Char Siu, or Chinese BBQ Pork, is a beloved dish known for its tender, flavorful pork coated in a sweet, savory, and slightly smoky glaze. It’s perfect for serving with steamed rice, noodles, or as a filling for buns. This homemade recipe brings the authentic taste of Char Siu right to your kitchen, with a simple marinade and easy grilling or roasting process.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet & Savory – A perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors in the marinade.
Tender & Juicy Pork – The pork comes out incredibly tender and succulent after marinating.
Authentic Taste – Get the taste of classic Chinese BBQ at home with a simple recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1.5 lbs (700g) pork shoulder, pork belly, or pork loin (preferably in long strips)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Marinade:

3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
2 tablespoons honey (or sugar for a more traditional sweetness)
1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon red food coloring (optional, for that iconic red color)
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

Cut the pork into long strips (about 1.5 to 2 inches wide) if using a pork shoulder or loin. If using pork belly, you can leave it as is or cut into strips as well. Pat the pork dry with paper towels to ensure it absorbs the marinade well.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Shaoxing wine, rice vinegar, five-spice powder, garlic, ginger, and food coloring (if using). Stir until the marinade ingredients are well mixed and smooth.

Step 3: Marinate the Pork

Place the pork strips into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the meat. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight for the best flavor.

Step 4: Prepare for Roasting or Grilling

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if roasting. Alternatively, you can grill the pork over medium-high heat on a grill. If roasting, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top (to allow air circulation around the pork).

If grilling, preheat your grill and lightly oil the grates.

Step 5: Roast or Grill the Pork

For Roasting: Remove the pork from the marinade (reserve the marinade for glazing later) and place the strips on the wire rack. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, basting the pork with the reserved marinade halfway through. Flip the pork strips and continue roasting for another 20-25 minutes until the pork is cooked through and slightly caramelized on the outside.
For Grilling: Grill the pork over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, basting with the reserved marinade during grilling. Grill until the pork is fully cooked and has a nice char.

Step 6: Final Glaze and Serve

Once the pork is cooked, brush it with the remaining marinade for an extra layer of sweetness and gloss. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin pieces.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Char Siu with a side of steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Use it as a filling for bao buns or pork buns for a delicious sandwich-style dish.
Pair it with fried rice or add it to a bowl of noodles for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

Spicy Char Siu – Add a teaspoon of chili paste or Sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Vegan Option – Substitute the pork with tofu or seitan, though the texture will be different. You can also use mushrooms for a similar “meaty” texture.
Smoking Option – For an authentic smoky flavor, you can smoke the pork on a grill or smoker, adding wood chips for a deeper flavor profile.
Leftovers – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat the pork in the oven or microwave.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu is a flavorful, aromatic, and mouthwatering dish that brings the taste of Chinese BBQ straight to your home. Whether served on its own, in a sandwich, or with rice, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy the tender, sticky sweetness of Char Siu in every bite!