This Easy Chinese BBQ Pork is sweet, sticky, and oh-so-tender! Made with pork and a special sauce, it’s perfect for dinner and has a lovely glaze that makes it look fancy.
I’ve made this dish many times, and it’s always a hit! Serve it with rice and veggies, and you’ll impress your family and friends without breaking a sweat. Trust me, it’s a winner! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork: I recommend using pork shoulder or pork butt for their balance of fat and flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, lean cuts like pork tenderloin can be used, but they may dry out quicker.
Hoisin Sauce: This sweet and savory sauce is essential. If you can’t find it, a mix of soy sauce and a bit of peanut butter can mimic the flavor. However, the taste won’t be exactly the same.
Shaoxing Wine: This rice wine adds depth to the marinade. If unavailable, dry sherry works well too. You can skip it entirely for a non-alcoholic version.
Red Fermented Bean Curd: This gives a classic color and taste to the dish. If you opt out, it’s okay, but your pork won’t have the traditional hue. Try adding a little extra hoisin for sweetness instead.
How Can I Ensure My Pork is Perfectly Cooked and Flavorful?
The key to great BBQ pork is marinating well and cooking at the right temperature. Here’s how:
- Marinating Time: 4 hours is good, but overnight is best. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
- Oven Preheating: Ensure your oven is hot before adding the pork—this kick-starts caramelization.
- Basting: Brush with leftover marinade regularly during roasting for a sticky glaze and enhance flavor. Just ensure it’s cooked beforehand if reusing.
- Final Char: Finishing under the broiler gives a great smoky flavor. Keep a close eye to prevent burning!
Following these tips will help you create delicious and tender Easy Chinese BBQ Pork every time!
Easy Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 2 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into thick strips
For the Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey or maltose syrup
- 2 tablespoons Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 teaspoons red fermented bean curd (optional, for authentic color and flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
For Serving:
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, to serve
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 4 hours for marinating (or overnight for best results). The cooking time in the oven is around 30-35 minutes. Overall, you can expect about 4 hours and 50 minutes from start to finish, including marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey or maltose syrup, Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), brown sugar, oyster sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, and optional red fermented bean curd. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Mix everything together until it’s well blended to create a delicious marinade.
2. Marinate the Pork:
Add the pork strips to the marinade, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
3. Prepare for Roasting:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking rack with foil to catch any drippings and place it over a baking tray. This will help keep your oven clean!
4. Roast the Pork:
Take the marinated pork strips and arrange them on the baking rack. Allow excess marinade to drip off, but you can reserve it for later. Roast the pork in the oven for about 20 minutes.
5. Baste for Flavor:
After 20 minutes, take the pork out and brush it with some of the reserved marinade. Continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes, basting and turning the pork every 5 minutes until it’s caramelized and cooked all the way through. The edges should be slightly charred for that delicious BBQ flavor.
6. Final Char (Optional):
If you like a little extra char, switch your oven to broil/grill mode for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning!
7. Slice and Serve:
Once done, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it into bite-sized pieces to serve.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Garnish your Chinese BBQ pork with sliced green onions and serve it hot alongside some steamed white rice. Enjoy this tasty recipe that’s sure to impress!
Enjoy your homemade Easy Chinese BBQ Pork, perfect for beginners and packed with flavor!
FAQ for Easy Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Yes, while pork shoulder and pork butt are ideal for their flavor and tenderness, you can also use pork tenderloin. Just be mindful that leaner cuts may dry out more quickly, so you might want to reduce the cooking time slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Shaoxing Wine?
No problem! You can substitute with dry sherry, which works well. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, you can skip the wine altogether and use a little extra soy sauce for flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover BBQ pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to maintain its tenderness and flavor.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked BBQ pork in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy later.
