Recipe: Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)

What is Char Siu (叉烧)?

Char Siu (叉烧) is a flavorful and slightly sweet BBQ pork that’s usually served as a main dish but can also be used in other dishes like noodle soups, rice dishes, or buns. The pork is typically cooked in the oven, roasted, or grilled, and the signature bright red color comes from the marinating process with a special sauce.

2. History (历史)

Char Siu (叉烧) has been around for centuries, dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD). It originated in Guangdong (Canton) Province in Southern China, where pork was commonly used due to its availability. Over time, it became a popular dish in Cantonese cuisine, especially in restaurants serving roasted meats, and it spread to different parts of the world, particularly in areas with large Chinese communities.

The dish was originally cooked over an open flame, but in modern times, it’s often roasted in an oven for convenience. The sweet, savory, and aromatic marinade has remained largely unchanged, giving it its distinctive flavor.

3. Ingredients (食材)

For Char Siu (叉烧), you'll need:

• Pork (猪肉):

  • 2 pounds of pork shoulder (猪肩肉) or pork tenderloin (猪里脊) (tenderloin gives a leaner cut, while shoulder has more fat and is juicier)

• For the Marinade (腌料):

  • 3 tbsp hoisin sauce (海鲜酱)

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (酱油)

  • 2 tbsp Chinese rice wine (Shaoxing wine, or dry sherry) (绍兴酒 or 料酒)

  • 2 tbsp honey (蜂蜜)

  • 2 tbsp sugar (糖)

  • 1 tbsp Chinese five-spice powder (五香粉)

  • 2 tsp red fermented bean curd (红腐乳) (optional, for color and flavor)

  • 1 tsp sesame oil (香油)

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (蒜末)

  • 1 tsp ginger, minced (姜末)

  • 1/4 tsp white pepper (白胡椒)

  • Red food coloring (optional, traditional for that vibrant red color) (红色食用色素)

4. Recipe Instructions (做法)

Step 1: Prepare the Pork (准备猪肉)

• Cut the pork shoulder or tenderloin into long strips, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This will help the marinade penetrate the meat evenly.

Step 2: Make the Marinade (准备腌料)

• In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: hoisin sauce (海鲜酱), soy sauce (酱油), rice wine (绍兴酒), honey (蜂蜜), sugar (糖), five-spice powder (五香粉), red fermented bean curd (红腐乳), sesame oil (香油), garlic (蒜末), ginger (姜末), white pepper (白胡椒), and food coloring (红色食用色素) (if desired).

• Mix well until the sugar dissolves and the marinade is smooth.

Step 3: Marinate the Pork (腌制猪肉)

• Place the pork strips in a large resealable bag or shallow dish.

• Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring the pieces are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse the pork.

Step 4: Prepare for Roasting (准备烤制)

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• If you have a roasting rack, place it on the baking sheet. Otherwise, you can also place the pork directly on the sheet.

Step 5: Roast the Pork (烤制猪肉)

• Take the pork out of the marinade (but reserve the marinade for basting).

• Place the pork strips on the roasting rack or directly on the baking sheet.

• Roast the pork for 25-30 minutes, basting with the marinade every 10 minutes, until the pork is cooked through and the surface is nicely caramelized and slightly charred. You can also broil it for the last 3-5 minutes for a charred effect.

Step 6: Rest and Slice (休息并切片)

• Let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes after roasting to lock in the juices.

• Slice the Char Siu (叉烧) into thin pieces, about 1/4 inch thick, and serve immediately.

Step 7: Serving Suggestions (上菜建议)

Char Siu (叉烧) can be served with steamed rice (白米饭), noodles (面条), or in steamed bao buns (叉烧包). It also makes a great filling for Chinese BBQ pork buns (叉烧包).

Enjoy your homemade Char Siu (叉烧), the delicious, sweet, and savory Chinese BBQ pork!