Authentic Char Siu (Chinese Sweet Barbecued Pork)
Char Siu is a beloved Cantonese dish known for its irresistibly sweet and savory flavor profile, making it a staple in Chinese cuisine. The dish features tender pork marinated in a fragrant blend of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey, then cooked to perfection. When prepared correctly, the pork develops a caramelized outer layer, while remaining juicy and flavorful inside. This delightful recipe is not only a delicious treat for your taste buds but also a nostalgic reminder of culinary experiences, especially for those who enjoyed it in vibrant locations like Hawaii. Pair it with rice or use it as a filling for steamed buns (Cha Siu Bao) for a complete meal that will impress family and friends. The marinating process enhances the depth of flavors, and while you can enjoy it the next day, the wait is truly worth it!
4
Servings
180
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork (boneless chops)
1 lb (trimmed and cut into 2-4 bite-sized chunks)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Salt
1 teaspoon ( )
Fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon (minced)
Soy sauce
1 tablespoon ( )
Honey
1 tablespoon ( )
Cooking wine
1 tablespoon ( )
Chinese five spice powder
1/2 teaspoon ( )
Red food coloring
as needed (to achieve desired color)
Instructions
1
Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork and cutting it into bite-sized chunks (each chunk should range between 2-4 bites).
2
In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic cloves, salt, fresh ginger, soy sauce, honey, cooking wine, Chinese five spice powder, and red food coloring. Blend until smooth.
3
Place the pork chunks in a resealable plastic bag or a covered bowl, and pour the marinade over the pork. Ensure all pieces are well coated.
4
Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate the marinating pork for at least 3 hours; for best results, let it marinate for 24 hours.
5
When ready to cook, preheat your broiler or grill. Arrange the marinated pork pieces onto a broiler pan or grill rack.
6
Broil or grill the pork for 3-4 minutes on each side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C) for optimal safety and tenderness. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
7
Once cooked, remove the pork from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with rice or in steamed buns.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
20g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Char Siu?
Char Siu is a popular Cantonese dish consisting of sweet and savory barbecued pork, often served as a staple in Chinese cuisine.
What cut of pork is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses one pound of boneless pork chops, trimmed and cut into bite-sized chunks.
How long should the pork marinate?
The pork should marinate for at least 3 hours, though for the best flavor results, 24 hours is recommended.
What gives Char Siu its signature sweet flavor?
The sweetness comes from a combination of honey and the natural caramelization that occurs during cooking.
Why is red food coloring included in the recipe?
Red food coloring is used to achieve the traditional vibrant red outer layer characteristic of authentic Chinese barbecued pork.
What is the safe internal temperature for the cooked pork?
The pork should reach an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius) for safety and tenderness.
Can I cook this on a grill?
Yes, you can cook the marinated pork pieces using either a broiler or a grill.
How long does it take to cook the pork?
The pork typically takes about 3 to 4 minutes per side when broiling or grilling.
What are common ways to serve Char Siu?
It is commonly served warm with rice or used as a filling for steamed buns, known as Cha Siu Bao.
Do I need special equipment for the marinade?
A blender or food processor is used to combine the garlic, ginger, and other liquids into a smooth marinade.
What spice blend is used in this recipe?
Chinese five spice powder is used to provide the authentic fragrant profile of the dish.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 180 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 12.5 grams of protein.
How should the pork be prepared before marinating?
You should trim any excess fat and cut the meat into chunks that range between 2 to 4 bites each.
Can I eat Char Siu the next day?
Yes, it can be enjoyed the next day, and the resting process allows the flavors to deepen.
What kind of wine is used in the marinade?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of cooking wine.
Why should the pork rest after cooking?
Letting the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing helps ensure it remains juicy and flavorful.
What is the flavor profile of Char Siu?
It is known for an irresistibly sweet and savory profile with notes of garlic, ginger, and soy.
To which cuisine does Char Siu belong?
Char Siu is a staple of Cantonese cuisine.
How much soy sauce is required?
The recipe requires one tablespoon of soy sauce.
How much ginger is needed?
You will need 1/2 teaspoon of minced fresh ginger.
Is there a lot of fat in this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 6 grams of fat.
How much honey is used?
The recipe uses one tablespoon of honey as a natural sweetener.
What are Cha Siu Bao?
Cha Siu Bao are steamed buns filled with Char Siu pork.
How much garlic is in the marinade?
The recipe uses 3 minced garlic cloves.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is salt added to the marinade?
Yes, the recipe includes one teaspoon of salt.
What should I use to arrange the pork for broiling?
You should arrange the marinated pork pieces on a broiler pan or a grill rack.
What location is mentioned as having a nostalgic link to this dish?
The recipe mentions Hawaii as a location where many people have enjoyed this dish.