Chinese barbecue pork, known as char siu or cha siu, is a classic Cantonese dish of tender, sweet and savory roasted pork. It is served across dim sum restaurants and barbecue shops globally. With its glistening red hue, crispy edges, and irresistible sweet and salty flavor, Chinese bbq pork is a favorite for many.
While traditional char siu involves roasting seasoned pork for hours, homemade Chinese bbq pork can be easily achieved in the oven or grill without needing to barbecue for a long time. With the right combination of sauces and seasonings, you can make restaurant-quality Chinese bbq pork easily at home.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make authentic Chinese bbq pork with rich umami flavor and a glossy reddish-brown finish at home.
Ingredients Needed to Make Chinese BBQ Pork
The ingredients needed to make Chinese bbq pork are simple and easy to source. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Pork
- 2 to 3 pounds pork butt or pork shoulder
- Salt and pepper
For the Marinade
- 1⁄2 cup honey or maltose syrup
- 1⁄4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon five spice powder
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 inches minced ginger
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil
- Baking sheet
- Meat thermometer
Step-by-Step Instructions on Making Chinese BBQ Pork
Follow these simple steps to make restaurant-quality Chinese bbq pork easily at home:
1. Prepare the Pork
- Take 2 to 3 pounds of well-marbled pork butt or pork shoulder and trim off any excess fat or sinew.
- Cut the pork into long strips approximately 3 inches thick and 5 to 6 inches long.
- Use a sharp knife to score the fat cap of the pork, making cuts about 1⁄4 inch apart without cutting into the meat. This allows the fat to render while cooking.
- Season the pork strips all over with salt and pepper. Set aside while preparing the marinade.
2. Make the Marinade
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1⁄2 cup honey or maltose syrup, 1⁄4 cup hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon five spice powder, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 3 cloves minced garlic, and 2 inches minced ginger.
- Whisk thoroughly until well blended.
3. Marinate the Pork
- Add the pork strips to the marinade and turn to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the pork to soak up all the flavors.
4. Roast the Pork
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Remove pork from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Place pork strips on the foil-lined baking sheet.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the exterior is charred and caramelized.
- Brush with the remaining marinade several times during roasting for added flavor and sheen.
- Cook until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F. The pork should have a shiny reddish-brown glaze when done.
5. Let Rest and Slice
- Remove roasted pork from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the pork across the grain into thin slices.
- Serve warm with steamed white rice, vegetables, and extra hoisin, oyster or plum sauce on the side. Enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Chinese BBQ Pork
Follow these tips for irresistibly tender, juicy and flavorful homemade Chinese bbq pork:
- Choose a well-marbled cut like pork butt or pork shoulder for best results. The fat renders and bastes the meat while cooking.
- Score the fat cap before marinating. This allows the seasonings to penetrate and fat to crisp up.
- Marinate overnight for the pork to fully absorb the flavors. At least 2 hours is needed.
- Use maltose syrup instead of honey for extra glossiness and sheen.
- Roast the pork uncovered at high heat to achieve a sticky char.
- Brush with the marinade frequently while cooking for maximum flavor.
- Let pork rest before slicing to retain juices. Always slice across the grain.
- Add roasted peanuts, cilantro or green onions as garnish for extra flavor and crunch.
Common Questions on Making Chinese BBQ Pork
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making authentic Chinese bbq pork at home:
What cut of pork is best for Chinese bbq?
Pork shoulder and pork butt are ideal cuts for Chinese bbq pork. They have great marbling which keeps the meat juicy and tender.
Can I use regular honey?
Yes, regular honey can be used as a substitute for maltose syrup in the recipe. However, maltose syrup is traditional and gives the pork a deeper color and glossy sheen.
Do I need to roast the pork for a long time?
No, you don’t need to barbecue the pork for hours. Roasting in a hot 450°F oven for 25-30 minutes is enough to cook it through and caramelize the outside.
What if I don’t have all the sauces and seasonings?
At a minimum, use honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Five spice powder and oyster sauce add deeper flavor but can be omitted.
Can I use pork tenderloin instead?
Pork tenderloin is too lean for this recipe. It will dry out while cooking. Pork shoulder or butt are best.
How do I get the char siu reddish color at home?
The maltose syrup, hoisin, soy sauce and five spice powder give the pork its red hue while roasting uncovered at high heat creates the charred exterior.
What sides go well with Chinese bbq pork?
Steamed jasmine rice, sauteed greens, egg rolls, dumplings and vegetables like broccoli or bok choy pair excellently with the pork.
Variations for Chinese BBQ Pork
Try these tasty variations on classic Chinese bbq pork:
Chinese BBQ Pork Buns
- Make char siu bao by stuffing sliced Chinese bbq pork into soft steamed buns.
Chinese BBQ Pork Fried Rice
- Dice up leftover Chinese bbq pork and add it to fried rice with peas, carrots, eggs and green onions.
Chinese BBQ Pork Lettuce Wraps
- Serve sliced Chinese bbq pork inside cool lettuce cups for a fresh take. Great for appetizers.
Chinese BBQ Pork Lo Mein
- Add sweet and savory roasted pork slivers to lo mein noodles. Delicious one-pan meal.
Chinese BBQ Pork Stir Fry
- Stir fry roasted pork with broccoli, peppers, mushrooms, baby corn and carrots for a quick and healthy dinner.
Chinese BBQ Pork Mac and Cheese
- Mix diced bbq pork into mac and cheese for next level comfort food.
The possibilities are endless when cooking with Chinese bbq pork! Adapt it to your favorite recipes.
Full Recipe for Chinese BBQ Pork
Refer to this full recipe summary when making authentic Chinese bbq pork at home:
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs pork butt/shoulder
- Salt and pepper
- 1⁄2 cup honey or maltose syrup
- 1⁄4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp five spice powder
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 inch minced ginger
Instructions
- Cut pork into strips, score fat. Season with salt and pepper.
- Make marinade by mixing all sauces, seasonings and aromatics.
- Marinate pork for 2+ hours or overnight.
- Roast at 450°F for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through. Brush with marinade while cooking.
- Rest 5-10 minutes before slicing into thin pieces.
- Serve with steamed rice and sauces. Enjoy!
Recreate the irresistible char siu you love at home using this easy recipe for Chinese bbq pork. The flavorful marinade and high heat roasting technique results in tender, juicy pork with a finger-licking sticky glaze. Your family and friends will be asking for seconds!