Char siu pork belly, also known as BBQ pork, is a delightful dish enjoyed across Asia. It is famous for its sweet and savory glaze, tender meat, and slightly smoky flavor. While it may seem complex, with the right ingredients and method, you can create this dish at home. Below is a comprehensive guide to making char siu pork belly.
Ingredients
To make char siu pork belly, you will need:
- 800g pork belly slices, cut into 2.5cm pieces
- 240g jar char siu sauce
- 4 tbsp honey (divided)
- 2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp caster sugar
- 10 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 spring onion, cut into 4cm pieces
- Steamed jasmine rice, to serve
- Steamed Asian greens, to serve
- 1 Lebanese cucumber, cut into long matchsticks
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes, plus overnight marinating time
- Cook time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Pork
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the char siu sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, Chinese cooking wine, oyster sauce, sugar, garlic, and spring onion.
Coat the Pork: Add the pork belly slices to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge overnight to allow the flavors to develop fully.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°C (480°F).
Prepare Roasting Pan: Line a roasting pan with foil and place a wire rack over it. This setup will help achieve the desired crispy texture on the pork without burning it.
Step 3: Roast the Pork
Drain and Arrange: Drain the marinated pork, reserving the marinade. Arrange the pork slices on the wire rack in the prepared roasting pan.
Initial Roasting: Roast the pork for 5 minutes. During this time, brush the pork with a little of the reserved marinade.
Reduce Temperature: Reduce the oven temperature to 200°C (390°F). Continue roasting the pork for 25 minutes, brushing with the reserved marinade every 5 minutes. After 25 minutes, brush with half of the remaining honey and roast for an additional 5 minutes.
Turn and Finish Roasting: Turn the pork slices over. Roast for another 25 minutes, brushing with the reserved marinade every 5 minutes. In the final 5 minutes, brush with the remaining honey until the pork is caramelized and cooked through.
Step 4: Serve the Pork
Rest the Pork: Once done, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
Prepare Serving Platter: Serve the char siu pork with steamed jasmine rice, steamed Asian greens, and cucumber matchsticks. Drizzle with any pan juices for extra flavor.
Tips and Tricks
Marinating: Marinating overnight is crucial for the pork to absorb all the flavors of the marinade. If you’re pressed for time, a minimum of 4 hours is recommended, but the longer it marinates, the better the flavor.
Temperature Control: Roasting at high temperatures initially helps create a nice caramelized crust. Reducing the temperature ensures the pork cooks evenly without burning.
Brushing: Regularly brushing the pork with marinade and honey helps achieve an even glossy finish and deepens the flavor.
Serving Suggestions: Char siu pork is versatile and can be served with various sides. Besides rice and greens, it also pairs well with noodles, salad, or even on top of ramen soup.
Storage: Leftover pork can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. However, it’s best to store it unsliced as sliced pork dries out more quickly. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
Variations and Alternatives
While the traditional recipe calls for specific ingredients, you can make some adjustments based on availability or preference:
Mirin and Sake: If you can’t find mirin or sake, you can substitute them with a mix of rice vinegar, sugar, and a little water to approximate the sweetness and flavor.
Honey Substitute: For a vegan option, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Garlic and Onion: If you prefer a stronger garlic or onion flavor, feel free to increase the quantities.
Spices: Add a pinch of five-spice powder or white pepper for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Information
Char siu pork belly is high in protein and fats, providing energy and satiety. However, it should be enjoyed in moderation due to its high calorie and sodium content.
Cultural Context
Char siu pork is deeply rooted in Chinese cuisine, often found in dim sum restaurants and takeaways. It’s a key ingredient in BBQ pork buns and can be served with rice or noodles. Unlike its Japanese counterpart, chashu pork, which is braised, char siu is roasted, giving it a unique smoky flavor.
Conclusion
Making char siu pork belly at home might seem daunting, but with the right ingredients and step-by-step instructions, it’s entirely achievable. The process, from marinating to roasting, allows you to control the flavors and texture, ensuring a delicious end result. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or as a topping for ramen, char siu pork belly is a dish that promises to delight your taste buds. With its sweet and savory glaze, tender meat, and smoky aroma, it’s a perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy your homemade char siu pork belly and share it with friends and family!
Related Topics:
