Chinese Red Pork, also known as Char Siu (叉烧), is a beloved dish that originates from Cantonese cuisine. It is a flavorful, tender, and aromatic pork dish that is often served with steamed rice, noodles, or in a bun. The signature red color and delicious taste come from a marinade that combines a balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. If you’re ready to learn how to make this mouth-watering dish, keep reading!
Ingredients for Chinese Red Pork
To make authentic Chinese Red Pork at home, you will need the following ingredients. You can easily find most of them in Asian grocery stores or online.
For the Marinade:
Pork (Pork Shoulder or Pork Belly): 1 to 1.5 pounds, cut into strips (about 2 to 3 inches wide)
Honey: 2 tablespoons, for sweetness and shine
Hoison Sauce: 3 tablespoons, a thick, flavorful sauce that gives the pork its depth
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons, for saltiness and a rich umami flavor
Shaoxing Wine (Chinese cooking wine): 2 tablespoons, adds depth to the marinade
Chinese Five-Spice Powder: 1 teaspoon, a blend of cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and fennel seeds for a fragrant kick
Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon, gives an additional savory umami flavor
Red Food Coloring (Optional): A few drops, to achieve that iconic red hue
Sugar: 1 tablespoon, for sweetness and caramelization
Garlic (Minced): 1 tablespoon, adds a punch of flavor
Ginger (Minced): 1 teaspoon, to complement the other aromatic ingredients
For Cooking:
Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon, for roasting or grilling
Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon, for flavoring
Water or Broth: 1 cup, to create steam or baste the pork while cooking
Preparing the Pork for Red Pork
Start by preparing the pork strips. Typically, pork shoulder or pork belly is used because of their tender texture and marbled fat, which results in juicy and flavorful meat. However, you can also use other cuts like pork tenderloin, depending on your preference.
Step 1: Cutting the Pork
Cut the pork into long strips. The strips should be about 2-3 inches wide. This size will ensure that the meat cooks evenly while allowing the marinade to soak in thoroughly.
Step 2: Preparing the Marinade
In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, Chinese five-spice powder, oyster sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and food coloring (if using). Whisk the mixture until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Marinating the Pork
Place the pork strips into the marinade, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. It’s best to marinate the pork for at least 4 hours, but for the best results, marinate it overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the pork to absorb all the flavors, making the final dish incredibly tasty and tender.
Cooking Chinese Red Pork
Once the pork has marinated, you are ready to cook it. There are a few ways to cook Chinese Red Pork, including grilling, roasting, or even pan-frying. Each method gives a slightly different result, but all methods will yield deliciously flavorful and tender pork.
Roasting in the Oven (Traditional Method)
Roasting is the most common method for preparing Chinese Red Pork, especially for home cooks who don’t have access to a grill. The oven method also allows the pork to cook evenly and maintain a moist interior.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Pork
Take the marinated pork strips out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 10 minutes. This helps the pork cook more evenly.
Place a rack in the middle of the oven to ensure that the heat circulates around the meat. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to catch any drips from the pork. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This will allow the heat to cook the pork evenly from all sides.
Step 3: Roast the Pork
Place the pork strips on the wire rack. Roast the pork for 25-30 minutes, basting it with the leftover marinade every 10 minutes. The marinade caramelizes on the meat and creates a beautiful, shiny glaze. Make sure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness.
Step 4: Finish the Pork
Once the pork is cooked through and the outside has caramelized to a deep red color, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
Grilling the Pork (Alternative Method)
If you prefer the smoky flavor that grilling imparts, you can use a grill to cook the pork. Grilling adds a nice char to the outside of the pork, enhancing its flavor.
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). If you’re using a charcoal grill, let the coals heat up until they are glowing red.
Step 2: Grill the Pork
Place the marinated pork strips on the grill. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes per side, basting them with the marinade every few minutes to ensure that they remain moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Rest and Serve
Once the pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then slice the pork into bite-sized pieces and serve.
Serving Chinese Red Pork
Chinese Red Pork can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some popular options:
1. With Steamed Rice
One of the simplest and most delicious ways to enjoy Red Pork is with steamed white rice. The tender, flavorful pork pairs wonderfully with the soft and fragrant rice. Just slice the pork and serve it on top of the rice.
2. With Noodles
Red Pork is also commonly served with noodles, especially Cantonese-style stir-fried noodles or lo mein. You can toss the sliced pork with cooked noodles, vegetables, and a bit of the leftover marinade for extra flavor.
3. In Buns
In Cantonese cuisine, Char Siu is often served in soft, fluffy bao buns. You can steam or lightly fry the buns, stuff them with sliced Red Pork, and enjoy a delicious snack or meal.
4. As Part of Dim Sum
Char Siu is a popular ingredient in Dim Sum, and it can be used to fill dumplings or served as part of a larger spread of small dishes. If you’re hosting a Dim Sum meal, this pork will be a hit.
Tips for Perfect Chinese Red Pork
Marinate Overnight: For the best flavor, marinate the pork for at least 4 hours or overnight. The longer the pork sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it becomes.
Baste Frequently: While roasting or grilling, baste the pork regularly with the leftover marinade. This helps achieve the signature glaze and keeps the pork moist.
Use Pork Belly for Tenderness: If you want extra juicy and tender pork, opt for pork belly, which has more fat. It melts during cooking, making the pork more succulent.
Avoid Overcooking: Pork can dry out if cooked for too long. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), and allow the meat to rest before slicing.
Conclusion
Making Chinese Red Pork at home is easier than you might think. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a dish that rivals your favorite Chinese restaurant. Whether you roast it in the oven or grill it for that smoky flavor, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Try serving it with steamed rice, noodles, or in a bun for a delicious meal that will impress your family and friends.
Enjoy the wonderful flavors of Chinese Red Pork with its tender, juicy, and aromatic taste—it’s the perfect way to enjoy a classic Cantonese dish from the comfort of your home!
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