Char Siu (BBQ Pork) Recipe – Chinese Special
Char Siu is a Cantonese BBQ pork classic, celebrated for its sweet, savory glaze and tender texture. This Chinese roast pork features strips of pork marinated in hoisin, soy sauce, honey, and five-spice powder, then roasted to perfection with a sticky caramelized finish. Perfect as a homemade Char Siu for rice, noodles, or steamed buns, it brings the bold flavors of Cantonese cuisine straight into your kitchen. Loved in restaurants and homes alike, Char Siu combines authenticity with simplicity for a flavorful experience every time.
- Prep Time20 min
- Cook Time30 min
- Perform Time5 hr
- Total Time5 hr 50 min
Char Siu Ingredients:
- 500g (1 lb) pork shoulder or pork loin, cut into long strips
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or maltose
- 1 tbsp Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp red food coloring (optional, for traditional red glaze)
Char Siu (BBQ Pork) Instructions:
Prepare marinade by mixing hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice wine, five-spice powder, garlic, and optional red food coloring.
Coat pork strips with marinade; cover and refrigerate for 4–6 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top.
Arrange marinated pork on the rack; reserve remaining marinade.
Roast pork for 20–25 minutes, basting occasionally with leftover marinade.
Increase oven temperature to 220°C (425°F) for the last 5 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
Remove pork, rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
Serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or in buns.
Recipe Notes :
Meat Choice: Pork shoulder is juicier; pork loin offers a leaner option for oven-roasted BBQ pork.
Marination Tip: Longer marination enhances tenderness and deepens Cantonese flavor.
Glaze Tip: Brush extra honey in the final minutes for a sticky, shiny finish.
Serving Ideas: Pair with steamed rice, noodles, buns, or vegetables for a balanced meal.
Cooking Shortcut: Prepare marinade ahead to save time for an easy Chinese pork recipe.
