Easy Char Siu Pork Recipe (Chinese BBQ Pork)

Char Siu Pork, also known as Chinese BBQ pork, is a flavorful and tender dish that has captured the hearts of food lovers worldwide. Whether you’ve had it at your favorite Chinese restaurant or discovered it on a cooking show, the glossy, slightly charred pieces of pork are undeniably delicious. Making this dish at home may sound intimidating, but it’s simpler.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down all the details, including ingredients, cooking techniques, and even some tips on how to make this dish your own. So, let’s dive into the world of Char Siu Pork and discover how to bring the magic of Chinese BBQ into your home kitchen!

What is Char Siu Pork?

Char Siu Pork is a traditional Chinese dish of Cantonese cuisine. The name “Char Siu” roughly translates to “fork roast,” referencing the way the pork is traditionally cooked by skewering it on a long fork and roasting it over an open flame or in an oven. The result is a sweet, savory, and slightly smoky pork with a deep red color. This dish is typically served with rice, or noodles, or used as a filling in bao buns.

Char Siu Pork is often marinated for several hours, which allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and infuse it with the distinctive sweetness of honey and brown sugar, the umami of soy sauce, and the warm, aromatic spices of Chinese five-spice powder. The glossy finish that Char Siu is famous for is usually achieved by glazing the meat with the marinade while cooking, creating a caramelized, slightly sticky exterior.

Why Char Siu is So Popular

Char Siu is a beloved dish because of its balance of flavors and versatility. It’s widely enjoyed in Chinese restaurants, street food stalls, and home kitchens around the world. It’s also a popular feature in dim sum menus and is often served as a snack or part of a larger meal. One of the reasons it has become so popular internationally is due to its sweet and savory profile, which appeals to many tastes. Char Siu Pork can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it the perfect dish for a variety of occasions.

Why Make Char Siu Pork at Home?

Making Char Siu Pork at home offers several advantages over buying it from a restaurant or takeout. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider making it yourself:

1. Control Over Ingredients

When you make Char Siu Pork at home, you get to choose the quality of your ingredients. You can use organic pork, adjust the level of sweetness, and make the marinade according to your dietary preferences.

2. Customization

You can customize the flavors to suit your preferences. Add more heat with chili flakes, or experiment with different spices to make your version unique. Making Char Siu Pork at home gives you the creative freedom to play with the recipe!

3. Cost-Effective

Buying Char Siu Pork from a restaurant or deli can get pricey, especially when you factor in delivery fees. Homemade Char Siu Pork is an affordable option, allowing you to enjoy the dish on a budget.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

Char Siu Pork is great for meal prepping. It keeps well in the fridge for a few days, and you can even freeze it for future meals. It’s a great option for preparing a batch of delicious pork for the week.

5. More Flavorful

Homemade Char Siu Pork is often more flavorful than restaurant versions because you can marinate the meat for longer, giving the flavors more time to infuse. You can also glaze the pork while cooking, which helps achieve that irresistible caramelized outer layer.

What Ingredients Are Needed for Easy Char Siu Pork?

The ingredients for Char Siu Pork are fairly straightforward, and many of them are staples in Chinese cuisine. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

1. Pork Cuts: Pork Shoulder, Pork Butt, or Pork Loin

The first decision you’ll need to make is which cut of pork to use. The three most common options are:

• Pork Shoulder: Known for its fat content, pork shoulder provides a juicy and tender result. It’s the best choice for traditional Char Siu Pork.
• Pork Butt: Similar to pork shoulder but slightly leaner, pork butt is still a great option for making Char Siu.
• Pork Loin: If you’re looking for a leaner cut, pork loin works well. However, it tends to be drier than the other cuts, so you may need to marinate it for longer.

2. Hoisin Sauce

This sweet and savory sauce is a key ingredient in Char Siu Pork. It provides a rich base flavor and contributes to the glossy texture of the meat.

3. Soy Sauce (Light or Dark)

Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami to the marinade. Light soy sauce is commonly used, but dark soy sauce can also be used for a richer, deeper flavor.

4. Honey

Honey adds sweetness and helps achieve the beautiful caramelized glaze that’s characteristic of Char Siu Pork. If you prefer, you can use brown sugar for a more intense sweetness.

5. Brown Sugar

Like honey, brown sugar helps create a sticky glaze on the pork while providing a deeper, more complex sweetness.

6. Chinese Five-Spice Powder

This spice blend typically contains star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. It gives Char Siu its signature warm and aromatic flavor.

7. Fresh Garlic (or Garlic Powder)

Garlic brings an earthy depth to the marinade. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder as a substitute.

8. Red Food Coloring (Optional)

While not essential to the flavor, red food coloring is often used in Char Siu Pork to achieve the traditional red color. It’s purely aesthetic, so you can skip it if you prefer a more natural appearance.

9. Salt and Pepper

These basic seasonings help to balance the flavors and bring out the other ingredients in the marinade.

10. Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is used to cook the pork and is also brushed onto the meat to help it brown and crisp up during roasting.

Can I Use Any Type of Pork?

You may be wondering if you can use any type of pork for Char Siu, and the answer is: it depends! The best cuts for Char Siu Pork are those that have a good balance of fat and meat. Here are some general recommendations:

Pork Cut	Best for Char Siu?	Why?
Pork Shoulder	Yes	High-fat content results in tender, juicy pork.
Pork Butt	Yes	Slightly leaner than the shoulder but still tender and juicy.
Pork Loin	Yes, but less ideal	Leaner, can be dry; may require longer marinating time.
Pork Belly	Yes	Fatty and flavorful, though can be a bit too rich for some.

Do I Have to Use Red Food Coloring?

No, you don’t have to use red food coloring. While traditional Char Siu Pork often has a vibrant red hue, the food coloring is purely for appearance and doesn’t affect the flavor. If you prefer a more natural-looking dish, you can skip the food coloring without compromising the taste. The key to a perfect Char Siu Pork is the marinade and cooking process, not the color!

How to Make Char Siu Pork at Home: Step-by-Step Guide

Making Char Siu Pork is easier than you think. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you recreate this dish in your kitchen:

Step 1: Preparing the Pork

• Start by cutting your pork into strips or leaving it whole, depending on your preference. Strips will cook faster and allow the marinade to penetrate more easily.
• Score the pork lightly with a sharp knife. This will help the marinade to soak into the meat, ensuring maximum flavor.

Step 2: Making the Marinade

• In a bowl, mix the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, Chinese five-spice powder, garlic, red food coloring (optional), salt, and pepper.
• Stir until everything is well combined, ensuring the sugar is dissolved.
• Place the pork in a resealable 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, or ideally overnight for the best flavor.

Step 3: Cooking the Char Siu Pork

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Place the pork on a rack set over a baking sheet to catch any drippings.
• Roast for 25-30 minutes, basting the pork with the marinade every 10 minutes. The pork should be cooked through and have a golden-brown glaze.

Step 4: Resting and Slicing

• After the pork is done, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the pork even more tender.
• Slice the pork into thin pieces, and serve with steamed rice, or stir-fried vegetables, or use it as a filling for bao buns.

Tips for the Best Char Siu Pork

To ensure your Char Siu Pork turns out perfect, here are some pro tips:

1. Marinate for Longer: For the most flavorful Char Siu, marinate the pork for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight.
2. Baste Often: Basting the pork with marinade during cooking helps create the signature glossy finish.
3. Rest the Pork: Let the pork rest after cooking to ensure it stays juicy and tender.
4. Don’t Skip the Five-Spice Powder: It’s essential for the unique flavor of Char Siu.
5. Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of pork?

Yes! While pork is traditional, you can substitute chicken for a leaner option. Chicken thighs are the best choice for a juicy result.

Can I make Char Siu Pork in the air fryer?

Absolutely! For a quicker option, you can cook Char Siu Pork in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, basting every 5 minutes.

How do I store leftover Char Siu Pork?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

What can I serve Char Siu Pork with?

Char Siu Pork pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, noodles, or even used in bao buns for a delicious sandwich.

Is red food coloring necessary?

No, red food coloring is optional and only used for appearance. The flavor will not change if you skip it.