Finger-Licking Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu Recipe for Home Chefs

Savory aromas of chinese bbq pork char siu waft through my kitchen, promising a culinary adventure that transports me straight to bustling street markets.

My grandmother’s secret recipe sparked this delicious exploration years ago.

Tender marinated pork carries deep layers of sweet and umami flavors that dance across your palate.

Glossy caramelized edges promise a mouthwatering experience unlike any standard roast.

Marinades blend traditional ingredients like hoisin, five-spice powder, and fermented bean paste for authentic depth.

Succulent meat demands simple preparation techniques that maximize incredible flavor profiles.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and gather ingredients for an unforgettable meal that connects tradition with modern cooking excitement.

Why Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu Is A Flavor Bomb

• Unlock Flavor-Packed Simplicity: This Chinese BBQ pork recipe transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering dish with minimal kitchen skills required, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Meal Prep Magic: Marinating overnight allows deep flavor infusion, creating a convenient make-ahead option that saves time and intensifies taste, ideal for busy weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
• Versatile Culinary Superstar: Char siu works brilliantly as a standalone protein, sandwich filling, rice topping, or bao bun stuffing, offering incredible flexibility for different meal styles and preferences.
• Quick Cooking Triumph: From prep to plate, this recipe takes under an hour of active cooking time, delivering restaurant-quality results without complex techniques or expensive equipment.

Everything You’ll Need For Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu

• Pork Shoulder or Pork Belly: Tender cut with perfect fat content for juicy and flavorful BBQ pork.

• Honey, Hoisin Sauce: Sweet base that helps create glossy caramelization and deep flavor profile.
• Oyster Sauce, Soy Sauce: Provides rich umami and saltiness characteristic of Chinese cooking.
• Shaoxing Wine: Traditional Chinese cooking wine that adds complex depth and removes meat gaminess.

• Five-Spice Powder: Classic Chinese spice blend that introduces warm, complex flavor notes.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall savory taste of the marinade.
• White Pepper: Provides subtle heat and traditional Chinese cooking element.
• Sesame Oil: Adds nutty undertone and authentic Chinese culinary essence.

• Red Food Coloring: Helps achieve traditional bright red color of classic char siu pork (optional).

• Honey, Water: Creates glossy caramelized exterior during final roasting stage.

Easy Instructions For Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu

Step 1: Slice and Prepare Pork

Select a pork cut like pork belly or pork shoulder. Slice into long, even strips approximately 1.5 inches thick. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to ensure better marinade absorption.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Honey
• Hoisin sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Light soy sauce
• Dark soy sauce
• Shaoxing wine
• Five-spice powder
• Minced garlic
• Sesame oil
• White pepper

Whisk all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until well combined and smooth.

Step 3: Infuse Pork with Marinade

Pour marinade over pork strips, massaging each piece to ensure complete coverage. Transfer to a sealed container or ziplock bag. Refrigerate for 6-12 hours, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.

Step 4: Prepare Roasting Setup

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack on top of the foil to elevate the meat and promote even cooking.

Step 5: Initial Roasting Phase

Arrange marinated pork strips on the wire rack, leaving space between each piece. Roast for 25 minutes, then carefully flip each strip. Continue roasting for an additional 20 minutes.

Step 6: Caramelize and Glaze

Mix honey and water in a small bowl. Increase oven temperature to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush pork generously with honey mixture. Roast for 5-7 minutes until edges become beautifully caramelized and slightly charred.

Step 7: Rest and Slice

Remove pork from oven and let rest for 10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute. Slice against the grain into thin, elegant pieces.

Step 8: Serving Suggestions

Plate your char siu with steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or tuck into soft bao buns. Garnish with chopped green onions for extra freshness.

Top Tips For Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu

• Slice Strategically: Cut pork into even, long strips to guarantee uniform marinade penetration and consistent cooking throughout the meat.
• Marinate Masterfully: Allow pork to soak in the marinade overnight, which intensifies flavors and tenderizes the meat for maximum deliciousness.
• Rack Roasting Technique: Use a wire rack during baking to elevate the meat, allowing hot air circulation and preventing soggy bottoms for crispy, caramelized edges.
• Honey Glaze Magic: Brush honey-water mixture during final roasting stage to create beautiful caramelization and glossy, restaurant-quality appearance.
• Temperature Control Trick: Monitor oven temperatures carefully, starting at moderate heat and finishing with high heat to achieve perfect char and seal in juices.

How To Store Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu Without Trouble

• Refrigerate leftover char siu in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Wrap the pork tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and preserve its juicy texture.
• Slice the meat before storing to make reheating easier and quicker.
• Reheat gently in a microwave or skillet with a splash of water to maintain its tenderness and prevent drying out.
• Freeze char siu for extended storage, placing portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the meat's original flavor and texture intact.
• Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming stored meat, ensuring food safety and quality.

Tasty Pairings For Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu

• Pair with Crisp Riesling: Balance the rich, sweet char siu with a slightly sweet German Riesling that cuts through the meat's caramelized edges and complements its robust flavor profile.
• Serve alongside Garlic Bok Choy: Create a fresh vegetable side that provides a light, crunchy contrast to the tender, glazed pork, enhancing the overall dining experience with complementary textures.
• Match with Jasmine Rice: Prepare steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious marinade juices, offering a neutral yet fragrant base that allows the char siu's complex flavors to shine.
• Complement with Pickled Vegetables: Add a tangy cucumber or daikon radish pickle to provide a sharp, acidic counterpoint that refreshes the palate between bites of the sweet and savory pork.

Fun Twists On Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu

• Spicy Sichuan Char Siu: Kick up the heat by adding chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, and red chili flakes to the marinade for a fiery version that tingles your taste buds.
• Herb-Infused Char Siu: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro, green onions, and Thai basil into the marinade for a vibrant, aromatic twist that adds depth to the traditional recipe.
• Citrus-Glazed Char Siu: Blend orange zest, lime juice, and a touch of ginger into the marinade to create a bright, tangy version that brings a refreshing citrus note to the classic dish.
• Coconut Milk Char Siu: Replace some of the liquid ingredients with coconut milk and add a hint of lemongrass for a creamy, Southeast Asian-inspired variation that offers a unique flavor profile.

Your Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu Questions Answered

• What makes char siu unique in Chinese cuisine?

Char siu is a distinctive Cantonese-style barbecue pork known for its vibrant red color, sweet-savory flavor, and glossy caramelized exterior. The combination of hoisin sauce, five-spice powder, and honey creates its signature taste that sets it apart from other pork preparations.

• Is char siu typically spicy?

No, char siu is not a spicy dish. Instead, it’s known for its rich, sweet, and umami flavor profile created by ingredients like honey, hoisin sauce, and oyster sauce. The marinade focuses on creating a complex, balanced taste rather than heat.

• Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?

Pork shoulder (also called pork butt) works best for char siu because it has enough fat to keep the meat tender and juicy. While you could use leaner cuts, they might become dry and less flavorful during roasting.

• Why is red food coloring sometimes used in char siu?

Red food coloring is a traditional ingredient that gives char siu its iconic bright red color. While optional, it’s historically used to create the classic appearance associated with this beloved Chinese barbecue dish.

Chinese Bbq Pork Char Siu Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent Chinese BBQ pork char siu brings sizzling Cantonese street flavors straight to your kitchen. Marinated in sweet and savory sauce, this classic dish promises tender meat with caramelized edges that will satisfy your craving for authentic Asian cuisine.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) pork shoulder (or pork belly, for a fattier version)

Marinade Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) honey
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) white pepper
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) red food coloring (optional, for traditional red color)

Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the protein by trimming excess fat and slicing into elongated strips approximately 1.5 inches thick, ensuring uniform cooking and maximum flavor penetration.
2. Create a vibrant marinade by combining aromatic ingredients like hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, five-spice powder, minced garlic, sesame oil, white pepper, and optional red food coloring in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Thoroughly massage the marinade into the meat strips, guaranteeing complete coverage, then seal in a container and refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours, ideally overnight to enhance flavor complexity.
4. Position the oven rack in the middle position and preheat to 375F (190C). Strategically arrange a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet to facilitate even heat circulation and easy cleanup.
5. Transfer marinated meat strips onto the prepared rack, maintaining adequate spacing between pieces to promote uniform roasting. Cook for approximately 25 minutes, then carefully flip each piece.
6. Continue roasting for an additional 20 minutes until the meat develops a rich, golden exterior.
7. Blend honey with water to create a glossy basting liquid. Elevate oven temperature to 425F (220C) for caramelization.
8. Generously brush meat with honey mixture, returning to oven and roasting for 5-7 minutes until edges become slightly charred and glistening.
9. Remove from oven and allow meat to rest for 10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring tender, succulent results.
10. Slice the char siu against the grain and present alongside steamed rice, noodles, or as a delectable filling for traditional bao buns.

Notes

• Slice pork uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and ensure each piece absorbs marinade equally.
• Choose fatty pork cuts like pork belly or pork shoulder for richer, more tender results that melt in your mouth.
• Avoid aluminum containers when marinating, as they can react with acidic ingredients and alter the meat’s flavor profile.
• Pat meat dry before marinating to help seasonings adhere better and create a perfect caramelized exterior.
• Experiment with alternative sweeteners like maltose or brown sugar for deeper, more complex caramelization.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace traditional soy sauce with tamari and verify oyster sauce ingredients.
• Prep extra marinade as a delicious sauce for serving, which enhances the dish’s overall flavor intensity.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, aiming for 145F to maintain optimal juiciness and food safety.
• Leftover char siu can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and transforms beautifully into fried rice or noodle dishes.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg