How to Make the Perfect Char Siu Pork
Chinese · Medium · 295 min · 4 servings
Char Siu is a Cantonese barbecued pork recipe known for its glossy lacquered exterior, sweet-savory marinade, and tender juicy interior with a signature red hue. It is incredible as a standalone dish, served over rice, or stuffed into steamed buns.
Why this recipe works
This Char Siu Pork recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 295 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 480 calories with 38g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 700 g pork shoulder or pork butt cut into long strips
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine
- 1 tsp five spice powder
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Marinate
Whisk together the hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and five spice powder in a bowl. Add the pork strips, toss to coat thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight for deep flavor.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare for Roasting
Remove the pork from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Preheat your oven to 220 degrees Celsius. Reserve the leftover marinade in a small saucepan for basting. Line a baking tray with foil and place a rack on top.
Step 3: Roast the Pork
Place the pork strips on the rack and roast for 20 minutes. Flip the strips, brush generously with the reserved marinade, and roast for another 15 minutes until the edges are caramelized and slightly charred.
Step 4: Glaze and Rest
Brush the pork one final time with warm honey and place under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes to create a deep lacquered glaze. Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- pork shoulder → chicken thighs for a lighter alternative
- Shaoxing rice wine → dry sherry or apple juice
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the overnight marination which results in a shallow, one-dimensional flavor
- Not basting during roasting which causes the pork to dry out and lose its signature glaze
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 480 calories, 38g protein, 22g carbs, 24g fat, 0g fiber.
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