Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)

Transform your dinner table with this irresistible Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork), a classic Cantonese dish bursting with sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Tender strips of pork tenderloin are marinated in a rich blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, and fragrant aromatics like garlic and ginger—infused with the optional signature red hue for that authentic BBQ look. Oven-roasted to perfection and basted with a caramelized glaze, this dish features a beautiful, glossy finish and irresistibly juicy meat with a sticky-sweet char. Ready in just over an hour, with minimal prep time, this Chinese BBQ pork is perfect for family dinners, festive celebrations, or an impressive meal prep option. Pair with steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite stir-fried veggies for a feast that dazzles every time!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin
• 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine (Shaoxing wine)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 0.5 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

Directions

Step 1

Cut the pork tenderloin into long strips about 1.5 inches wide.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, dark soy sauce, Chinese rice wine, sesame oil, red food coloring (if using), minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the marinade.

Step 3

Add the pork strips to the bowl and coat them thoroughly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for best flavors.

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 5

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Remove the pork from the marinade and place the strips on the rack, reserving the marinade.

Step 6

Roast the pork in the oven for 20 minutes.

Step 7

Meanwhile, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 3-5 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 8

After 20 minutes, remove the pork from the oven and baste it with the boiled marinade.

Step 9

Return the pork to the oven and continue roasting for another 20-25 minutes, basting every 10 minutes until the pork is fully cooked and nicely glazed. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Step 10

Allow the char siu to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(912.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1381.1

Total Fat 39.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 10.3g
Cholesterol 464.6mg	0%
Sodium 6157.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 73.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.9g	0%
Total Sugars 52.3g
Protein 176.3g	0%

Vitamin D 54.4IU	0%
Calcium 111.6mg	0%
Iron 9.8mg	0%
Potassium 3521.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 26.3%

Protein: 52.1%

Carbs: 21.7%