Sugar-Free Charsiew (Chinese BBQ Pork)

Achieve the rich, smoky-sweet flavors of classic Chinese BBQ pork without the sugar with this delectable Sugar-Free Charsiew recipe! Perfect for those watching their sugar intake, this dish transforms tender pork tenderloin into succulent, caramelized strips bursting with bold umami notes, thanks to sugar-free hoisin, oyster sauce, and maple syrup substitutes. Marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, garlic, and aromatic five-spice powder, the pork roasts to perfection in just 40 minutes, with an optional broil to achieve that signature charred glaze. Easy to prepare and absolutely mouthwatering, this guilt-free version of charsiew pairs wonderfully with steamed veggies, noodles, or rice, making it a standout addition to your meal plan. Perfect for low-sugar diets and packed with traditional flavors, it’s a must-try Chinese BBQ pork recipe that everyone can enjoy!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Pork tenderloin
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Hoison sauce, sugar-free
• 1 tablespoon Oyster sauce, sugar-free
• 2 tablespoons Sugar-free maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Five-spice powder
• 1 drop Red food coloring (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground white pepper

Directions

Step 1

Cut the pork tenderloin into strips, approximately 2 inches wide for better flavor absorption and cooking.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar-free hoisin sauce, sugar-free oyster sauce, sugar-free maple syrup, Shaoxing wine, minced garlic, five-spice powder, red food coloring (if using), sesame oil, salt, and ground white pepper until well mixed.

Step 3

Add the pork strips to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight for best results.

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and place a rack on top. This setup allows the pork to cook evenly and avoids sitting in grease.

Step 5

Remove the marinated pork from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while the oven preheats.

Step 6

Place the pork strips on the rack in a single layer, reserving the marinade. Brush additional marinade onto the pork for more flavor.

Step 7

Roast the pork in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, flip the pork strips, baste with reserved marinade, and continue roasting for another 20 minutes or until cooked through and caramelized.

Step 8

For an extra charred effect, turn the oven to broil mode for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Step 9

Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the pork diagonally and serve it hot. It's excellent with a side of steamed vegetables or in a noodle or rice dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(651.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	906.5

Total Fat 31.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.3g
Cholesterol 340mg	0%
Sodium 5086.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 20.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.9g	0%
Total Sugars 0.3g
Protein 129.4g	0%

Vitamin D 40IU	0%
Calcium 113.7mg	0%
Iron 7.4mg	0%
Potassium 2538.1mg	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: 32.1%

Protein: 58.8%

Carbs: 9.2%