The Char Siu Recipe is a traditional Chinese barbecue pork dish, known for its juicy, tender meat coated in a sweet and savory glaze. This Cantonese classic delivers a mouth-watering blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and aromatic spices, giving the pork its distinctive red hue and deep, flavorful taste. Ready in about 1 hour, this dish is perfect for an impressive dinner that’s sure to satisfy. Whether served with steamed rice, tucked into a bao bun, or sliced for a noodle topping, Char Siu adds a rich and tantalizing flavor to any meal. The combination of caramelized sweetness and savory umami makes this barbecue pork dish a true favorite.
Why is it Called “Char Siu”?
Char Siu, also known as “Chinese BBQ Pork,” gets its name from the Cantonese words “char” (叉) meaning fork and “siu” (烧) meaning roast. Traditionally, Char Siu was made by skewering long strips of marinated pork on forks and roasting them over an open flame. The practice of roasting the meat on forks gave the dish its unique name. Char Siu has been a beloved part of Cantonese cuisine for centuries and is characterized by its red glaze, which comes from the use of ingredients like red bean curd or food coloring, and its balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Today, it’s often cooked in an oven or grilled, but it retains the traditional flavor profile that makes it so popular worldwide.
How Should Char Siu Taste?
Char Siu should have a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. The pork should be tender and juicy, with a slightly crispy, caramelized outer layer. The marinade, made from ingredients like hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and five-spice powder, gives Char Siu a rich, umami depth combined with a sweet glaze that becomes caramelized during cooking. The sweetness from the honey, the savory depth from the soy sauce, and the aromatic spices come together to create a mouth-watering flavor that is both complex and satisfying. There is also a subtle smokiness that adds to the authentic barbecue taste. Each bite should offer a contrast of tender meat and a sticky, flavorful glaze that makes Char Siu a standout dish.
How to Make it Super Yummy or Perfect?
To make the best Char Siu, follow these tips:
- Use Pork Shoulder or Pork Belly: Choose pork shoulder or pork belly for the best combination of tender meat and fat, which keeps the meat juicy during cooking.
- Marinate Overnight: Let the pork marinate overnight to allow the flavors to fully infuse into the meat. This makes a significant difference in flavor and tenderness.
- Use Honey for Glaze: During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush honey over the pork to achieve a beautiful, caramelized glaze.
- Cook at High Heat: Roast at a high temperature to allow the marinade to caramelize, creating a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allow the Char Siu to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute, keeping the pork tender and juicy.
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Char Siu Recipe
Equipment
- Baking tray
- Wire rack
- Basting brush
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 500 grams pork shoulder or pork belly
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey plus extra for glazing
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring optional for traditional color
Instructions
Marinate the Pork:
- In a mixing bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, Shaoxing wine, five-spice powder, garlic powder, and food coloring if using.
- Add the pork, ensuring it is well coated in the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Prepare for Cooking:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Place a wire rack over a baking tray lined with foil.
- Arrange the marinated pork on the wire rack, reserving the marinade.
Roast the Pork:
- Roast in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, basting with the reserved marinade every 10 minutes.
Glaze the Pork:
- After 35 minutes, brush the pork with extra honey and roast for an additional 10-15 minutes until the pork is caramelized and slightly crispy.
Rest and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or as a topping for noodles.
Notes
- Variation: Use pork tenderloin for a leaner version of Char Siu.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serving Tip: Slice the Char Siu thinly and serve with steamed rice, noodles, or bao buns for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Char Siu Recipe brings the rich, bold flavors of Chinese BBQ pork to your table. With a sweet, savory marinade that’s caramelized to perfection, Char Siu is a true crowd-pleaser. Ready in just 1 hour, this dish is easy to make yet impressive enough for a special occasion. Whether you enjoy it with steamed rice, add it to noodles, or serve it in a bao bun, Char Siu delivers an authentic taste of Cantonese cuisine that will keep you coming back for more. Try this recipe today and enjoy the juicy, tender, and flavorful delight that is Char Siu!
