Chinese Barbecue Sauce Char Siu

Dive into the rich, savory world of Chinese cuisine with this mouthwatering Chinese Barbecue Sauce Char Siu recipe. Perfectly balanced with sweet, salty, and umami notes, this sauce combines hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, and oyster sauce with aromatic Chinese five-spice powder, garlic, and a touch of Shaoxing wine to create the ultimate marinade for pork. The optional red food coloring provides the signature vibrant hue that defines traditional char siu. The result is tender, caramelized pork with a sticky glaze that’s irresistible. Whether roasted to perfection or grilled, this recipe captures authentic flavors that bring a taste of a classic Chinese barbecue to your dinner table. Ideal for pairing with steamed rice or tucked into fluffy bao buns, this dish is a must-try for lovers of bold, flavorful Asian cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 42/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons Hoisin sauce
• 3 tablespoons Honey
• 3 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
• 3 cloves Minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Red food coloring (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons Water

Directions

Step 1

In a medium mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients: hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, brown sugar, Shaoxing wine, minced garlic, red food coloring (if using), sesame oil, and water.

Step 2

Whisk the mixture thoroughly until all the ingredients are fully blended and the sugar has dissolved completely.

Step 3

To use as a marinade: Reserve about 1/3 cup of the sauce for basting later. Marinate pork (such as pork shoulder or pork belly) in the remaining sauce for at least 6 hours or overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Step 4

When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated pork on a lined baking tray with some of the marinade. Roast for 20 minutes.

Step 5

Flip the pork and baste generously with the reserved sauce. Continue roasting for another 20 minutes.

Step 6

Turn the heat up to 425°F (220°C) for the final 5-10 minutes to caramelize the surface, basting one more time if desired.

Step 7

Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 8

Serve and enjoy the authentic flavors of Chinese barbecue!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(314.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	605.6

Total Fat 16.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 2.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.0g
Cholesterol 1.9mg	0%
Sodium 3830.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 108.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.8g	0%
Total Sugars 86.8g
Protein 7.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 76.3mg	0%
Iron 2.1mg	0%
Potassium 356.6mg	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: 24.3%

Protein: 4.9%

Carbs: 70.8%