Irresistible Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu Recipe for Home Chefs

Tender slices of chinese bbq pork char siu melt on your tongue with every bite.

Rich marinade seeps deep into the meat, creating an explosion of flavors.

The classic Cantonese dish brings warmth and tradition to your dinner table.

Glossy red edges hint at the sweet and savory complexity waiting inside.

Caramelized exterior promises a delightful crunch that complements the juicy interior.

Aromatic spices dance through each succulent piece, transporting you straight to the bustling streets of Hong Kong.

This recipe transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience you won’t soon forget.

What You’ll Need For Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu

• Pork Belly or Pork Shoulder: Select well-marbled cut for tender, succulent results with rich flavor profiles.
• Pork Tenderloin: Lean alternative offering cleaner meat texture and quicker cooking time.

• Honey: Creates stunning caramelization and glossy exterior with sweet undertones.
• Hoisin Sauce: Provides complex sweet-savory depth characteristic of authentic Chinese barbecue.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds umami richness and deep brownish color to the marinade.
• Soy Sauce: Introduces salty elements and enhances overall meat seasoning.
• Dark Soy Sauce: Contributes deeper color and more intense flavor concentration.
• Shaoxing Wine: Traditional Chinese cooking wine delivering subtle alcoholic complexity.
• Five-Spice Powder: Signature Chinese spice blend offering warm, aromatic undertones.

• Garlic: Infuses robust, pungent notes throughout the marinade.
• Sesame Oil: Brings nutty, toasted fragrance to finish the dish.
• White Pepper: Delivers gentle heat and sophisticated spice profile.
• Red Food Coloring (Optional): Traditional technique for achieving classic bright red appearance.
• Honey Water: Used for final caramelization and glossy finish during roasting.

Tools To Make Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu At Home

• Mixing Bowl: Large bowl for whisking marinade ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for blending marinade smoothly.
• Baking Sheet: Lined with foil for easy cleanup and roasting.
• Wire Rack: Placed on baking sheet to elevate pork for even cooking.
• Small Bowl: For mixing honey basting sauce.
• Basting Brush: To apply honey glaze during final roasting stage.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing pork into strips before marinating.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Precise measurement of marinade ingredients.

Easy Steps To Prepare Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu

• Slice and Prepare the Meat

Cut pork into long strips about 1.5 inches thick to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

• Whip Up a Flavor-Packed Marinade

Blend honey, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, five-spice powder, garlic, sesame oil, and white pepper in a large bowl until well combined.

• Soak in Deliciousness

Completely coat pork strips in the marinade, making sure every inch is covered. Seal and chill in the refrigerator for 6-12 hours to let flavors deeply penetrate the meat.

• Fire Up the Oven

Heat oven to 375F. Arrange marinated pork on a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes, then flip and continue cooking for another 20 minutes.

• Caramelize and Glaze

Mix honey with water for a quick baste. Crank oven temperature to 425F. Brush pork with honey mixture and roast 5-7 minutes until edges become beautifully caramelized and slightly crispy.

• Rest and Devour

Let pork rest for 10 minutes after removing from oven. Slice and serve alongside steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.

Tasty Swaps For Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu

• Flavor-Boosting Marinade Trick: Let the pork soak in marinade overnight to develop deeper, more complex flavors that penetrate every fiber of the meat.
• Meat Selection Wisdom: Choose fatty pork cuts like pork belly or pork shoulder (char siu) for maximum tenderness and rich flavor profile that caramelizes beautifully.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Replace honey with sugar-free alternatives like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol to create a keto-friendly version without compromising authentic taste.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute pork with firm tofu, seitan, or king oyster mushrooms, using the same marinade technique to create a plant-based char siu that captures traditional Chinese BBQ essence.
• Grilling Alternative Method: For outdoor cooking enthusiasts, replace oven roasting with direct grilling over medium-high heat, turning occasionally and basting with marinade to achieve similar caramelized edges and smoky undertones.

Ways To Serve Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu Nicely

• Asian-Inspired Rice Bowl: Layer fluffy steamed rice with sliced char siu, pickled vegetables, and drizzle with extra marinade for a hearty meal bursting with flavor.
• Bao Bun Delight: Stuff soft, pillowy bao buns with thin slices of char siu, add quick-pickled cucumber, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions for a street food-style treat.
• Family-Style Platter: Arrange beautifully sliced char siu on a large platter surrounded by stir-fried vegetables, steamed bok choy, and small bowls of dipping sauce for a communal dining experience.
• Noodle Companion: Toss warm char siu slices over egg noodles or rice noodles, garnish with sesame seeds and fresh herbs for a quick and satisfying noodle dish that highlights the meat's rich flavors.

How To Store And Plan Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu

• Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer cooled char siu into airtight containers, keeping meat in single layers to maintain texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Refrigerator Longevity: Store cooked pork in sealed containers for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Frozen char siu remains delicious for 2-3 months.
• Reheating Tricks: Gently warm sliced pork in microwave with a damp paper towel or reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to restore moisture and prevent drying out.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Succulent Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory Chinese bbq pork char siu delivers tender, caramelized meat marinated in rich hoisin and five-spice sauce. Juicy pork slices create an authentic Cantonese experience you’ll crave repeatedly.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) pork shoulder (or pork belly, for a fattier version)
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) honey
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) oyster sauce
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) soy sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) dark soy sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) minced garlic
• 1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) white pepper
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) red food coloring (optional, for traditional red color)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) honey (for glaze)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) water (for glaze)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Protein Preparation: Trim excess fat and slice meat into uniform 1.5-inch strips to optimize flavor absorption and cooking consistency.
2. Marinade Creation: Blend hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, five-spice powder, minced garlic, sesame oil, white pepper, and optional red food coloring in a large mixing bowl, creating a complex flavor profile.
3. Marination Process: Thoroughly coat meat strips with marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate sealed container for 6-8 hours or overnight to intensify flavor depth.
4. Oven Preparation: Position rack in middle position and preheat to 375F (190C). Line baking sheet with foil and place wire rack on top for optimal heat circulation and effortless cleanup.
5. Initial Roasting: Arrange marinated meat strips on prepared rack, maintaining spacing between pieces. Roast for 45 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even caramelization and color development.
6. Glazing Finale: Mix honey with water to create basting liquid. Increase oven temperature to 425F (220C). Brush meat generously with honey mixture and roast for an additional 5-7 minutes until edges become gloriously charred and glistening.
7. Resting and Serving: Remove from oven and let meat rest for 10 minutes. Slice against the grain and serve with steamed rice, noodles, or as a delectable bao bun filling.

Notes

• Maximize Marinade Absorption: Poke small holes in the meat using a fork to help marinade penetrate deeper, ensuring every bite bursts with authentic Chinese BBQ flavor.
• Control Moisture Balance: Pat meat completely dry before marinating to prevent excessive water content, which can interfere with perfect caramelization and crispy exterior.
• Temperature Management: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, aiming for 145F (63C) for optimal juiciness and food safety without overcooking the protein.
• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust spiciness by adding chili oil or Sriracha to the marinade, transforming the traditional recipe into a personalized, fiery version that suits individual taste preferences.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg