Chinese Char Siu Pork

Char Siu, or Chinese barbecue pork, is a delicious dish characterized by its slightly sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking Char Siu Pork at home.

Char Siu, or Chinese barbecue pork in the photo.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder or pork loin, cut into strips (about 1.5 inches thick)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey (or maltose for authenticity)
• 2 tablespoons rice wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• A few drops of red food coloring (optional, for traditional color)

For Cooking:

• Vegetable oil or cooking spray
• Optional: sesame seeds for garnish, sliced green onions for serving

Equipment:

• Oven or grill
• Baking tray
• Rack to elevate the pork (if using the oven)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice wine, five-spice powder, sugar, minced garlic, and red food coloring (if using).
2. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Pork

1. Place the pork strips in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
2. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
3. Cover the dish or seal the bag, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Preheat your Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 4: Bake the Pork

1. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
2. Place a rack on top of the tray (if you have one), allowing the grease to drip down and the heat to circulate around the meat.
3. Remove the pork from the marinade, shaking off excess marinade but not rinsing it off. Reserve the marinade for basting.
4. Place the pork on the rack and brush it lightly with vegetable oil.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes.

Step 5: Baste and Finish

1. After 25 minutes, remove the pork from the oven, and brush it with the reserved marinade.
2. Return it to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the surface is caramelized and slightly charred.
3. For an extra charred layer, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
2. Slice the Char Siu Pork thinly against the grain.
3. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.

Serve

Serve the Char Siu Pork with steamed rice, in buns, or as part of a larger meal alongside stir-fried vegetables and other dishes. Enjoy your homemade Chinese Char Siu!

Tips

• You can also grill the pork over medium heat, basting with the marinade, for a smoky flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or sugar according to your taste.
• For authentic flavor, use Chinese rice wine or Shaoxing wine when possible.

Enjoy your culinary adventure into the world of Chinese BBQ!