Char Siu, also known as Chinese BBQ pork, is a popular Cantonese dish that’s widely enjoyed for its tender, juicy meat and savory-sweet flavor. The pork is typically marinated in a flavorful sauce and roasted to perfection. If you’re craving this delicious dish, making it at home is easier than you think! In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of making authentic Chinese Char Siu.
Ingredients Needed for Char Siu
To make Char Siu, you will need a few key ingredients that are essential to getting the right flavor. These ingredients are often found in Asian supermarkets or online stores:
Main Ingredients
- Pork (typically pork shoulder or pork belly) – 1 lb (450g)
- Soy Sauce – 3 tablespoons (dark soy sauce for color, light soy sauce for saltiness)
- Oyster Sauce – 1 tablespoon
- Hoison Sauce – 1 tablespoon
- Chinese Five-Spice Powder – 1 teaspoon
- Shaoxing Wine (or dry sherry) – 2 tablespoons
- Honey – 2 tablespoons
- Sugar – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Red Food Coloring (optional) – A few drops (for that traditional red color)
Equipment
- Baking tray or roasting rack
- Aluminum foil (for easy cleanup)
- Sharp knife (for slicing the pork)
- Mixing bowl (for the marinade)
- Basting brush
Step-by-Step Instructions on Making Char Siu
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
The best cuts of pork for Char Siu are pork shoulder or pork belly. These cuts offer the perfect balance of meat and fat, ensuring the Char Siu remains juicy and tender.
- Trim the pork if necessary, removing any excess fat or silver skin. Leave some fat for flavor and moisture.
- Cut the pork into long strips: The typical size is about 1.5-2 inches wide and 6-8 inches long. This shape allows for even cooking and a nice crispy edge.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
The marinade is key to achieving the sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors that make Char Siu so delicious. Here’s how to prepare it:
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, Shaoxing wine, honey, and sugar.
- Add the spices: Stir in Chinese five-spice powder, garlic, and optional red food coloring. The red food coloring is not necessary but adds to the traditional look of Char Siu.
- Adjust the flavor: Taste the marinade. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more sugar or honey. If you prefer a saltier taste, increase the soy sauce slightly.
Step 3: Marinate the Pork
For the best flavor, the pork should marinate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the pork to absorb all the flavors of the marinade.
- Place the pork strips into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the pork. Make sure each strip is well coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate. Give it a quick toss or turn the pork every couple of hours to ensure even marination.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting the pork to get a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.
Step 5: Prepare the Baking Tray
- Line a baking tray with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Place a wire rack over the baking tray. This allows the fat to drip off while the pork cooks, resulting in a more evenly cooked piece of meat.
Step 6: Roast the Pork
- Remove the pork from the marinade, but reserve the leftover marinade for basting.
- Place the pork strips on the wire rack in a single layer. Leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.
- Roast the pork in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, baste the pork with the reserved marinade to keep it moist and add more flavor.
- Check for doneness: The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the surface is caramelized and slightly charred.
Step 7: Glaze the Pork
For that signature shiny, glazed finish, prepare a glaze by combining 1 tablespoon of honey with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl.
- Brush the glaze over the pork during the last 5 minutes of roasting to get that beautiful golden, sticky sheen.
- Roast for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the pork is perfectly caramelized.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Once your Char Siu is ready, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Slice the pork against the grain into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or as part of a larger meal. Char Siu can also be used in bao buns or stir-fried dishes.
Tips for Perfect Char Siu
1. Choosing the Right Pork
Pork shoulder and pork belly are the most traditional cuts used for Char Siu. These cuts are flavorful and provide the right balance of fat, ensuring juicy and tender meat.
2. Marinate for Longer
The longer you marinate the pork, the better it will taste. Aim for at least 4 hours, but 12-24 hours is ideal.
3. Don’t Skip the Basting
Basting the pork while it’s cooking keeps it moist and helps develop that sticky, glossy finish. Be sure to save some marinade for this step!
4. Make Your Own Hoisin Sauce
While store-bought hoisin sauce works perfectly fine, making your own can elevate the flavor of your Char Siu. It’s simple to make with ingredients like soy sauce, sugar, peanut butter, and spices.
5. Optional Red Food Coloring
Traditional Char Siu is known for its vibrant red color. You can use red food coloring to replicate this look, but it’s entirely optional. The flavor is what truly matters.
6. Use a Meat Thermometer
To ensure your pork is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer. The pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. Serve with Rice or Noodles
Char Siu is delicious served with simple steamed rice or tossed into noodles for a complete meal. It’s also great in bao buns or as a filling for dumplings.
How to Store and Reheat Char Siu
Char Siu can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Conclusion
Making Chinese Char Siu at home is a rewarding experience that brings the flavors of Cantonese cuisine to your kitchen. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy this savory-sweet, tender pork anytime you like. Whether served with rice, noodles, or as part of a larger feast, Char Siu is sure to impress your family and friends. Try it today and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade Chinese BBQ pork!
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