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🍖 Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe

Learn how to make delicious Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) at home with this easy recipe from Hip Wok. Discover the best ingredients and step-by-step instructions.

Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)

You will need:

  • pork shoulder1.5 pounds of pork shoulder
  • hoisin sauce1/4 cup of hoisin sauce
  • honey1/4 cup of honey
  • soy sauce1/4 cup of soy sauce
  • oyster sauce1/4 cup of oyster sauce
  • Chinese five-spice powder2 tablespoons of Chinese five-spice powder
  • brown sugar2 tablespoons of brown sugar
  • garlic cloves2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • cooking wine1 tablespoon of cooking wine
  • red food coloringRed food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Start by cutting the pork shoulder into long strips about 2 inches wide.
  2. In a bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, brown sugar, minced garlic, and cooking wine to make the marinade.
  3. Add the pork strips to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring to give the pork a traditional red hue.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pork for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
  5. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
  6. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the marinated pork strips on the wire rack.
  7. Roast the pork in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and caramelized on the outside. Baste the pork with the leftover marinade halfway through cooking for extra flavor.
  8. Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the Char Siu with rice or noodles.

Notes

For a more authentic flavor, consider using Chinese cooking wine instead of regular cooking wine. The red food coloring is optional and is traditionally used to give Char Siu its signature red color.

Embrace the flavors of the East with this succulent Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) recipe. This dish, a staple in Cantonese cuisine, is renowned for its tender texture and sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavor. The secret lies in the marinade, a perfect blend of hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder.

Preparing Char Siu at home might seem daunting, but with our step-by-step guide, you'll be a pro in no time. The process begins with marinating the pork shoulder strips. The marinade, a symphony of flavors, is what gives Char Siu its distinct taste. The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavors penetrate into the meat, so we recommend leaving it overnight for the best results.

Roasting the marinated pork in the oven caramelizes the outside, creating a beautiful contrast with the tender, juicy inside. Basting the pork with leftover marinade halfway through cooking ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Serve the Char Siu with rice or noodles for a complete meal that will transport your taste buds to the heart of China.

For a more authentic flavor, consider using Chinese cooking wine instead of regular cooking wine. The red food coloring is optional but gives Char Siu its signature red color. If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine and want to try your hand at more dishes, check out our Chinese takeout-style recipes you can whip up in your wok.

Char Siu is just one of many delicious dishes you can prepare in your wok. If you're looking for more inspiration, explore our fast, easy, and tasty Chinese recipes. Or perhaps you're interested in learning the secret to achieving the charred, smoky flavor that's characteristic of wok cooking? Our guide on achieving the wok hei flavor has you covered.

So, don your apron, grab your wok, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey to China with this delicious Char Siu recipe. Happy wok cooking!