High Protein Cha Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)

Elevate your protein-packed meal prep with this High Protein Cha Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork), a healthier twist on the beloved Cantonese classic. Made with lean pork tenderloin, this dish delivers all the rich, savory-sweet flavors of traditional cha siu with a lighter nutritional profile. Marinated in a bold blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and Shaoxing wine, and infused with aromatic Chinese five-spice and garlic, the pork is roasted to perfection, caramelizing into a glossy, flavorful finish. Whether you're serving it over steamed jasmine rice, as a filling for bao buns, or beside a crisp vegetable medley, this easy-to-make dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this recipe offers a satisfying balance of flavor and nutrition that’s sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Pork tenderloin
• 0.25 cup Soy sauce
• 0.25 cup Hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 2 tablespoons Oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
• 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 drops Red food coloring (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Sesame oil

Directions

Step 1

Trim any excess fat from the pork tenderloin and cut it into three equally sized strips.

Step 2

In a medium mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, brown sugar, Chinese five-spice powder, minced garlic, and sesame oil. If using, add red food coloring for a traditional appearance and mix well.

Step 3

Place the pork strips in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow baking dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Step 4

Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse the meat thoroughly.

Step 5

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 6

Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the pork strips on the rack, allowing the excess marinade to drip off.

Step 7

Roast the pork in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the exterior is caramelized.

Step 8

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

Step 9

Serve the cha siu warm, sliced thinly over steamed rice, or use as a filling for bao buns or sandwiches.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1182.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1765.2

Total Fat 47.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.5g
Cholesterol 618.8mg	0%
Sodium 7298.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 94.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.1g	0%
Total Sugars 69.8g
Protein 232.7g	0%

Vitamin D 72.6IU	0%
Calcium 148.8mg	0%
Iron 12.3mg	0%
Potassium 4603.3mg	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: 24.5%

Protein: 53.8%

Carbs: 21.7%