Char Siu BBQ Pork Recipe With Chinese Glaze

Chinese BBQ pork char siu recipe fans know that few dishes match the sweet-savory satisfaction of this Cantonese classic.

The glossy red exterior and tender meat inside make it a favorite at dim sum restaurants and family gatherings alike.

Char siu works beautifully as a main course alongside steamed rice or tucked into fluffy bao buns for an unforgettable meal.

The bold flavors strike that perfect balance between caramelized sweetness and umami richness that keeps everyone coming back for more.

What makes this dish so appealing is how impressive it looks when served, yet home cooks can absolutely achieve those same restaurant results.

Once you master the technique, it becomes a go-to option for special occasions or when you want something different from standard weeknight fare.

There's genuine pride in slicing into that beautiful roasted pork and watching faces light up around the table.

Why Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu Shines

• Flavor Adventure: Discover a seriously tasty Chinese classic that transforms an ordinary pork shoulder into something spectacular for your dinner table.
• Minimal Prep Magic: With just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills, anyone can create restaurant-quality BBQ pork that’ll impress family and friends.
• Versatile Meal Option: This char siu works perfectly as a main dish, sandwich filling, or delicious protein to toss into fried rice, making meal planning a breeze.
• Authentic Taste Experience: Packed with traditional Chinese seasonings like five-spice powder and hoisin sauce, this recipe delivers genuine flavor without complicated techniques.

Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu Ingredient Breakdown

• Pork Shoulder (2 lbs): The star of your BBQ pork that delivers tender, juicy meat packed with incredible flavor.

• Hoisin Sauce (1/4 cup): A rich, sweet sauce that adds deep complexity to your marinade.
• Soy Sauce (3 tablespoons): Brings a salty, umami punch that enhances the meat’s natural taste.
• Chinese Rice Wine (3 tablespoons): Helps tenderize your pork and adds a subtle depth to the marinade.
• Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon): Provides a nutty, aromatic background that makes your char siu memorable.

• Honey (3 tablespoons): Creates a beautiful caramelized exterior that gives your pork a gorgeous shine.
• Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds subtle molasses notes and helps with beautiful caramelization.
• Garlic (3 cloves): Brings a pungent, sharp flavor that complements the meat’s richness.
• Five-Spice Powder (2 teaspoons): A classic Chinese blend that provides warm, complex seasoning.
• White Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle, slightly sharp heat to your marinade.
• Red Food Coloring (1 teaspoon): Gives your char siu that traditional bright red color.
• Maltose (2 tablespoons): Creates an extra glossy finish for your perfectly roasted pork.

Required Kitchen Tools for Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu

• Large Mixing Bowl: A spacious container where you’ll whisk together all marinade ingredients smoothly and efficiently.
• 1-Gallon Zip-Lock Bag: Your perfect marinating vessel to coat the pork completely and keep everything sealed tight.
• Meat Thermometer: Essential tool to check your pork reaches exactly 145°F without any guesswork.
• Baking Sheet (13×18 inch): Sturdy pan lined with aluminum foil that helps roast the pork evenly and catch drippings.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: Critical for trimming fat and slicing pork into precise 2-inch rectangular pieces.
• Pastry Brush: Helpful for applying marinade and maltose, ensuring each piece gets a delicious glossy coating.
• Cutting Board: Solid surface for preparing and slicing your char siu after roasting.

Complete Instructions for Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu

Helpful Cooking Notes for Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu

• Keep a thin layer of fat on your pork shoulder for extra flavor and moisture while cooking.
• Whisk together all marinade ingredients thoroughly to create a balanced, deep flavor profile for your meat.
• Place pork in a zip-lock bag with marinade and refrigerate 4-8 hours, flipping occasionally to ensure complete coating.
• Brush your pork with reserved marinade every 10 minutes while roasting to maintain juiciness and develop rich color.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm your pork reaches 145°F for perfect doneness and food safety.

Which Variations Enhance Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu

• Lean Protein Option: Swap pork shoulder with chicken breast or turkey breast, cutting them into similar-sized strips and following the same marinating and cooking process for a healthier protein alternative.
• Vegetarian Char Siu Swap: Replace meat with firm tofu or seitan, pressing and cutting into rectangular pieces, then marinating and baking with the same seasoning blend for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Kick Adaptation: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili oil or sriracha to the marinade for a fiery version that gives your char siu an extra zesty flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Modification: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and cut back on added salt, replacing some marinade ingredients with fresh herbs like ginger and green onions to maintain robust flavor without excess sodium.

What Goes Well With Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu

• Perfectly Slice for Serving: Cut the char siu against the grain into thin, elegant slices that showcase the tender meat’s beautiful layers and help each piece stay moist and delectable.
• Pair with Steamed Rice: Serve your char siu over warm jasmine or white rice, letting the savory meat juices drizzle and soak into the grains for a classic Chinese comfort meal.
• Add Fresh Vegetables: Complement the rich pork with crisp steamed bok choy or a simple cucumber salad to balance the meat’s intense flavor and add refreshing texture.
• Wrap in Soft Buns: Transform your char siu into quick and delicious bao by tucking slices into soft steamed buns with a dash of hoisin sauce and fresh green onions.

Best Storage Method for Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu

• Wrap your leftover char siu tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep the moisture locked in and prevent drying out in the refrigerator.
• Store cooled char siu in an airtight container for up to 4 days, making sure to press out any extra air before sealing to maintain the best flavor and texture.
• Freeze sliced char siu flat in freezer bags with a layer of parchment paper between pieces, which helps prevent sticking and makes it super easy to grab just the amount you need later.
• When reheating, place char siu in a covered dish with a tiny splash of water to help restore its juiciness, and warm gently in the microwave or oven to avoid toughening the meat.

Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu FAQ Section

Cantonese Style Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes-1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Char Siu delivers mouthwatering Chinese barbecue pork that brings authentic restaurant flavors right to your kitchen. Marinated with sweet and savory spices, this tender roasted meat will become your new favorite weekend cooking adventure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Proteins:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder

Cooking Liquids and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup hoisin sauce
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons Chinese rice wine
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Sweeteners and Aromatics:

• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 teaspoons five-spice powder
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring
• 2 tablespoons maltose

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Instructions

1. Cut the pork shoulder into long, 2-inch thick rectangular pieces, trimming excess fat but keeping a thin layer for moisture.
2. Combine ¼ cup hoisin sauce, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons rice wine, 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons five-spice powder, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, ½ teaspoon white pepper, and 1 teaspoon food coloring in a mixing bowl.
3. Transfer pork pieces to a large zip-lock bag and pour marinade over the meat, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 4-8 hours, rotating occasionally to distribute marinade evenly.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
6. Remove pork from marinade, saving the liquid for basting, and place meat pieces on the prepared baking sheet with slight separation.
7. Roast for 20 minutes, then brush generously with reserved marinade.
8. Continue roasting for 20-25 minutes, basting every 10 minutes to enhance flavor and moisture.
9. Check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F using a meat thermometer.
10. Optional: Brush 2 tablespoons maltose over the pork during the final 5 minutes for a glossy exterior.
11. Remove from oven and let the meat rest for 10 minutes.
12. Slice against the grain into thin pieces for serving.

Notes

• Always choose a pork shoulder with a nice fat marbling for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Marinate the meat for at least 4 hours, but overnight will give you deeper, more complex taste notes.
• When roasting, baste frequently to keep the meat moist and develop a gorgeous caramelized exterior.
• For a gluten-free version, swap traditional soy sauce with tamari and check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Pork
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 335 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg