablespoons
- Chinese rice wine or dry sherry: 1 tablespoon
- Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Five-spice powder: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Red food coloring or red bean curd (optional): for color
- Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
Recommended Kitchen Gear
- Large mixing bowl or resealable plastic bag for marinating
- Baking sheet or roasting pan
- Wire rack (optional, for even cooking)
- Aluminum foil (for easy cleanup)
- Pastry brush (for glazing)
- Meat thermometer (to ensure proper cooking)
Directions (How-to Make It)
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice wine, oyster sauce, five-spice powder, minced garlic, and sesame oil. If using, add red food coloring or mashed red bean curd to achieve the desired color.
- Marinate the Pork: Add the pork strips to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top, if available.
- Roast the Pork: Remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the excess marinade. Place the pork strips on the wire rack. Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through and basting with the reserved marinade, until the pork is just cooked through and the exterior is caramelized.
- Glaze and Finish: In the last few minutes of cooking, brush the pork with honey to create a glossy finish. The internal temperature of the pork should reach 145°F (63°C) when done.
- Rest and Serve: Let the Char Siu rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with rice, noodles, or your favorite sides.
Homemade Char Siu is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Cantonese barbecue into your kitchen. With its tender meat and distinctive glaze, it's sure to become a favorite for special occasions or whenever you crave something sweet and savory.
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