Char Siu, or Chinese BBQ Pork, is a popular dish in Cantonese cuisine. It is traditionally made by roasting marinated pork over a fire until it is charred and tender, with a sweet and savory flavor. But with this easy recipe, you can make delicious Char Siu at home with just a few ingredients and an oven or grill!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- 500g pork belly
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Cut the pork belly into long strips, about 1 inch wide. Place the pork belly strips in a large resealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade. Close the bag and massage the marinade into the pork strips until they are well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Remove the pork strips from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place the pork strips on the wire rack, leaving some space between each strip.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. Alternatively, grill the pork strips over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Remove the pork from the oven or grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it into thin pieces. Serve hot with steamed rice, chopped scallions, and sesame seeds.
Variations
- Char Siu Bao: Use the Char Siu filling to make steamed buns! Prepare the dough for the buns, then fill each one with a spoonful of Char Siu. Steam the buns for 10-12 minutes, then serve hot.
- Char Siu Fried Rice: Use the Char Siu to add flavor to fried rice! Cook some rice, then fry it up with eggs, peas, carrots, and diced Char Siu.
- Vegetarian Char Siu: Use tofu or seitan instead of pork belly for a vegetarian/vegan version of this dish. Marinate the tofu or seitan in the same marinade for at least 30 minutes, then bake or grill as directed.
- Char Siu Skewers: Thread the marinated pork strips onto skewers and grill them for a fun and easy appetizer or party snack.
Enjoy your homemade Char Siu with family and friends! It’s a great way to bring the flavors of Chinese cuisine to your dinner table.
FAQ
What cut of pork is best for Char Siu?
The best cut of pork for Char Siu is pork shoulder. It has the right amount of fat to keep the meat moist and tender during cooking.
How long should I marinate the pork for?
It is recommended to marinate the pork for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This will allow the flavours to penetrate the meat and give it a delicious taste.
Can I use honey instead of maltose in the marinade?
Yes, you can use honey instead of maltose in the marinade. However, honey is sweeter than maltose, so you may need to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe to balance the sweetness.
Can I use a gas grill instead of a charcoal grill?
Yes, you can use a gas grill instead of a charcoal grill. However, you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time to ensure the pork is cooked properly.
How do I know when the pork is fully cooked?
The pork should be cooked through and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Can I freeze Char Siu?
Yes, you can freeze Char Siu. It is best to freeze it in portions so that you can easily defrost and reheat it as needed.
What can I serve with Char Siu?
Char Siu is traditionally served with steamed rice and vegetables, such as bok choy or Chinese broccoli. It can also be added to stir-fries or noodle dishes.
How long can I store Char Siu in the refrigerator?
You can store Char Siu in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Can I use the marinade as a sauce?
No, you should not use the marinade as a sauce. The marinade has come into contact with raw meat and can contain harmful bacteria. Instead, you can make a separate sauce using the same ingredients, but cooking them in a saucepan before serving.
What if I don’t have Chinese five spice powder?
If you don’t have Chinese five spice powder, you can make your own by combining equal parts of cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns. Alternatively, you can omit it from the recipe, but the flavour of the Char Siu may be slightly different.
