Chinese Barbecued Pork

Succulent, savory, and kissed with sticky-sweet caramelization, Chinese Barbecued Pork, or Char Siu, is a must-try dish that will transport your taste buds straight to a bustling Hong Kong market. This classic recipe features tender pork shoulder marinated in a bold and aromatic blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and five-spice powder, delivering the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors. A rich honey glaze finishes the pork to glossy perfection, while optional red food coloring gives it that signature vibrant hue. Roasted until beautifully caramelized and slightly charred, each slice is bursting with flavor. Serve this iconic dish with steamed rice or noodles, or use it as a tantalizing filling for buns to create a truly authentic culinary experience. Perfect for fans of Chinese cuisine, this recipe is easy to prepare and even more satisfying to devour, making it an irresistible addition to any meal rotation.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt
• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 3 pieces garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 drop red food coloring (optional)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for basting)
• 2 tablespoons honey (for glazing)
• 1 cup water (for the roasting pan)

Directions

Step 1

Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder or pork butt and cut into strips about 2-3 inches wide and 6-8 inches long.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, combine hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, brown sugar, five-spice powder, minced garlic, and red food coloring (if using) to create the marinade.

Step 3

Place the pork strips in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the meat. Ensure the pork is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for best results.

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Pour about 1 cup of water into the baking sheet to prevent drippings from burning during roasting.

Step 5

Remove the pork from the marinade and place it on the wire rack. Reserve the marinade for basting. Roast the pork for 40 minutes, turning and basting with the reserved marinade every 10 minutes.

Step 6

After 40 minutes of roasting, brush the pork with vegetable oil and increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Roast for an additional 10 minutes or until the edges of the pork are caramelized and slightly charred.

Step 7

Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. While resting, warm 2 tablespoons of honey and brush it over the pork for a glossy glaze.

Step 8

Slice the Char Siu into thin pieces and serve warm with steamed rice or noodles. It can also be used as a filling for buns or other dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1418.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2890.5

Total Fat 197.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 65.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.9g
Cholesterol 636.5mg	0%
Sodium 3454.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 119.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.2g	0%
Total Sugars 99.5g
Protein 160.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 184.5mg	0%
Iron 12.5mg	0%
Potassium 2765.0mg	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: 61.3%

Protein: 22.2%

Carbs: 16.5%