This Easy Homemade Chinese BBQ Pork, also known as Char Siu, is sticky, sweet, and full of flavor! With a mix of soy sauce, honey, and spices, your kitchen will smell amazing.
Making this delicious pork is a breeze! I love how easy it is to whip up a batch—just marinate, bake, and enjoy. Perfect for sandwiches or rice bowls. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork: Pork shoulder or butt is ideal for this recipe as it holds flavor and becomes tender during cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken thighs can work well, but the results will vary.
Hoisin Sauce: This key ingredient adds depth and sweetness. If you don’t have it, try a mix of soy sauce, sugar, and a smidge of peanut butter for a similar taste.
Chinese Shaoxing Wine: This wine enhances flavor. If unavailable, dry sherry makes a great substitute, or you can skip it completely if needed.
Five-Spice Powder: This spice blend is essential for that authentic flavor. If you don’t have it, a mix of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise can give you a similar punch.
Red Food Coloring: While not mandatory, it gives the pork that classic char siu look. If you’d rather avoid food coloring, it’s fine to omit it. The flavor will still be fantastic!
What’s the Best Way to Marinate the Pork for Flavor?
Marinating is crucial for building flavor in your BBQ pork. Aim for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. This allows the marinade to soak into the meat, resulting in tender and flavorful bites. Remember to coat all sides of the pork strips for even flavor distribution.
- Use a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish for marinating, which makes it easier to flip the meat.
- Give the marinade a good mix before adding the pork to ensure everything is blended well.
- If time allows, turning the pork halfway through the marinating time can help enhance the flavor even more!
Easy Homemade Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, sliced into 1-inch thick strips
For the Marinade:
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (light or regular)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar (white or brown)
- 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- Red food coloring (optional, for authentic color)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, followed by at least 4 hours to marinate the pork (overnight is even better!). The cooking time is approximately 30 minutes, making the total time around 4 hours and 45 minutes—including marinating. Most of that time is hands-off, so you can enjoy the waiting!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, sugar, Chinese five-spice powder, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix everything well until the sugar is fully dissolved. If you want that signature red color of Char Siu, add a few drops of red food coloring and stir.
2. Marinate the Pork:
Add the pork strips to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the pork into a resealable bag. Place it in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is recommended for the best flavor.
3. Prepare for Roasting:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top of the tray to allow for even cooking.
4. Roast the Pork:
Arrange the marinated pork strips on the wire rack, reserving any leftover marinade for later. Roast the pork in the oven for about 20 minutes.
5. Broil for a Charred Finish:
After roasting, baste the pork with the reserved marinade and switch your oven to broil mode. Broil for an additional 5-7 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. If desired, turn the pork and baste again. Broil for another 5-7 minutes until the edges are nicely charred and caramelized.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once fully cooked and glazed, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Cut the pork into bite-sized pieces and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot alongside steamed white rice or your favorite noodles!
Enjoy your delicious homemade Chinese BBQ pork that’s sticky, sweet, and savory just like the classic Char Siu!
FAQ
Can I Use Other Cuts of Meat?
Yes! While pork shoulder or butt is ideal for tenderness and flavor, you can also use chicken thighs or beef flank. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftover BBQ pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, make sure to cool it down before refrigerating. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Freeze the Marinated Pork?
Absolutely! Marinate the pork as directed, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before cooking to ensure even cooking.
What Should I Serve with Chinese BBQ Pork?
This delicious pork pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal!
