Low Fat Cha Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this Low Fat Cha Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork), a healthier take on the beloved Cantonese classic. Lean pork tenderloin is marinated in a fragrant blend of hoisin sauce, light soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and Chinese five-spice powder, offering all the savory-sweet richness of traditional cha siu with a fraction of the fat. Oven-baked to perfection, the pork achieves a lightly charred, caramelized exterior while staying tender and juicy inside. Ready in just 40 minutes (plus marinating time), this guilt-free Chinese BBQ pork pairs beautifully with steamed rice, sautéed veggies, or bao buns for an authentic yet wholesome meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this recipe is your go-to for a flavorful, low-fat twist on a restaurant favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound Pork tenderloin
• 3 tablespoons Hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons Light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 1 tablespoon Ginger
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 drop Red food coloring (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Water

Directions

Step 1

Trim any visible fat from the pork tenderloin and cut it into 2-inch wide strips.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, combine hoisin sauce, light soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, Chinese five-spice powder, and water. Mix well to form the marinade.

Step 3

For a more traditional look, add one drop of red food coloring to the marinade, but this is optional.

Step 4

Place the pork strips into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best taste.

Step 5

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and set a rack on top.

Step 6

Remove the pork from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and place the strips on the rack.

Step 7

Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, turning the pork strips halfway through, until they are cooked through and slightly charred. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) ensures the meat is cooked safely.

Step 8

While baking, periodically baste the pork with the remaining marinade to enhance flavor and ensure moistness.

Step 9

Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 10

Serve warm with rice or vegetables, or use as a filling for bao buns. Enjoy your low fat version of a classic Chinese BBQ pork!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(620.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	884.8

Total Fat 17.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.1g
Cholesterol 309.9mg	0%
Sodium 4161.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 62.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.3g	0%
Total Sugars 47.7g
Protein 116.3g	0%

Vitamin D 36.3IU	0%
Calcium 74.2mg	0%
Iron 6.6mg	0%
Potassium 2327.2mg	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: 17.8%

Protein: 53.4%

Carbs: 28.9%