Char Siu Chinese Sweet Barbecued Pork

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Char Siu, the iconic Chinese sweet barbecued pork that boasts a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and caramelized sweetness. Made with tender pork shoulder or belly, this recipe features a rich marinade of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder, ensuring every bite is bursting with umami. The optional hint of red food coloring gives it the signature vibrant hue, while a quick broil creates a beautifully lacquered glaze. Whether served with steamed rice, noodles, or fresh vegetables, this homemade Char Siu is a crowd-pleaser you'll want to recreate time and again. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, this dish is a must-try for lovers of authentic Chinese barbecue!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs pork shoulder or pork belly
• 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
• 1 tsp red food coloring (optional)
• 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp water

Directions

Step 1

Cut the pork shoulder or pork belly into long strips, about 1.5 inches wide. This ensures even cooking and a good glaze coverage.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, prepare the marinade by combining hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, brown sugar, Shaoxing wine, red food coloring (if using), Chinese five-spice powder, minced garlic, and water.

Step 3

Add the pork strips into the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 4

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack over the baking sheet.

Step 5

Remove the pork from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off. Reserve the remaining marinade. Place the pork strips on the wire rack.

Step 6

Roast the pork in the oven for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 7

While the pork is roasting, heat the reserved marinade in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. This will be used as a glaze.

Step 8

After 25 minutes, brush the pork with the glaze and return it to the oven. Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Flip the pork halfway through and apply more glaze.

Step 9

Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice into thin pieces and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Char Siu with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(912.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2065.2

Total Fat 138.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 47.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.9g
Cholesterol 477.7mg	0%
Sodium 2854.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 81.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.4g	0%
Total Sugars 65.2g
Protein 128.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 144.3mg	0%
Iron 9.3mg	0%
Potassium 2108.9mg	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: 59.7%

Protein: 24.7%

Carbs: 15.7%