Chinese Barbeque Pork, also known as Char Siu, is a popular Chinese dish that is famous for its sweet and savory flavor. It is made by marinating pork in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and spices, and then roasting it until it is tender and juicy. Char Siu is commonly served as a main dish or used as a filling in various Chinese dishes, such as buns and noodles.
The key to making delicious Char Siu lies in the marinade. The combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and spices gives the pork a rich and flavorful taste. The pork is marinated for several hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. Once marinated, the pork is roasted in the oven or grilled over an open flame, which gives it a caramelized and slightly charred exterior.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for making Chinese Barbeque Pork (Char Siu) are:
- Pork: The main ingredient of this dish is pork. It can be a boneless pork shoulder, pork tenderloin, or pork belly. The meat is marinated in a flavorful mixture before being cooked to perfection.
- Char Siu Sauce: The sauce is what gives the pork its distinct flavor and color. It is made using a combination of ingredients such as soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, sugar, rice wine, garlic, and five spice powder.
- Spices and Seasonings: Apart from the char siu sauce, various spices and seasonings are used to enhance the flavor of the pork. This can include ingredients like five spice powder, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and white pepper.
- Food Coloring (optional): Traditionally, red food coloring is used to give the pork a vibrant red color. However, this is optional and can be omitted if desired.
These ingredients come together to create a delicious and aromatic Chinese Barbeque Pork that is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
Preparation:
To prepare Chinese Barbeque Pork (Char Siu), you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb pork tenderloin
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon five spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Next, you will need to marinate the pork. In a bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, sesame oil, five spice powder, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well until the marinade is well combined.
Place the pork tenderloin in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the pork. Seal the bag, making sure to remove any air. Massage the marinade into the meat, making sure it is evenly coated. Marinate the pork in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Professional Tips for Making Chinese Barbeque Pork (Char Siu)
Here are some expert tips from professional chefs to help you make the perfect Chinese Barbeque Pork (Char Siu):
- Choose the right cut of meat: Traditional Char Siu is made with pork shoulder or pork belly. These cuts have enough fat to keep the meat moist and tender during the cooking process. If you prefer a leaner version, you can use pork loin, but make sure to marinate it longer to enhance the flavor and prevent dryness.
- Marinate for flavor: Char Siu is known for its distinct sweet and savory flavor. Prepare a marinade using ingredients such as hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Chinese five spice powder, garlic, and rice wine. Marinate the pork for at least 3 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. The longer you marinate, the tastier the Char Siu will be.
- Slow and low cooking: Proper cooking technique is crucial for achieving that mouthwatering tender texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the marinated pork on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to catch any drippings. Roast the pork for about 45 minutes, turning it over halfway through, until it is cooked through and caramelized on the outside. To add a smoky flavor, you can brush the meat with honey or maltose syrup during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
By following these professional tips, you can make delicious Chinese Barbeque Pork (Char Siu) that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!
Reviews
I recently tried making Chinese Barbeque Pork (Char Siu) at home, and it turned out absolutely delicious! The recipe was fairly simple to follow, and the end result was a tasty and tender pork dish that had the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
To make the Char Siu, I marinated the pork overnight in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, ginger, garlic, and a touch of red food coloring for that authentic vibrant red color. The marinade infused the pork with a rich and deep flavor, and the meat became incredibly tender after being cooked.
Once the marinade had worked its magic, I roasted the pork in the oven until it was beautifully caramelized and glazed. The smell that wafted through the kitchen was simply mouthwatering, and I couldn’t wait to take my first bite.
The taste of the Chinese Barbeque Pork was out of this world. The meat was incredibly moist and packed with flavor. The combination of the sweet and sticky glaze with the savory marinade made for a winning combination. I served it with steamed rice and some stir-fried vegetables, and it made for a truly satisfying and authentic Chinese meal.
I highly recommend trying to make Chinese Barbeque Pork (Char Siu) at home. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of Chinese cuisine without having to go out to a restaurant. Plus, the satisfaction of making such a delicious dish yourself is truly unparalleled. Give it a try, and you won’t be disappointed!
I recently tried making Chinese Barbeque Pork (Char Siu) for the first time, and it was an absolute hit! The recipe was fairly simple and straightforward, and the end result was incredibly flavorful and juicy.
To make the marinade, I combined soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and a touch of five-spice powder. I marinated the pork shoulder overnight, allowing all those delicious flavors to really penetrate the meat.
When it came time to cook the pork, I decided to grill it for that authentic charred flavor. The pork was so tender and succulent, with a beautiful caramelized glaze on the outside. I couldn’t believe how professional it tasted!
I served the Chinese Barbeque Pork with steamed jasmine rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables. The combination was absolutely heavenly. The pork was the star of the show, with its sweet and savory flavors that just melted in my mouth.
I highly recommend trying this Chinese Barbeque Pork (Char Siu) recipe. It’s perfect for a special dinner or even a casual weeknight meal. Your taste buds will thank you!
I recently tried making Chinese Barbeque Pork (Char Siu) at home, and I have to say, it was absolutely delicious! The recipe I followed was fairly simple, and the end result was a tender and flavorful dish that tasted just like the one I had at my favorite Chinese restaurant.
To make the Char Siu, I marinated the pork shoulder in a mixture of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and five-spice powder. The marinade gave the meat a rich and slightly sweet flavor, while the spices added a nice depth of taste. I let the pork marinate overnight, allowing the flavors to fully develop.
When it came time to cook the Char Siu, I roasted it in the oven until it was beautifully caramelized and had a slightly charred exterior. The meat was incredibly tender and juicy, and the glaze on the outside had a perfect balance of sweetness and a slight smokiness. It was truly mouthwatering!
I served the Chinese Barbeque Pork with steamed jasmine rice and some stir-fried vegetables, and it made for a fantastic meal. The combination of flavors was exquisite, and I could not get enough of the tender and succulent meat.
I highly recommend trying to make Chinese Barbeque Pork (Char Siu) at home. It may take some time and effort to marinate and roast the pork, but the end result is definitely worth it. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or when you simply want to indulge in some delicious Chinese cuisine. Give it a try, and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
I recently tried making Chinese Barbeque Pork (Char Siu) at home and it turned out to be absolutely amazing. The recipe was easy to follow and the end result was flavorful and tender. The combination of sweet and savory flavors was spot on, and the pork had a beautiful caramelized glaze that gave it a perfect texture.
One of the things I loved about this recipe was the marinade. It had just the right balance of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and Chinese five spice that gave the pork its distinct taste. The marinade also helped tenderize the meat, making it juicy and succulent.
Cooking the pork was a breeze. I simply marinated it for a few hours, then roasted it in the oven until it was cooked through and had a glossy, golden brown color. The smell that filled my kitchen while it was cooking was irresistible, and I couldn’t wait to dig in.
When I finally tasted the Chinese Barbeque Pork (Char Siu), I was blown away. The meat was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the flavors were complex and well-balanced. It had a hint of smokiness from the roasted marinade, and the sweetness from the honey was just right, not overpowering at all.
I highly recommend trying this recipe if you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine. It’s a great way to bring a taste of China into your own kitchen, and the end result is absolutely delicious. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for guests, Chinese Barbeque Pork (Char Siu) is sure to impress.
