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There’s a certain joy in the kitchen that comes alive when you prepare a dish that transports you to another place—like the bustling streets of China where the air is filled with the mouthwatering scent of barbecued meats. Picture this: juicy, tender Char Siu Pork, glistening under a sticky, crimson glaze that beckons you closer. The delightful mix of sweet and savory in the marinade creates an aroma that’s hard to resist, and each bite promises a symphony of flavors that makes your taste buds dance.

I discovered this Char Siu Pork recipe during a weekend experiment to reclaim my love for homemade meals amid a sea of fast food. It turns out that a dish this delicious can be prepared right in the comfort of your own kitchen, with minimal fuss and maximum impact. It’s perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging yourself after a long day. Let’s dive into this easy, authentic Chinese BBQ recipe that will leave you craving more!

Why is Char Siu Pork a Must-Try?

Irresistible Flavor: This dish features a perfect blend of sweet and savory notes, captivating your taste buds with each bite.
Ease of Preparation: Even novice cooks will find the steps manageable, making it an ideal choice for any home chef.
Gourmet Appeal: Impress family and friends with a restaurant-quality dish that stands out for any occasion.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, in steamed buns, or alongside fresh veggies for a complete meal.
Meal Prep Friendly: Enjoy leftovers throughout the week—this dish tastes even better the next day!
Cultural Experience at Home: Bring a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine to your kitchen without the need for takeout.

Char Siu Pork Ingredients

For the Marinade

Pork Scotch Fillet – The star of the show; this cut guarantees juicy results. Consider substituting with pork shoulder if needed.
Brown Sugar – This adds a lovely sweetness and aids in caramelization; feel free to swap with white sugar in a pinch.
Honey – Elevates the glaze with shine and flavor; no need for substitutions unless you want to adjust sweetness levels.
Hoisin Sauce – Brings depth and sweetness; make sure it’s store-bought for the most authentic taste.
Light Soy Sauce – Provides essential saltiness and umami; avoid dark soy sauce which can overpower the dish.
Chinese Five Spice Powder – Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic flavors; you can use extra hoisin sauce as a substitute but cut back on sugar.
Red Food Coloring – Optional for that iconic color; authentic Char Siu often uses fermented red bean curd for flavor and hue.
Vegetable Oil – A neutral oil for mixing in the marinade; any mild-flavored oil will do just fine.

Note: This Char Siu Pork recipe is an easy route to bring the taste of Chinese BBQ right into your kitchen!

How to Make Char Siu Pork

Prepare the Marinade: Cut the pork scotch fillet into two long strips. In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, hoisin sauce, light soy sauce, Chinese five spice powder, vegetable oil, and red food coloring (if using), mixing well.
Marinate the Pork: Place the pork strips into a ziplock bag or a stain-proof container, then pour in the marinade. Ensure the pork is well-coated by massaging the bag. Marinate in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours for full flavor infusion.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 160°C (320°F). Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top to catch drippings.
Initial Roasting: After marinating, remove the pork from the marinade (don’t discard it) and place the strips on the rack. Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Simmer Marinade: In a saucepan, add the reserved marinade along with some extra honey. Simmer over medium heat for about 2 minutes or until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.
Baste and Continue Roasting: Carefully dab some of the syrupy marinade onto the pork. Turn the pork strips, baste again, and continue roasting for an additional 30 minutes until dark and sticky.
Final Roasting: Brush the pork with more marinade, turn the strips, and roast for another 20 minutes. If the pork is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil. Roast for an additional 10 minutes or until caramelized and glossy.
Resting: After taking the pork out of the oven, allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve it warm with rice and steamed greens for an authentic experience.

Optional: Garnish with chopped scallions for an extra touch of flavor.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Char Siu Pork strips are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep! To ensure maximum flavor, marinate the pork scotch fillet in the delicious marinade for up to 48 hours in the fridge. Just place the pork and marinade in a ziplock bag, ensuring it’s well-coated, and refrigerate. If you’re planning to enjoy this dish later, the marinated pork can be refrigerated for one to two days before cooking. When you’re ready to serve, simply preheat your oven and roast the pork as directed. You’ll savor the same mouthwatering taste, with minimal effort, making this an unforgettable dish to share with family and friends!

Expert Tips for Char Siu Pork

Marination Time: Allowing the pork to marinate for at least 24 hours is key for maximum flavor infusion; 48 hours is ideal for the best results.
Basting Technique: Regularly basting the pork while roasting creates a glossy, sticky exterior. Don’t skip this step if you want that restaurant-quality finish!
Correct Soy Sauce: Use light soy sauce only—dark soy will overpower the marinade’s intricate notes, leading to a less balanced flavor.
Temperature Check: Ensure your oven is properly preheated before roasting to help caramelize the glaze perfectly, giving you that coveted Char Siu look.
Resting Period: Let the pork rest after cooking for about 10 minutes. This step ensures the juices redistribute, leading to more tender slices.
Serving Suggestion: For a complete meal, serve Char Siu Pork with jasmine rice and steamed greens, drizzling remaining glaze over the top for an extra flavor boost.

Char Siu Pork Variations

Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize this delectable Char Siu Pork recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs!

Pork Alternatives: Try using pork shoulder for a richer flavor or even pork belly for a fattier texture. Both options add their unique twist!
Healthier Sweetener: Swap out the brown sugar for coconut sugar or stevia for a healthier sweetness that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Honey-Free: If you’re looking for a vegan option, use agave syrup instead of honey for that beautiful glaze without animal products.
Amped-Up Spice: Add a dash of chili flakes to the marinade for a delightful heat that balances with the sweetness beautifully. It’s perfect for those who love a bit of kick!
Deliciously Smoky: Incorporate a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade if you crave that smoky barbecue flavor you’d find at a grill.
Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, try marinating firm tofu in the same sauce, roasting it to achieve that glossy finish—it’s just as mouthwatering!
Asian Twist: Mix in a tablespoon of sesame oil to the marinade for a nutty flavor that enhances this classic dish beautifully.
Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure that all additional ingredients are gluten-free friendly.

Experiment and enjoy the endless possibilities this Char Siu Pork offers!

How to Store and Freeze Char Siu Pork

Fridge: Store leftover Char Siu Pork in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain its juicy texture, wrap tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the container.

Freezer: Freeze sliced Char Siu Pork in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight, then gently reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or marinade to keep it moist.

Room Temperature: Avoid leaving Char Siu Pork at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety and quality.

What to Serve with Char Siu Pork?

When you think about a culinary adventure that brings the warmth of your kitchen to life, the perfect side dishes can elevate your Char Siu Pork experience even further.

Jasmine Rice: The perfect canvas for the sweet and savory glaze, it absorbs all the delicious flavors and creates a balanced meal.
Steamed Bok Choy: This crunchy green vegetable adds a fresh texture, providing a lovely contrast to the rich, sticky pork.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: A medley of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas adds vibrant colors and essential nutrients, making your meal both nourishing and delightful.
Roasted Garlic Potatoes: Creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside, they soak up the glaze beautifully, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
Wonton Soup: This warm, savory broth with delicate dumplings complements the richness of the Char Siu Pork, offering a heartwarming twist.
Chinese Cucumber Salad: A refreshing, tangy side that brightens the plate, adding a crunch that balances the rich flavors of the main dish beautifully.
Chilled Green Tea: A light and vibrant drink option, it refreshes the palate between bites and allows the flavors of the dish to shine.

Char Siu Pork Recipe FAQs

What is the best cut of pork for Char Siu?
The ideal cut for Char Siu is pork scotch fillet, as it ensures juicy results due to its marbling. If you can’t find it, pork shoulder is a great substitute and will yield similar tenderness during cooking.

How long does leftover Char Siu Pork last in the fridge?
Leftover Char Siu Pork can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For optimal flavor and texture, wrap the pork tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the container to minimize moisture loss.

Can you freeze Char Siu Pork? What’s the best way?
Absolutely! To freeze Char Siu Pork, slice it into pieces and place it in freezer-safe bags, ensuring to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then gently reheat on the stove with a splash of water or marinade for moisture.

How should I reheat leftover Char Siu Pork for the best texture?
For the best results, reheat your leftover Char Siu Pork in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or the reserved marinade to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out. Warm it gently until heated through—this could take about 5 to 10 minutes depending on the portion size.

Are there any dietary considerations to keep in mind?
Yes, if you’re cooking for someone with food allergies, be cautious with your ingredients. The marinade includes soy sauce and honey, which may trigger soy and sugar allergies respectively. Always check labels for gluten-free options if necessary. Additionally, if preparing for pets, avoid giving them any leftovers that contain soy sauce or sugar, as both can be harmful to animals.

Can I substitute any ingredients if I don’t have them on hand?
Sure! If you’re out of one of the ingredients, there are a few substitutions you can try:

Brown sugar can be swapped for white sugar, while honey can be adjusted or replaced with rice malt syrup for a different sweetness.
Instead of Chinese five spice powder, you can use additional hoisin sauce (reducing the amount of sugar) to still achieve some flavor complexity.
Experimenting with these substitutions can add a unique twist to your homemade Char Siu!