Sugar-Free Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)

Experience the bold, savory-sweet flavors of traditional Chinese BBQ pork with a healthy twist in this Sugar-Free Char Siu recipe! Crafted with tender pork tenderloin and a marinade bursting with umami from ingredients like sugar-free maple syrup, hoisin sauce, and classic five-spice powder, this dish delivers all the rich authenticity without the added sugar. Perfectly roasted to achieve a sticky, caramelized glaze, this guilt-free version of Char Siu is ideal for meal prep, as a main dish, or tucked into bao buns for a low-sugar indulgence. With just 15 minutes of prep time and easily accessible pantry staples, it’s an irresistible, family-friendly recipe that’s as satisfying as it is wholesome.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Pork tenderloin
• 1/3 cup Soy sauce
• 1/4 cup Sugar-free hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons Sugar-free maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons Oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Five-spice powder
• 1 large Garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon Ginger, grated
• 1 drop Red food coloring (optional)
• 1/4 cup Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar-free hoisin sauce, sugar-free maple syrup, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red food coloring (if using). Whisk together until well blended.

Step 2

Rinse and pat dry the pork tenderloin. Slice the tenderloin lengthwise into long, thin strips about 1 inch wide.

Step 3

Place the pork strips into the bowl with the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Reserve the remaining marinade and add 1/4 cup of water to it. Stir well.

Step 6

Roast the pork in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the pork from the oven and baste with the reserved marinade.

Step 7

Return the pork to the oven and continue to roast for an additional 15 minutes, basting every 5 minutes until the pork is cooked through with a slightly sticky glaze.

Step 8

Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Slice into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle with salt before serving.

Step 9

Enjoy your sugar-free Char Siu with your choice of sides or use as a filling for bao buns.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1220.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1506.8

Total Fat 47.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 10.4g
Cholesterol 616.9mg	0%
Sodium 10632.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 30.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.1g	0%
Total Sugars 0.5g
Protein 236.2g	0%

Vitamin D 72.6IU	0%
Calcium 166.9mg	0%
Iron 12.8mg	0%
Potassium 4636.1mg	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: 28.5%

Protein: 63.3%

Carbs: 8.1%