Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) - Making the Savory Sweet Classic at Home

Char siu, also known as Chinese barbecued pork, is a classic Cantonese dish of tender, sweet and savory roasted pork. It is instantly recognizable by its glistening red hue and caracteristic caramelized char lines. While found on many restaurant menus, char siu can easily be made at home with a few simple secrets. Let’s walk through how to make authentic, mouthwatering char siu worthy of a Chinatown window display.

Select the Right Cut

Look for a pork shoulder, also called Boston butt. This fatty cut has the perfect marbling to stay moist during roasting. Ask the butcher to debone and butterfly the shoulder into uniform 1-inch thick pieces.

Prep the Pork

Use a fork to poke holes all over the pork pieces. This helps the marinade penetrate deeply. Pat the pork dry before marinating.

Make the Marinade

In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, Chinese five spice, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, rice wine, and ginger. Mix well until smooth.

Marinate the Pork

Place the pork pieces in a resealable bag or dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, turning to coat fully. Seal and marinate in fridge at least 4 hours or overnight.

Roast the Pork

Preheat oven to 375°F. Place pork on a rack set in a roasting pan. Reserve marinade. Roast for 20 minutes, brushing with marinade every 5 minutes.

Increase oven to 425°F. Roast 10 more minutes, brushing with marinade, until nicely caramelized. The meat should have an internal temperature of at least 145°F.

Finish on the Grill

For added smoky flavor and char lines, finish pork on a hot grill for 2-3 minutes per side, basting with marinade. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Slice and Serve

Let pork rest 10 minutes before slicing thinly across the grain. Pour over any remaining marinade. Serve char siu pork over steamed white rice.

With a few easy steps, you can achieve restaurant-quality char siu pork at home. Impress your family and friends with this Chinese barbecue classic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of pork is best for char siu?

Use pork shoulder or pork butt for the right fat content.

Is it necessary to marinate overnight?

At least 4 hours for good flavor. Overnight is best for full marinade absorption.

What is a substitute for Chinese five spice?

Garlic powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves can sub for five spice.

Can I use hoisin sauce from a jar?

Yes, purchased hoisin works fine in the marinade.

How do I get the characteristic red color?

Food coloring can be added to the marinade to achieve the red char siu hue.

With a well marinated cut of pork and high heat roasting or grilling, you can make restaurant-quality char siu at home. Enjoy this sweet, savory Chinese barbecue treat.