Low Fat Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
Delight in the flavors of a classic Chinese favorite with this **Low Fat Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)** recipe—an irresistible combination of smoky-sweet, savory, and tangy notes, reimagined for a healthier lifestyle. Made using lean pork tenderloin, this lighter take on traditional char siu keeps all the bold flavors intact by utilizing a flavorful marinade of hoisin sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, and aromatic spices like garlic, ginger, and five-spice powder. Cooked to perfection in the oven with a glossy, caramelized glaze created from the reduced marinade, this recipe delivers tender, juicy pork without the added guilt. Ready in just an hour (excluding marination time), it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for pairing with steamed rice or crisp stir-fried veggies. Whether you’re meal prepping or hosting, this lower-fat version of Chinese BBQ pork is your go-to for an authentic yet wholesome dish. Keywords: low fat, char siu, Chinese BBQ pork, healthy Chinese recipes, oven-baked pork, lean pork recipe.
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Ingredients
- 500 grams lean pork tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 inch piece ginger
- 0.5 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 0.25 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 0.5 cup broth or water
Directions
Step 1
Trim any visible fat from the pork tenderloin and cut it into long strips about 1.5 inches thick.
Step 2
Mince the garlic and grate the ginger to release their flavors.
Step 3
In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sweet soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, five-spice powder, sesame oil, and red food coloring (if using). Mix well to form the marinade.
Step 4
Place the pork strips in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring the strips are well-coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for the best flavor infusion.
Step 5
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set a wire rack on top of it.
Step 6
Remove the pork from the marinade and allow the excess marinade to drip off. Place the pork strips on the prepared rack.
Step 7
Pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Add broth or water to thin it slightly and simmer for about 5 minutes to create a basting sauce.
Step 8
Bake the pork in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, basting with the simmered sauce every 10 minutes. Turn the pork strips halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
Step 9
Check the internal temperature of the pork to ensure it has reached 145°F (63°C). Once cooked, remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
Step 10
Slice the pork into thin pieces and serve with your favorite side dishes, such as steamed rice or vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (768.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1062.5 |
| Total Fat 33.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 8.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 6.4g | |
| Cholesterol 311.0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2698.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 46.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 1.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 32.4g | |
| Protein 137.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 73.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 7.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2312.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories