Charsiew (Chinese BBQ Pork)

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Charsiew, also known as Chinese BBQ Pork—an iconic Cantonese dish that's tender, flavorful, and beautifully caramelized. This recipe features succulent pork shoulder or loin, marinated in a sweet and savory blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, and fragrant five-spice powder. A touch of honey and optional red food coloring gives the dish its signature glossy and slightly charred appearance. Roasted to perfection in the oven, each slice boasts a delectable balance of smoky, salty, and sweet flavors. Whether served over steamed rice, tucked into fluffy bao buns, or added to noodle dishes, this Charsiew recipe promises to elevate any meal with its vibrant, authentic taste. Perfect for home cooks looking to recreate a Chinese restaurant classic, this dish is as satisfying to make as it is to eat!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 kg Pork shoulder or pork loin
• 5 tablespoons Hoisin sauce
• 3 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 2 tablespoons Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Five-spice powder
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon Red food coloring (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
• 1 cup Water

Directions

Step 1

Begin by preparing the marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, honey, sugar, five-spice powder, minced garlic, and red food coloring if using. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 2

Cut the pork shoulder or pork loin into long strips, approximately 2 inches wide and 1 inch thick.

Step 3

Place the pork strips into a large zip-lock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for better flavor.

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.

Step 5

Remove the pork from the marinade and lay the strips on the wire rack. Reserve the leftover marinade for basting.

Step 6

Place the pork in the preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes.

Step 7

Meanwhile, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 cup of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and let it thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.

Step 8

After roasting for 15 minutes, baste the pork with the thickened marinade, then flip the strips and baste the other side. Return the pork to the oven and roast for another 15 minutes.

Step 9

For the final 10 minutes of cooking, increase the oven temperature to 220°C (430°F) and apply another layer of marinade. Roast until the edges are slightly charred, and the internal temperature of the pork reaches 70°C (160°F).

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let the charsiew rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 11

Serve the charsiew as a main dish paired with steamed rice or as part of a noodle dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1527.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3103.2

Total Fat 216.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 72.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9.8g
Cholesterol 702.4mg	0%
Sodium 4610.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 108.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.1g	0%
Total Sugars 81.7g
Protein 188.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 207.5mg	0%
Iron 13.7mg	0%
Potassium 3064.6mg	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: 62.1%

Protein: 24.1%

Carbs: 13.8%