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Chinese Char Siu (BBQ Pork)

Char Siu, or Chinese BBQ Pork, is a delicious Cantonese dish renowned for its sweet and savory flavor profile, characterized by a beautiful caramelized glaze. Traditionally used in Chinese cuisine as a filling for buns or served over rice, Char Siu is beloved for its versatile nature and unique taste, making it a popular choice at Chinese restaurants and in home kitchens worldwide.


Servings: Serves 4 people


Appliances/Utensils:


Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork belly
  • 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Red food coloring (optional, for traditional appearance)

Instructions:

1. Slice the pork into long strips, approximately 2 inches wide, using a sharp knife on a cutting board.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, Shaoxing wine, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and a few drops of red food coloring if desired.

3. Place the pork strips into the bowl and thoroughly coat them with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld.

4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a roasting pan with rack on top.

5. Arrange the marinated pork strips on the rack, reserving the marinade. Roast in the oven for 25 minutes.

6. After 25 minutes, remove the pork from the oven and brush with the reserved marinade using a basting brush. Return to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, basting occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and caramelized.

7. For a more traditional charred appearance, switch the oven to broil for the last 5 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.


Tips and Suggestions:

  • For a smokier flavor, try grilling the pork instead of roasting.
  • To adjust for a sweeter taste, increase the honey or brown sugar in the marinade.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili powder or crushed red pepper to the marinade.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve sliced Char Siu with steamed jasmine rice or as a filling in Chinese steamed buns. Garnish with chopped green onions for an added burst of flavor.


Estimated Time:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes (excluding marinating time)