Char Siu is a famous Cantonese preparation of barbecued pork, characterized by its deep red color, savory-sweet flavor, and glossy glaze. It is traditionally roasted over a fire or in a high-heat oven.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Serves |
| 20 minutes + 12 hours (Marinating) | 45 minutes | 6 |
Part A: Ingredients
- Pork: 2 lbs Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt) or Pork Loin, cut into strips about 1.5 inches thick and 6 inches long.
- Marinade: $1/4$ cup Soy Sauce, $1/4$ cup Honey, $1/4$ cup Hoisin Sauce, 2 Tbsp Shaoxing Rice Wine (or dry sherry), 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar, 1 Tbsp Garlic (minced), 1 tsp Five-Spice Powder, 1/2 tsp White Pepper, 1 Tbsp Red Fermented Tofu or Red Food Coloring (optional, for color).
Part B: Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Pork
- In a large bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients.
- Add the pork strips and toss to coat completely. Ensure the pork is fully covered.
- Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 12 hours, or up to 24 hours, turning the meat once or twice.
Step 2: Roast the Pork
- Preheat oven to $400^{\circ} \text{F}$ ($200^{\circ} \text{C}$). Line a large baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top (the rack is essential for even cooking and drip collection).
- Remove the pork from the marinade (reserve the remaining marinade). Place the pork strips on the wire rack.
- Roast for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Glaze and Finish
- While the pork roasts, boil the reserved marinade for 2 minutes to sanitize it. Remove from heat.
- After the initial 30 minutes of roasting, brush the pork generously with the boiled marinade glaze.
- Increase the oven temperature to $450^{\circ} \text{F}$ ($230^{\circ} \text{C}$). Continue roasting for another 10โ15 minutes, flipping the pork once and glazing again, until the pork is nicely caramelized, sticky, and cooked through (internal temp $145^{\circ} \text{F}$).
Step 4: Serve
- Let the Char Siu rest for 10 minutes before slicing it thinly across the grain.
- Serve over steamed rice, or in Bao buns. Drizzle with any remaining glaze.

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