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Welcome to the ultimate guide for making authentic Char Siu Pork, also known as Chinese BBQ Pork, right in your own kitchen! This recipe brings the beloved flavours of traditional Chinese cuisine to your dinner table with surprisingly simple steps. Forget dry, bland pork – our method guarantees tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful pork with that signature sticky, caramelised glaze you crave. It’s a dish that’s perfect for a family meal, special occasions, or just when you’re in the mood for something truly delicious.
Char Siu is a staple in Cantonese cuisine, often found hanging in Chinese delis, its vibrant red hue and glistening exterior promising a taste sensation. While it might look intimidating, we’ve broken down the process to make it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. With a few key ingredients and a bit of marinating time, you’ll be enjoying succulent slices of Char Siu that rival your favourite takeout. This recipe is not just about cooking; it’s about creating an experience, a journey into the heart of Chinese comfort food. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your taste buds!
The secret to our amazing Char Siu lies in a powerful marinade that infuses the pork with a symphony of sweet, savoury, and aromatic notes. We’ll guide you through selecting the perfect cut of Pork Scotch Fillet, preparing the marinade, and achieving that beautiful, glossy finish. Whether you serve it with steamed rice, noodles, or in a bao bun, this homemade Char Siu will become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire. Let’s dive in and transform simple pork into an extraordinary feast!
Ingredients
To create this irresistible Char Siu Pork, you willóneed: 1 1/2 tablespoons of brown sugar (white sugar also works), 1/4 cup of rich honey, 1/4 cup of savory hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce (or all-purpose soy), 1 tablespoon of all-purpose soy sauce (or more light soy), 1 teaspoon of aromatic Chinese five spice powder, 1 tablespoon of oil (vegetable or canola), and 2 teaspoons of red food coloring (optional, but gives that classic Char Siu color). The star of the show is 1.2 – 1.5kg (2.4 – 3lb) of pork scotch fillet (also known as collar neck or pork neck) OR pork shoulder. Finally, you’llóneed 2 tablespoons of extra honey for glazing.
How to Make Char Siu Pork
Step 1: Prepare the Pork. Begin by taking your pork scotch fillet or pork shoulder and cutting it in half lengthwise to create two long, even strips. This helps the pork cook more evenly and absorb the marinade better. Ensure your cutting board is stable for safety.
Step 2: Mix the Marinade. In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: brown sugar, honey, hoisin sauce, light soy sauce, all-purpose soy sauce, Chinese five spice powder, oil, and red food colouring (if using). Whisk everything together until thoroughly combined and smooth. This is where the magic begins!
Step 3: Marinate the Pork. Place the pork strips and the prepared marinade into a stain-proof container or a large ziplock bag. Make sure the pork is fully coated with the marinade. Seal the container or bag and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, ideally 48 hours, to allow the flavours to deeply penetrate the meat. A minimum of 3 hours is acceptable if you’re short on time, but longer is always better for maximum flavour. You might want to get a durable food storage container for this.
Step 4: Preheat and Prepare for Roasting. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Line a baking tray with foil for easier cleanup and place an oven-safe rack on top. While not strictly critical, using a rack allows for more even cooking and better caramelisation on all sides of the pork. This setup helps excess marinade drip away without burning.
Step 5: First Roast. Remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the remaining marinade in the bowl. Place the marinated pork strips on the prepared rack. Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. While the pork is roasting, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Mix the 2 tablespoons of extra honey into the marinade. Bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a syrupy glaze. Remove from heat.
Step 6: Baste and Continue Roasting. After the first 30 minutes, carefully remove the pork from the oven. Generously dab the reduced, syrupy marinade all over the pork using a pastry brush. Flip the pork strips, baste the other side, and return to the oven to roast for another 30 minutes. For an even coating, consider using a good quality silicone basting brush.
Step 7: Final Roasting and Caramelisation. Remove the pork from the oven again. Brush with marinade one more time, then turn the pork, brush with marinade, and roast for a further 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it; if the pork starts charring too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil. This step is crucial for building those layers of flavour and achieving that beautiful caramelisation. You might find a meat thermometer helpful to ensure the internal temperature is safe.
Step 8: Achieve Sticky Perfection. Baste the surface of the pork one last time with the remaining glaze. Return it to the oven for a final 10 minutes, allowing it to become perfectly caramelised and sticky. The meat should be tender but still hold its shape, not falling apart like pulled pork. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the Char Siu to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Resting helps redistribute the juices, ensuring a tender and moist result. Serve immediately with Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli Florets or other steamed Chinese greens and rice.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy. Once rested, slice the Char Siu against the grain into thin, even pieces. Arrange them on a platter and drizzle with any remaining glaze. This Char Siu is incredibly versatile – enjoy it with steamed rice, noodles, in a stir-fry, or even in sandwiches. For more meal ideas, check out Foodjot.blog.
Authentic Char Siu Pork (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar (white also ok)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce , or all purpose soy (Note 1)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce , just all purpose (or more light soy) (Note 1)
- 1 tsp Chinese five spice powder (Note 2)
- 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or canola) (Note 3)
- 2 tsp red food colouring , optional (Note 4)
- 1.2 – 1.5kg / 2.4 – 3lb pork scotch fillet (aka collar neck, pork neck) OR pork shoulder (Note 5)
- 2 tbsp Extra Honey
Instructions
- Cut pork in half to make two long strips. (Note 5)
- Mix Marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Place the pork and Marinade in a stain proof container or ziplock bag. Marinate 24 to 48 hours in the fridge (3 hours is the bare minimum).
- Preheat oven to 160C/320F.
- Line a tray with foil and place a rack on top (recommended but not critical).
- Remove pork from the marinade, save Marinade. Place pork on rack.
- Roast for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, pour reserved marinade in a saucepan. Mix Extra Honey into marinade. Bring to simmer over medium high and cook for 2 minutes until syrupy. Remove from heat.
- Remove pork from oven. Dab marinade all over, then turn. Baste then roast for a further 30 minutes.
- Remove pork from oven. Brush with marinade again, then turn, brush with marinade and roast for a further 20 minutes. If charring too quickly, cover with foil.
- Baste again on surface then bake for a further 10 minutes until caramelised and sticky. Meat should be tender but not falling apart, like with pulled pork. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with rice and steamed Chinese greens. See notes for more uses!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of pork is best for Char Siu?
How long should I marinate the pork?
Is red food coloring necessary?
How do I know when the Char Siu is cooked through?
What can I serve with Char Siu Pork?
Conclusion
And there you have it – a magnificent Char Siu Pork that’s as authentic as it is delicious! This recipe proves that you don’t need to visit a speciality restaurant to enjoy the rich, sweet, and savoury flavours of Chinese BBQ pork. With a little patience during the marinating process and careful attention during roasting, you can create a dish that will undoubtedly become a family favourite. The vibrant colour, the tender texture, and the irresistible sticky glaze make this Char Siu a true culinary triumph.
We hope you enjoyed bringing this classic Chinese dish to life in your kitchen. There’s something incredibly satisfying about mastering a recipe that tastes so complex yet is so rewarding to make. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the cooking times slightly to achieve your desired level of char and tenderness. Remember, practice makes perfect, and every attempt will bring you closer to your ideal Char Siu.
So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, and embark on this flavorful journey. Share your creations with us, and let us know how your homemade Char Siu Pork turned out! For more inspiring recipes and cooking tips, keep exploring our blog. Perhaps try our Easy Instant Pot Seafood Boil Recipe next time you’re in the mood for something different!
