Authentic Char Siew - Chinese Barbecue Pork
Savor the irresistible flavors of Authentic Char Siew, a classic Chinese barbecue pork dish that is both sweet and savory. Perfectly marinated in a blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh garlic, this pork roast is slow-baked to caramelized perfection. Ideal for serving with steamed rice, noodles, or as a filling in bao buns, this recipe captures the essence of Chinese street food right in your home kitchen. Dive into this culinary delight and impress your family and friends with a dish they won't forget!
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless pork roast
1 lb (sliced into strips)
hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
soy sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
sesame oil
1 teaspoon (none)
fresh garlic
to taste (finely chopped)
sugar
4 tablespoons (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the boneless pork roast into strips about 1.5 inches thick, 5-6 inches long, and 0.5 inches wide. Ensure uniform size for even cooking.
2
In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 4 tablespoons of sugar. Add finely chopped fresh garlic to taste, along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper, mixing until well combined.
3
Place the pork strips into a large resealable plastic bag or a glass dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, making sure all the pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
4
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
5
Arrange the marinated pork strips in a single layer on the prepared baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
6
After 25 minutes, carefully flip the pork strips to ensure even cooking, and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the pork is cooked through and caramelized to your liking.
7
Once done, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot with your choice of rice or noodles, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
5
Fat
18
Carbs
10
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Char Siew?
Char Siew is a classic Chinese barbecue pork dish known for its sweet and savory flavor profile and caramelized exterior.
What cut of meat is used for this recipe?
This recipe uses 1 lb of boneless pork roast.
How should I slice the pork before marinating?
The pork should be sliced into strips approximately 1.5 inches thick, 5-6 inches long, and 0.5 inches wide.
What ingredients are in the Char Siew marinade?
The marinade consists of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, fresh garlic, salt, and pepper.
How long does the pork need to marinate?
You should marinate the pork for at least 2 hours, though overnight is preferred for maximum flavor.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long is the total baking time?
The pork is baked for a total of 50 minutes: 25 minutes on one side, then flipped and baked for another 25 minutes.
How do I ensure the pork cooks evenly?
Ensure uniform slicing of the meat strips and flip them halfway through the baking process.
How do I make cleanup easier after baking?
Lining your baking tray with aluminum foil before arranging the pork will help with easy cleanup.
Should the pork rest after it comes out of the oven?
Yes, let the pork rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before you begin slicing.
What can I serve with Char Siew?
It is traditionally served hot with steamed rice, noodles, or used as a filling for bao buns.
How many calories are in this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
How much protein is in this recipe?
There are 10 grams of protein per serving.
Is there a lot of fat in this barbecue pork?
This recipe contains approximately 5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 18 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much hoisin sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce.
How much sugar is used in the marinade?
This recipe uses 4 tablespoons of sugar to achieve its characteristic sweetness.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends using finely chopped fresh garlic to taste.
What type of soy sauce should I use?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of soy sauce; standard light or all-purpose soy sauce works well.
Does the recipe require sesame oil?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil is added to the marinade for flavor.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
The recipe consists of 8 main ingredients.
What makes the pork 'caramelized'?
The combination of sugar and hoisin sauce in the marinade reacts with the oven heat to create a sticky, dark, caramelized coating.
Can I use a glass dish for marinating?
Yes, you can use either a glass dish or a large resealable plastic bag to marinate the pork.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it is primarily sweet and savory, using only black pepper for a very mild seasoning.
What is the flavor profile of Char Siew?
It is a balance of sweet (sugar and hoisin) and savory (soy sauce, garlic, and pork).
Is this a slow-cooked dish?
It is slow-baked for 50 minutes to ensure the meat is tender and the outside is caramelized.
Is this recipe considered Asian cuisine?
Yes, it is a staple of Chinese street food and Cantonese cuisine.
Can I make this at home without special equipment?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be made in a standard home kitchen using a regular oven and a baking tray.
How much salt and pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
Is this recipe good for leftovers?
Yes, Char Siew is excellent when reheated and served with rice or added to other dishes like fried rice.