Vegetarian Charsiew (Chinese BBQ Pork)

Indulge in the rich, smoky-sweet flavors of traditional Chinese BBQ pork with this delightful plant-based twist on *Vegetarian Charsiew*. Using firm tofu and shredded oyster mushrooms as the perfect meat substitutes, this innovative recipe delivers an irresistible balance of texture and taste. Marinated in a savory blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, five-spice powder, and brown sugar, these tender strips are oven-baked to perfection and caramelized to achieve that signature sticky glaze. Optional red food coloring captures the authentic look of classic charsiew, while a garnish of green onions and toasted sesame seeds adds freshness and crunch. Ready in under an hour, this dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or pillowy bao buns, making it a versatile choice for a satisfying vegetarian meal. Ideal for fans of Asian cuisine looking for a flavorful, meat-free alternative, this recipe is sure to impress even the most devoted BBQ lovers.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 g firm tofu
• 150 g oyster mushrooms
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp five-spice powder
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• 1 drop red food coloring (optional)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2

Cut the firm tofu into rectangular strips approximately 1 cm thick.

Step 3

Shred the oyster mushrooms into thin strips, matching the size of the tofu for even cooking.

Step 4

In a mixing bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, five-spice powder, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.

Step 5

Add a drop of red food coloring into the marinade if you desire the traditional red hue of charsiew. Mix to combine.

Step 6

Place the tofu and mushroom strips into the marinade, gently tossing to ensure they're well coated. Let them marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 7

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly brush with vegetable oil. Arrange the marinated tofu and mushrooms in a single layer on the sheet.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 9

In the last 5 minutes of baking, increase the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F) to caramelize the marinade, making sure to watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 10

Once cooked, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Step 11

Serve the vegetarian charsiew with steamed rice or inside bao buns for a delicious meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(704.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	956.7

Total Fat 65.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 23.2g
Cholesterol 1.0mg	0%
Sodium 1834.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 58.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.1g	0%
Total Sugars 34.4g
Protein 53.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 773.7mg	0%
Iron 9.8mg	0%
Potassium 1485.8mg	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: 56.6%

Protein: 20.7%

Carbs: 22.7%