This Easy Chinese BBQ Pork is a tasty treat that will impress your friends and family. It has a sweet and savory glaze that makes each bite delicious!
Making this recipe is simple! Just marinate the pork, roast it, and you’ll have a fantastic meal. I love serving it over rice for a complete dish. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder or Butt: This cut has the right amount of fat for juicy BBQ pork. If you want a leaner option, you can use pork tenderloin, but it will be less flavorful. I prefer the tenderness of shoulder or butt for this recipe.
Hoisin Sauce: It adds a sweet and thick texture. If you’re out, you can use a mix of soy sauce, peanut butter, and sugar for a similar effect. One of my favorites when in a pinch!
Shaoxing Wine: This gives an authentic flavor. If unavailable, dry sherry or even rice vinegar can work as a substitute, though the taste may differ slightly. Just a little goes a long way!
Red Fermented Bean Curd: This is optional but adds depth of flavor and color. If you can’t find it, don’t worry—just skip it or use a bit more hoisin sauce instead.
What’s the Best Way to Marinate the Pork?
Marinating is key for flavor! Here’s how to do it right:
- Be thorough: Make sure every piece is coated in the marinade. You could even use a ziploc bag to evenly distribute the mixture.
- Let it sit: Ideally, marinate overnight for the best flavor. If short on time, aim for at least 4 hours.
- Turn occasionally: If you can, flip the pork in the marinade a couple of times to enhance flavor absorption.
This will help develop those tasty, rich flavors in your BBQ pork, making each bite amazing!
Easy Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu) Recipe for Beginners
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt, sliced into strips about 2 inches thick
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon red fermented bean curd (optional, for authentic flavor and color)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Steamed white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 4 hours to marinate (overnight is best!). The cooking itself will take around 30-35 minutes. So, overall, plan for about 4 hours and 45 minutes to enjoy this delicious BBQ pork!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, minced garlic, red fermented bean curd (if using), brown sugar, and sesame oil. Stir well until everything is combined and smooth.
2. Marinate the Pork:
Add the pork strips to the marinade, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This will help the flavors soak into the meat.
3. Preheat the Oven:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with aluminum foil to help with cleanup, and place a wire rack on top. This allows the air to circulate and the fat to drip off while roasting.
4. Roast the Pork:
Arrange the marinated pork strips on the wire rack in a single layer. Don’t forget to reserve any leftover marinade for later. Roast the pork in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
5. Baste and Broil:
Every 10 minutes or so, taken out of the oven and brush the pork with the reserved marinade for a sticky and flavorful glaze. For the last 5 minutes of cooking, switch your oven to broil. Keep an eye on the pork during this time to get that perfect charred, caramelized finish without burning it!
6. Rest and Slice:
Once done, take the pork out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. If you’d like, slice the pork into bite-sized pieces for serving.
7. Serve:
Garnish the pork with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Serve it hot over steaming white rice, and enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade Chinese BBQ Pork!
Enjoy your homemade Chinese BBQ pork with its signature sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork?
Yes! While pork shoulder and butt are ideal for their fat content and tenderness, you can also use pork tenderloin for a leaner option. Just remember that it may be less juicy and flavorful.
How Long Can I Marinate the Pork?
For best flavor, marinate the pork for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. If you’re in a hurry, you can marinate it for a minimum of 30 minutes, but the longer, the better!
How to Store Leftover BBQ Pork?
Store any leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s great reheated in the oven or microwave. Just be careful not to dry it out!
Can I Freeze This BBQ Pork?
Absolutely! You can freeze cooked BBQ pork for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
