This Easy Chinese BBQ Pork is sweet, tender, and full of flavor! It’s made with juicy pork, soy sauce, honey, and a hint of five-spice powder, making each bite delicious.
Cooking this dish is a breeze! I usually make it on weekends, and my family loves it. Plus, it makes the house smell amazing—like a fun little BBQ party! 🍖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: I recommend using pork shoulder or butt for the best flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can try pork loin, but it might not be as juicy.
Hoisin Sauce: This sauce gives a unique sweet and savory flavor. If you don’t have it, you can mix soy sauce with a bit of sugar and peanut butter as a substitute.
Shaoxing Wine: While optional, this adds depth to your dish. Dry sherry works well too. If you want a non-alcoholic option, consider using a mixture of rice vinegar and water.
Five-Spice Powder: If you can’t find it, a mix of ground cinnamon, star anise, fennel, ginger, and cloves can work as a homemade alternative.
How Do I Achieve the Best Basting Technique?
Basting your pork while it cooks helps to build a flavorful glaze. Here’s how to do it:
- Start roasting your pork at 375°F. After 25 minutes, take it out and carefully baste it with reserved marinade using a brush.
- Flip it over and baste the other side, then return it to the oven for remaining cooking time. This ensures both sides get delicious sauce.
- For a final touch, broil for a couple of minutes at the end to caramelize the edges!
Make sure to watch it closely during broiling to avoid burning.
Easy Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Marinade:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, sliced into thick strips
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Chinese Shaoxing wine (optional, can substitute dry sherry)
- 1 tbsp Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Red food coloring (optional, for the classic char siu color)
For Garnishing:
- 2 green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of active preparation time. You’ll need to marinate the pork for at least 4 hours, but letting it sit overnight will give it the best flavor. Cooking time is around 40-50 minutes, depending on how you prefer your char siu. So, in total, plan for about 5 hours (including marinating) to make this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine (if using), five-spice powder, minced garlic, sugar, sesame oil, and a few drops of red food coloring (if you like that vibrant color). Mix everything together until the sugar dissolves nicely.
2. Marinate the Pork:
Place the pork slices into the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better to soak up all those delicious flavors!
3. Preheat the Oven:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and put a wire rack on top so that the pork can cook evenly.
4. Arrange the Pork:
Take the marinated pork out of the fridge and arrange the pieces on the wire rack. Remember to keep any leftover marinade for basting later!
5. Roast the Pork:
Roast the pork in the oven for about 25 minutes. After that, take it out and baste the pork with the reserved marinade. Flip the pieces over, baste again, and return to the oven. Roast for another 15-20 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and has a nice char around the edges.
6. Broil for Extra Char:
If you want an extra charred flavor, you can broil the pork for 2-3 minutes at the end. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
7. Resting the Pork:
Once done, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This step is important as it allows the juices to redistribute. If you like, slice it into bite-sized pieces.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish your delicious Chinese BBQ pork with chopped green onions. Serve it hot with steamed rice or fluffy steamed buns for a complete meal. Enjoy your homemade char siu!
FAQ for Easy Chinese BBQ Pork Recipe
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Yes! While pork shoulder or butt is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use pork loin for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that it may be less juicy.
How Do I Store Leftover BBQ Pork?
Store any leftover Chinese BBQ pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat gently in the oven to maintain its texture. You can also enjoy it cold in salads or sandwiches!
Can I Freeze This BBQ Pork?
Absolutely! Once cooked and cooled, you can freeze the pork in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What Can I Serve With This Dish?
This BBQ pork pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or even in bao buns. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a light cucumber salad for a refreshing balance!
