Low Sodium Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)

Discover the bold, savory flavors of **Low Sodium Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)**, a healthier twist on a classic favorite! This recipe combines the signature sweetness and aromatic spices of traditional char siu with a low sodium makeover, thanks to ingredients like low sodium soy sauce and unsweetened applesauce. Succulent pork tenderloin is marinated to perfection with a blend of honey, hoisin sauce, five-spice powder, and fresh garlic and ginger, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Oven-roasted to achieve that iconic caramelized glaze, this dish is ideal for those seeking a heart-conscious but indulgent meal. Perfect for pairing with steamed vegetables or rice, this juicy, tender pork is a satisfying crowd-pleaser that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds Pork tenderloin
• 0.25 cup Low sodium soy sauce
• 0.25 cup Hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons Unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
• 0.5 teaspoon Five-spice powder
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Ginger, grated
• 1 drop Red food coloring (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Trim any excess fat from the pork tenderloin and cut it into wide strips, roughly 2 inches thick.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, combine the low sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, unsweetened applesauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red food coloring if using.

Step 3

Place the pork strips into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring the meat is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for maximum flavor.

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet.

Step 5

Remove the pork from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Reserve the marinade for basting.

Step 6

Arrange the pork strips on the wire rack and place them in the oven. Roast for 20 minutes.

Step 7

While the pork is roasting, transfer the reserved marinade to a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. This will be used for basting and to serve as a sauce.

Step 8

After 20 minutes, remove the pork from the oven and baste it with the thickened marinade. Return the pork to the oven and roast for another 10 minutes.

Step 9

Baste the pork one more time, then increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) and roast for an additional 10 minutes, or until the edges are caramelized and slightly charred.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Slice the pork into thin pieces and serve with additional sauce if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(919.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1369.8

Total Fat 39.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 10.3g
Cholesterol 464.6mg	0%
Sodium 5652.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 74.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.4g	0%
Total Sugars 55.1g
Protein 176.2g	0%

Vitamin D 54.4IU	0%
Calcium 107.1mg	0%
Iron 9.7mg	0%
Potassium 3528.6mg	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: 26.3%

Protein: 51.9%

Carbs: 21.8%