This Easy Chinese BBQ Pork is a tasty dish that’s perfect for beginners! With sweet and savory flavors, it uses simple ingredients like pork, soy sauce, and honey.
Making this at home is fun and not too hard! I love serving it with rice and veggies, and trust me, it’s a hit every time! 🍚🥢
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: I recommend pork shoulder or pork butt for the best flavor and juicy texture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use pork loin, but it may be a bit drier.
Hoisin Sauce: This adds a sweet and rich flavor. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with thick soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and sugar, but you’ll miss out on some unique taste.
Shaoxing Wine: This gives depth to the marinade. If you don’t have it, dry sherry or even apple juice will work in a pinch!
Red Food Coloring: This is optional but it does give the pork that vibrant color. If you prefer to skip it, the flavor will still shine through beautifully!
How Do I Ensure My Pork Is Juicy and Tender?
To achieve juicy and tender Chinese BBQ pork, marinating is key. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a thick and flavorful marinade, as detailed above. The longer the marination, the better the flavor!
- Make sure to coat every piece of pork well in the marinade. I usually use a sealable bag to mix thoroughly.
- Plan to let the pork marinate overnight if possible. If short on time, aim for a minimum of 4 hours.
Resting the pork after cooking is also important. This lets the juices redistribute, making each bite moist.
Easy Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu) Recipe for Beginners
Ingredients:
- For the Pork:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into thick strips
- For the Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1-2 drops red food coloring (optional for authentic color)
- For Garnish:
- 2 green onions (scallions), sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 20 minutes of prep time and then require at least 4 hours (or overnight) for marination. Cooking will take another 25-30 minutes. So, plan for about 4-5 hours total, including marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients: hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, sugar, five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional red food coloring. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved. This mix will give your pork that sweet and savory flavor!
2. Marinate the Pork:
Add the pork strips to the bowl, ensuring each piece is coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl or transfer the pork and marinade into a sealable bag, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. If you have time, let it marinate overnight to absorb even more flavor.
3. Preheat the Oven:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking tray with foil to catch any drips, and place a wire rack on top. The rack helps the heat circulate for even cooking!
4. Cook the Pork:
Arrange your marinated pork strips on the wire rack, leaving some space between each piece. Reserve any leftover marinade for glazing later. Roast the pork in the oven for about 15 minutes.
5. Glaze and Turn:
After 15 minutes, take the pork out of the oven. Brush some of the reserved marinade over the pork and carefully turn each piece over, coating the other side.
6. Finish Roasting:
Put the pork back in the oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes. You want the outside to be caramelized and slightly charred. If you want extra caramelization, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning!
7. Rest and Serve:
Once done, let the pork rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy! You can slice it into bite-sized pieces at this point. Top with sliced green onions for a fresh touch.
8. Serve:
Enjoy your delicious Chinese BBQ pork served alongside steamed white rice and your favorite veggies. It’s a delightful meal that everyone will love!
This recipe creates mouthwatering, juicy Chinese BBQ pork, perfect for those wanting to try their hand at authentic flavors at home. Enjoy your cooking adventure! 🍽️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder or butt are recommended for their flavor and tenderness, you can also use pork loin. Just keep in mind that loin is leaner and may be less juicy, so watch the cooking time to avoid drying it out.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The pork can be marinated a day in advance, and after cooking, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently before serving.
Is It Necessary to Use Shaoxing Wine?
Not at all! While Shaoxing wine adds a distinctive flavor, you can substitute it with dry sherry or even omit it altogether. Adding a splash of apple juice can mimic the sweetness if you desire.
What Can I Serve with Chinese BBQ Pork?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, but you can also serve it with fried rice, noodle stir-fries, or simple sautéed vegetables for a balanced meal!
