This tasty Chinese BBQ pork, also known as Char Siu, is sweet, savory, and super easy to make at home! It has a beautiful glaze and is perfect for rice or noodles.
Honestly, I can’t resist grabbing bits of this flavorful pork right off the pan. It’s just too good! You only need a few simple ingredients to make it happen.
I love making a big batch and using leftovers in sandwiches or as a topping for fried rice. It makes meal prep a breeze and keeps your taste buds happy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder or Butt: This cut is perfect for char siu due to its fat content, which keeps the meat juicy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could use pork loin, but it may dry out faster.
Hoisin Sauce: Adds sweetness and depth. If you’re out, you can substitute with a mix of soy sauce and a bit of peanut butter or barbecue sauce for a similar flavor.
Chinese Shaoxing Wine: It’s typically used for a hint of fragrance. If you can’t find it, dry sherry works well. For an alcohol-free version, use chicken broth.
Five-Spice Powder: This blend is essential for that signature char siu taste. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice preference or substitute with a pinch of cinnamon, star anise, and black pepper.
Red Food Coloring: This is optional! It gives a classic look, but the pork is still delicious without it. Plus, you can often achieve great color from the marinade itself!
How Do You Get the Perfect Char on Your Pork?
Getting that lovely char on your BBQ pork makes a big difference in flavor! Here’s how to do it right:
- When roasting, use a wire rack over a lined tray. This allows air to circulate around the meat for even cooking.
- Don’t skip the basting step! It adds flavor and moisture, helping the glaze stick beautifully.
- Keep an eye on the pork during the broiling stage. It can burn quickly, so check every minute or so for that perfect caramelization.
- Let the pork rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Slicing it immediately can cause the juices to run out!
Easy Homemade Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into 1-inch thick strips
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Red food coloring (optional, for classic bright red color)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of cooking time, plus at least 4 hours for marinating. To get the full flavor, try to marinate overnight. Overall, plan for about 4 hours and 50 minutes, most of which is hands-off time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Shaoxing wine, brown sugar, five-spice powder, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic. If you want that classic red color, add a few drops of red food coloring. Mix everything together until well combined.
2. Prepare the Pork:
Place the pork strips in the marinade, making sure they’re all coated nicely. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 4 hours, or if you can, overnight for the best flavor!
3. Preheat the Oven:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top to allow the air to circulate.
4. Arrange the Pork:
Take the marinated pork out of the fridge and place the strips evenly on the wire rack. Remember to save some marinade for later!
5. Start Roasting:
Roast the pork for 15 minutes. After that, baste the pork with some of the reserved marinade, flip the strips over, and roast for another 15 minutes.
6. Broil for Char:
For the final 5-10 minutes, baste again and switch your oven to broil mode. This will give your pork that beautiful char and caramelization. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
7. Rest & Slice:
Once it’s done, take the pork out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps to keep it juicy. After resting, slice it into bite-sized pieces.
8. Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for a fresh touch. Serve your delicious Chinese BBQ pork with steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy every bite!
Now you’re all set to treat yourself and your family to this mouth-watering homemade char siu!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Yes, you can use pork loin for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that it may dry out more quickly than pork shoulder or butt, so be careful not to overcook it!
Can I Marinate the Pork Overnight?
Absolutely! In fact, marinating the pork overnight will enhance the flavors even more. Just make sure to cover it well in the fridge to prevent cross-contamination.
How Do I Store Leftover Char Siu?
Store any leftover pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently in the microwave or sauté it in a pan over low heat until warmed through.
What Can I Serve with Char Siu?
Char Siu pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or even in a bao bun! You can also use it as a flavorful topping for stir-fried rice dishes. Don’t forget to add some veggies for a complete meal!
