Low Fat Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)

Savor the irresistible flavors of Low Fat Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu), a healthier twist on the iconic Cantonese classic. This recipe uses lean pork tenderloin marinated in a tantalizing blend of hoisin sauce, reduced sodium soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and aromatic five-spice powder, delivering all the bold, smoky-sweet flavors you love with far less fat. Optional red food coloring captures the authentic look of traditional Char Siu, while sesame oil and Shaoxing wine elevate the marinade with a hint of richness. Roasted to perfection in the oven, this dish boasts tender, juicy meat with caramelized edges, making it a stunning centerpiece for any meal. Pair it with steamed rice or vibrant veggies for a nutritious, flavorful feast. Perfect for meal prep or a healthy dinner, this low-fat Char Siu proves you don’t have to compromise on taste to eat well!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Pork tenderloin
• 2 tablespoons Hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons Reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Honey
• 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon Five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 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 2-inch wide strips, about the length of the tenderloin.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine hoisin sauce, reduced sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, Shaoxing wine, minced garlic, grated ginger, five-spice powder, paprika, and sesame oil. Stir well to create a uniform marinade.

Step 3

If preferred, add 2 drops of red food coloring to the marinade for the traditional red hue of Char Siu, but this step is optional.

Step 4

Place the pork strips into the bowl, ensuring they are thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight for more flavor infusion.

Step 5

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.

Step 6

Remove the marinated pork from the refrigerator and lay the strips on the wire rack. Reserve the remaining marinade for basting.

Step 7

Roast the pork in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 8

Baste the pork strips with the reserved marinade, turning them over to ensure even coating, and return them to the oven.

Step 9

Increase the oven temperature to 220°C (430°F) and roast for an additional 10 minutes, or until the edges of the pork develop a slight char and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Step 10

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

Step 11

Serve the low-fat Char Siu with steamed rice or vegetables for a healthy and delicious meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(644.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	984.0

Total Fat 32.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.9g
Cholesterol 341.0mg	0%
Sodium 3371.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 40.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.3g	0%
Total Sugars 26.4g
Protein 128.4g	0%

Vitamin D 40IU	0%
Calcium 91.8mg	0%
Iron 7.7mg	0%
Potassium 2576.0mg	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: 30.4%

Protein: 53.0%

Carbs: 16.7%