Keto Chinese Roast Pork (Char Siu)

Savor the bold, smoky-sweet flavors of Keto Chinese Roast Pork (Char Siu), a low-carb twist on the classic Cantonese dish. This recipe transforms tender pork shoulder or pork belly with a mouthwatering marinade of tamari, Chinese five-spice, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, complemented by sugar-free ketchup and erythritol for a perfectly keto-friendly glaze. Roasted to caramelized perfection, with optional red food coloring for that authentic Char Siu hue, this dish is as visually striking as it is delicious. With just 20 minutes of prep time and an irresistible balance of savory and sweet flavors, this keto roast pork is perfect as an appetizer, paired with low-carb sides, or sliced over a crisp salad. Whether you're a fan of Chinese cuisine or following a ketogenic diet, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality dish that's sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:80 mins

Total Time:100 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Pork shoulder or pork belly
• 0.25 cup Tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons Sugar-free ketchup
• 0.25 cup Powdered erythritol
• 2 tablespoons Chinese rice cooking wine or dry sherry
• 0.5 teaspoon Red food coloring (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the tamari, Chinese five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, sugar-free ketchup, powdered erythritol, and rice cooking wine. Stir well to create the marinade.

Step 2

If desired, add the red food coloring to achieve the traditional red color of Char Siu.

Step 3

Cut the pork shoulder or pork belly into long strips, approximately 2 inches wide and 6–8 inches long. This allows for even cooking and better absorption of the marinade.

Step 4

Place the pork strips into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated.

Step 5

Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate the pork in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to enhance flavor.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack over the sheet.

Step 7

Remove the pork from the marinade and shake off any excess. Reserve the remaining marinade and set aside.

Step 8

Place the pork strips on the wire rack, ensuring they have enough space between them for even roasting.

Step 9

Roast the pork in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. Every 10 minutes, baste the pork with the reserved marinade.

Step 10

After 40 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Continue roasting for an additional 20–30 minutes, basting once more, until the pork is caramelized and slightly charred on the edges.

Step 11

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

Step 12

Slice the pork into thin pieces and serve as an appetizer, a main dish with low-carb sides, or as part of a keto-friendly salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1121.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2502.3

Total Fat 195.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 65.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.8g
Cholesterol 635.0mg	0%
Sodium 4386.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 73.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.0g	0%
Total Sugars 1.3g
Protein 171.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 124.8mg	0%
Iron 11.3mg	0%
Potassium 2752.5mg	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: 64.3%

Protein: 25.0%

Carbs: 10.7%