Low Sodium Char Siew (Chinese Barbecue Pork)

Indulge in the rich, smoky-sweet flavors of Low Sodium Char Siew, a healthier twist on the classic Chinese barbecue pork. This recipe captures all the savory, caramelized goodness you love with a reduced sodium profile, making it perfect for those mindful of their salt intake. Tender pork belly is marinated in a fragrant blend of low sodium soy sauce, hoisin, honey, and five-spice powder, then roasted to perfection, with a sticky glaze that's irresistibly glossy. The optional splash of red food coloring gives it that iconic look, while the marinade’s layers of flavor deliver an authentic taste without compromise. Easy to prepare and oven-roasted for maximum convenience, this dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles for a complete, satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, it marries health-conscious choices with unforgettable flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 46/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Pork belly
• 3 tablespoons Hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons Low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
• 0.5 teaspoon White pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Red food coloring (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Cut the pork belly into long strips about 2 inches wide. This will help the meat to cook evenly and allow the marinade to penetrate better.

Step 2

In a large bowl, mix together hoisin sauce, low sodium soy sauce, honey, Shaoxing wine, garlic powder, five-spice powder, sesame oil, white pepper, and red food coloring (if using).

Step 3

Place the pork strips into the bowl, ensuring they are well-coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors develop.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use. Place the pork strips on the wire rack.

Step 6

Roast the pork in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, turning and basting with the reserved marinade every 10 minutes to enhance the flavor and achieve a caramelized finish.

Step 7

After 40 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Roast for an additional 10 minutes, or until the pork is beautifully charred and sticky on the edges.

Step 8

Let the char siu rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin pieces. Serve with steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy your low sodium char siew meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(661.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2999.7

Total Fat 281.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 98.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.7g
Cholesterol 361.4mg	0%
Sodium 2301.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 63.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.3g	0%
Total Sugars 47.8g
Protein 52.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 89.4mg	0%
Iron 4.0mg	0%
Potassium 892.6mg	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: 84.5%

Protein: 7.0%

Carbs: 8.4%