Authentic Chinese Char Siu Pork
This Authentic Chinese Char Siu Pork recipe delivers the smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that have made this dish a beloved staple in Chinese cuisine. Perfectly marinated for tender and juicy meat, this recipe ensures each bite is bursting with flavor. The combination of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of honey creates a beautiful glaze that caramelizes during roasting, giving the pork its famous vibrant color and mouthwatering taste. Though the marination may seem lengthy, it's largely hands-off, making it easy to prep ahead for a family meal or special occasion. Serve it sliced over rice or enjoy it cold in a refreshing salad – this dish truly shines in versatility!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork loin roast
4 lbs (trimmed)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
soy sauce
3 tablespoons
sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon
white wine or rose wine
2 tablespoons
hoisin sauce
3 teaspoons
garlic
3 cloves (minced)
red food coloring
3 drops
sugar
1/2 cup
oyster sauce
3 teaspoons
ground ginger
1 teaspoon
Chinese bean paste
2 tablespoons
shallots
4 (diced)
honey
4 tablespoons
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Chinese Char Siu Pork?
Char Siu is a popular Cantonese style of barbecue pork known for its sweet, savory, and smoky flavor profile.
What cut of meat is used in this Char Siu recipe?
This recipe specifically uses 4 lbs of trimmed pork loin roast for a leaner yet tender result.
How much pork loin do I need?
The recipe calls for 4 pounds of pork loin roast.
What gives Char Siu its iconic red color?
The vibrant red color in this version is achieved using 3 drops of red food coloring, though the glaze also helps with caramelization.
Is the red food coloring mandatory?
No, the food coloring is primarily for aesthetic purposes and does not change the flavor of the meat.
How much honey is used in the glaze?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of honey to create a beautiful, caramelized glaze.
What kind of wine should I use for the marinade?
You can use either 2 tablespoons of white wine or rose wine for the marinade.
How much sugar is in the marinade?
There is 1/2 cup of sugar used to provide the signature sweetness of Char Siu.
What is the role of Chinese bean paste in this recipe?
The 2 tablespoons of Chinese bean paste add a deep, savory, and fermented flavor that is essential for authenticity.
Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh?
Yes, this recipe explicitly calls for 1 teaspoon of ground ginger.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
Is hoisin sauce used in this Char Siu?
Yes, 3 teaspoons of hoisin sauce are included in the marinade.
How much oyster sauce is needed?
The recipe uses 3 teaspoons of oyster sauce for added umami.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is characterized by a balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, while the marination takes time, the process is largely hands-off, making it an easy recipe to follow.
How should I prepare the shallots?
You should use 4 diced shallots for the marinade.
How much soy sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of soy sauce.
Is sesame oil included?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil is used to provide a subtle toasted aroma.
Should the pork be trimmed before cooking?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the pork loin roast should be trimmed.
How do I serve Char Siu pork?
It is traditionally served sliced over rice or used cold as an addition to refreshing salads.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely, the lengthy marination process makes it a perfect dish to prep ahead of time.
What causes the meat to stay juicy?
The long marination and the sugar-based glaze help seal in the juices while roasting.
Is salt necessary in the marinade?
The recipe uses a small amount of salt (1/2 teaspoon) to enhance the other savory ingredients.
What type of cuisine is this?
This is an authentic Chinese Cantonese-style dish.
Can I serve this for a special occasion?
Yes, its vibrant color and mouthwatering taste make it a great center-piece for family meals or special occasions.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients in total for this Char Siu recipe.
Does this recipe include MSG?
While not explicitly listed as a separate ingredient, umami comes from the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and bean paste.
What is the texture of the finished pork?
The pork should be tender and juicy on the inside with a slightly sticky, caramelized exterior.
Is it okay to eat Char Siu cold?
Yes, Char Siu is very versatile and can be enjoyed both hot and cold.
What is the significance of the glaze?
The glaze, made of honey and hoisin, caramelizes during roasting to provide the signature shine and texture.