Soy-Free Charsiew (Chinese BBQ Pork)

Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of this Soy-Free Charsiew (Chinese BBQ Pork), a tantalizing twist on the classic dish that skips soy-based products without compromising on taste. Perfectly marinated pork shoulder is infused with a blend of honey, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, and mashed red fermented bean curd, delivering depth and sweetness balanced with aromatic five-spice and garlic. Slowly roasted in the oven and basted to glossy perfection, the pork develops a signature caramelized glaze and slightly charred edges. With just a hint of optional red food coloring for that iconic hue, this soy-free take on charsiew is great for diners with dietary restrictions or anyone looking for a unique spin on Chinese BBQ. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles for a restaurant-quality meal that's bursting with bold, irresistible flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or as a centerpiece at your next gathering!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 kg pork shoulder
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 3 tablespoons rice wine (or dry sherry)
• 2 cubes mashed red fermented bean curd
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for color)
• 2 tablespoons water

Directions

Step 1

Cut the pork shoulder into long strips, about 4 inches wide, which helps in even cooking and better marination.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, combine honey, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, red fermented bean curd, five-spice powder, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and optional red food coloring.

Step 3

Mix the marinade thoroughly and place the pork strips into a large zip-lock bag.

Step 4

Pour the marinade over the pork, seal the bag and mix well to ensure the pork is fully coated. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 5

Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking tray with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack on top of the baking tray.

Step 6

Remove the marinated pork from the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature, approximately 30 minutes before cooking.

Step 7

Arrange the pork strips on the wire rack, reserving the marinade.

Step 8

Roast the pork in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 9

Meanwhile, add the remaining marinade to a small saucepan with 2 tablespoons of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes to create a basting sauce.

Step 10

After 25 minutes of baking, brush the pork generously with the basting sauce and turn the strips over.

Step 11

Brush the other side with more sauce and continue roasting for another 25 minutes, basting occasionally, until the pork is cooked through, caramelized, and slightly charred on the edges.

Step 12

Remove the Charsiew from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 13

Serve the Charsiew pork with steamed rice or noodles, drizzling any leftover basting sauce on top.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1273.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2579.9

Total Fat 124.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 42.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.9g
Cholesterol 883.8mg	0%
Sodium 5727.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 86.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.2g	0%
Total Sugars 65.8g
Protein 240.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 355.2mg	0%
Iron 12.6mg	0%
Potassium 3756.8mg	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: 46.1%

Protein: 39.6%

Carbs: 14.2%