This easy homemade Chinese BBQ pork, or Char Siu, is sweet and delicious. Made with tender pork and a tasty marinade, it’s sure to become a favorite!
Honestly, the smell that fills the kitchen while cooking is just irresistible! I love to serve it over rice or in a bao bun for a yummy meal. You’ll want seconds for sure! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt: These cuts have a nice balance of fat and meat, which keep the pork juicy and flavorful. If you want a leaner option, you can use pork tenderloin, but remember it cooks quicker.
Hoisin Sauce: This sweet and tangy sauce is essential for that signature flavor. If you can’t find it, you can mix soy sauce with a little sugar and peanut butter as a substitute.
Chinese Shaoxing Wine: This adds depth to the dish. If you don’t have it, dry sherry or rice vinegar can work in a pinch, but they will slightly change the taste.
Red Fermented Bean Curd Paste: It gives an authentic flavor and color, but it’s optional. If you skip it, your pork will still taste great!
How Do I Get the Pork to Be Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy, flavorful pork is in the marination. The longer you let the pork sit in the marinade, the more flavor it absorbs. I recommend marinating it overnight if you have the time.
- Ensure the pork strips are well coated in the marinade.
- Refrigerate in a sealable bag or covered dish to keep everything airtight.
Also, roasting the pork on a wire rack allows hot air to circulate around it, which helps it cook evenly and stay tender. Don’t rush this step! Let it roast until it’s nicely caramelized for that delicious taste.
Easy Homemade Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt, sliced into strips about 2 inches thick
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (light or regular)
- 2 tablespoons Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 3 tablespoons honey (plus extra for glazing)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 tablespoon red fermented bean curd paste (optional, for authentic color/flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- Green onions, sliced for garnish
Estimated Time:
This delicious Chinese BBQ pork recipe will take about 30 minutes of active cooking time, and around 4 to 24 hours for marinating, which is key for deep flavor. Plan on around an hour for cooking and resting together.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, honey, oyster sauce, five-spice powder, red fermented bean curd paste (if using), minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and white pepper. Stir everything together until you have a smooth marinade.
2. Marinate the Pork:
Grab a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish and place the pork strips inside. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring every piece is coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but if you can, let it sit overnight for even better flavor.
3. Preheat the Oven:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with aluminum foil to catch any drips and place a wire rack on top—this allows the heat to circulate evenly around the meat.
4. Roast the Pork:
Arrange the marinated pork strips on the wire rack, making sure to leave some space between them. Reserve the leftover marinade for later. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes until it starts to cook through.
5. Glaze and Continue Roasting:
While the pork is roasting, bring the leftover marinade to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Brush some of this thick glaze (or extra honey) over the pork, then flip the pieces over and glaze the other side.
6. Char the Pork:
Continue roasting the pork for another 10-15 minutes, until it’s golden, caramelized, and slightly charred at the edges. Keep brushing with the glaze during cooking for the best sticky finish, and watch closely to avoid burning.
7. Rest and Serve:
Once it’s done, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. If you’d like, slice it into bite-sized pieces for easier serving.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Garnish the pork with sliced green onions and serve it hot with steamed rice or in delicious bao buns. Easy to make and absolutely yummy!
Enjoy your flavorful, sticky, tender homemade Chinese BBQ pork!
FAQs about Easy Homemade Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder or butt is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, you can use pork tenderloin for a leaner option. Just be mindful that it may cook faster, so adjust the roasting time accordingly!
Can I Marinate the Pork for Longer?
Yes! Marinating the pork for longer, even up to 24 hours, enhances the flavor significantly. Just ensure it remains refrigerated during this time to keep it safe for consumption.
What Can I Serve with Char Siu?
Char Siu pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it in bao buns for a delicious sandwich or slice it to use in stir-fries or salads for a tasty twist!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Chinese BBQ pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the oven or a microwave, and consider brushing a bit of honey or glaze on it for extra flavor!
