Chinese Barbecue Pork

Oh, let me tell you about this dazzling dish called Chinese Barbecue Pork, or Char Siu… It’s just bursting with flavor, aroma, and, well, just this incredible glossy look that has a way of drawing you in. Imagine tender pieces of marinated pork, perfectly cooked till they shine—with a bit of that sweet-savory balance that makes you want to dive in headfirst. This recipe has been passed around my family for ages, and every time I make it, the whole house smells amazing… it’s like a cozy hug from the kitchen. Seriously, if you haven’t tried making Char Siu at home yet, you’re in for a treat!

Why You’ll Crave It

• The marinated pork just melts in your mouth—like, no joke.
• It’s super versatile; you can serve it on rice, in buns, or even on pizza!
• The sweet-salty glaze has a way of making any dinner feel special.
• It’s pretty straightforward to make, so even if you’re green in the kitchen, you can pull it off.

My family fights over the last piece, every single time—I mean, it just disappears!

What You’ll Need

• Pork Shoulder: 1 kg (2.2 lbs), all tender and perfect for roasting
• Hoisin Sauce: 4 tablespoons, for that rich sweetness
• Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons, goes in for that umami kick
• Dark Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon, adds depth and color
• Chinese Rice Wine or Sherry: 2 tablespoons, for that lovely aroma
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons, it balances everything out beautifully
• Five-Spice Powder: 1 teaspoon, a little hint of warmth and spice
• Red Food Coloring (optional): just a few drops for that vibrant hue
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, because garlic makes everything better
• Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated, for a fresh kick

Easy How-To

Marination is Key

Okay, so first things first—you’re going to want to mix up that marinade! Grab a bowl and blend together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, five-spice powder… and, oh, don’t forget about the minced garlic! Just mix until you feel it’s all combined, and it smells wonderful, you know? Then, you’ll want to take your pork, pop it in a zip-lock bag, and pour that luscious marinade all over it. Make sure the pork is well-coated. Seal it up, and toss it in the fridge for, like, at least four hours… but honestly, overnight is even better for the flavor to really soak in.

Good to Know

• If you can, marinate overnight—it’s a game changer!
• Don’t skip the basting step; it keeps the pork moister and adds lots of flavor.

Serving Ideas

• Serve those tender slices over fluffy steamed rice with some stir-fried veggies on the side.

Top Tricks

• Turn on the grill function in your oven at the end to get that beautiful caramelization on top – trust me, it’s worth it!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pork is best for Char Siu?

So, pork shoulder is the go-to choice, but if you want something fattier, pork belly works too! They both give you that juicy, tender texture that’s perfect for Char Siu!

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

For sure! While pork is the classic choice, you can, like, totally use chicken or beef… just remember, the cooking times could be a bit different, so keep an eye on them.

How long should I marinate the pork?

Honestly, if you can handle it, the longer the better! Four hours at the least, but overnight really makes it sing.

Can I cook Char Siu in the oven?

Absolutely! Your regular oven can work just fine; just make sure to monitor the temp and baste it as it cooks, that’s key!

How can I tell when the pork is done?

You’ll want it to reach at least 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness—plus, it should look beautifully caramelized. Just look for that lovely, glossy sheen!

So, that’s it! Chinese Barbecue Pork, or Char Siu, is such a delightful dish, I cannot stress it enough. It’s the kind of comfort food that brings family together, and it’s great for any occasion. I just love how each bite gives you that perfect blend of sweet and savory—trust me, it’ll make you want to whip it up time and time again!

More Recipe Suggestions and Combinations

Char Siu Fried Rice

Flip your leftovers into a delicious fried rice dish—just stir-fry it with some rice and veggies, and maybe a splash of soy sauce. Yum!

Char Siu Bao (Steamed Buns)

If you’re feeling adventurous, try using Char Siu as a filling for soft steamed buns. It’s bite-sized perfection!

Char Siu Noodles

Sliced Char Siu tossed with noodles and some fresh veggies makes for a super satisfying meal.

Char Siu Salad

For a lighter option, toss some sliced Char Siu over greens—with a sesame dressing. So refreshing!

Char Siu Pizza

Get creative and throw some Char Siu on a pizza with cheese and pineapple. It’s a fun twist you might just fall in love with!