Authentic Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
Indulge your senses with this Authentic Char Siu recipe, a staple of Cantonese cuisine known for its sweet and savory flavor profile. This recipe, adapted from my culinary school training, achieves perfectly caramelized edges that lock in moisture and richness. The marinade is a delightful blend of ginger, garlic, and five-spice powder, providing an aromatic base for the pork. With an ideal balance of sweetness and umami, this dish is perfect as a main course or as a filling in steamed buns (Bao). Follow the detailed steps for an unforgettable dining experience that will impress your family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Minced peeled ginger
1/4 cup
Minced peeled garlic
2 tablespoons
Soy sauce
1/4 cup
Granulated sugar
1/3 cup
Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
1/4 cup
Ketchup
1 tablespoon
Hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon
Five-spice powder
1 teaspoon
Pork shoulder, cut into strips
2 lbs (cut with grain into 1 1/2-inch x 1 1/2-inch x 10-inch strips)
Honey
1/4 cup
Soy sauce
2 tablespoons
Sesame oil
1 teaspoon
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Char Siu?
Char Siu is a traditional Cantonese style of BBQ pork known for its signature sweet and savory flavor and glazed, caramelized exterior.
Which cut of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 2 lbs of pork shoulder, which provides a balance of fat and meat to keep the dish moist.
How should the pork be prepared before marinating?
The pork shoulder should be cut with the grain into strips measuring 1.5 inches by 1.5 inches by 10 inches.
What are the primary aromatics in the marinade?
The marinade uses a significant amount of minced peeled ginger and minced peeled garlic to create an aromatic base.
What gives the pork its sweet flavor?
The sweetness comes from a combination of granulated sugar in the marinade and honey in the final glaze.
Is there a substitute for Chinese rice wine?
Yes, the recipe suggests that dry sherry can be used as a substitute for Chinese rice wine.
What role does Five-spice powder play?
One teaspoon of Five-spice powder provides the complex, traditional aromatic profile essential to Cantonese BBQ.
Why is ketchup included in the recipe?
A tablespoon of ketchup is used to add body, a hint of acidity, and help achieve the desired color and glaze consistency.
How do you achieve the caramelized edges?
The sugars and honey in the marinade and glaze caramelize under heat, locking in moisture and creating rich, dark edges.
What is the purpose of Hoisin sauce?
Hoisin sauce adds a thick, savory, and umami-rich component to the marinade.
What ingredients are in the final glaze?
The glaze consists of honey, soy sauce, and a teaspoon of sesame oil for a glossy and fragrant finish.
Can this Char Siu be used in other dishes?
Yes, it is excellent as a standalone main course or as a filling for traditional steamed buns known as Bao.
How much ginger is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of minced peeled ginger.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of minced peeled garlic.
What kind of soy sauce should I use?
The recipe uses standard soy sauce in both the marinade (1/4 cup) and the glaze (2 tablespoons).
Is sesame oil included in the marinade?
No, sesame oil is reserved for the final glaze to preserve its delicate aroma.
Does this recipe include food coloring?
No, this specific recipe relies on natural ingredients like hoisin and ketchup for its color and caramelization for the finish.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This version is adapted from professional culinary school training for an authentic Cantonese result.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 12 total ingredients required to make this authentic Char Siu.
What makes the pork rich and moist?
The use of pork shoulder combined with a sugar-based marinade helps lock in the natural juices of the meat.
Is the ginger peeled or unpeeled?
The recipe specifies that the ginger must be peeled before being minced.
What is the measurement for the sugar?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of granulated sugar.
Can I use a different cut of pork?
While pork shoulder is recommended for moisture, many traditional recipes use similar marbled cuts for the best texture.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this is a sweet and savory dish; it does not contain spicy peppers or heat-based spices.
How much honey is used for the glaze?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of honey for the finishing glaze.
Why is it called Chinese BBQ Pork?
'Char Siu' literally translates to 'fork roasted,' referring to the traditional method of roasting the marinated pork.
What is the texture of the finished pork?
It should have a sticky, glossy exterior with tender and juicy meat on the inside.
What is the amount of Five-spice powder?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of Five-spice powder.
Is the garlic prepared in a specific way?
Yes, the garlic should be peeled and minced to ensure even distribution in the marinade.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include char siu, chinese bbq pork, roast pork, cantonese cuisine, and sweet and savory.