Chinese Roast Pork (Char Siu)

Indulge in the bold, sweet-savory flavors of Chinese Roast Pork (Char Siu), a beloved Cantonese classic that's a true crowd-pleaser. Marinated to perfection with a rich blend of hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, and warm five-spice powder, this tender pork shoulder is roasted until caramelized and slightly charred at the edges, giving it that signature smoky sweetness. A hint of garlic and ginger elevates the depth of flavor, while optional red food coloring replicates the authentic crimson hue. Perfect served over steamed rice, nestled in fluffy bao buns, or alongside stir-fried vegetables, this dish is an irresistible centerpiece for any meal. With minimal prep and oven roasting, Char Siu transforms everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality perfection right in your kitchen.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork shoulder
• 0.5 cup hoisin sauce
• 0.333 cup honey
• 0.25 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated

Directions

Step 1

Begin by preparing the marinade. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry), oyster sauce, sesame oil, five-spice powder, and red food coloring (if using). Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.

Step 2

Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut the meat into long strips, approximately 2 inches wide. Place the pork strips into a large resealable plastic bag or a non-reactive container.

Step 3

Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring every piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the container tightly. Refrigerate and allow the pork to marinate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to absorb the full flavors.

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using a wire rack, set it inside a foil-lined baking tray to catch drips. This helps ensure even heat circulation around the meat.

Step 5

Remove the pork from the marinade, shaking off excess, and place the strips on the wire rack. Reserve the marinade for basting.

Step 6

Roast the pork in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, basting with the reserved marinade every 15 minutes for added moisture and flavor.

Step 7

After 40 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and continue roasting for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the pork is deeply caramelized, slightly charred on the edges, and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Step 8

Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

Step 9

Slice the pork into thin pieces and serve it hot as part of a main dish, with steamed rice or noodles and your choice of vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1263.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2684.2

Total Fat 125.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 40.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.1g
Cholesterol 804.3mg	0%
Sodium 5643.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 134.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.4g	0%
Total Sugars 100.5g
Protein 224.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 308.4mg	0%
Iron 12.0mg	0%
Potassium 3689.6mg	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: 44.0%

Protein: 35.0%

Carbs: 21.0%