Whole30 Cha Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)

Experience a flavorful twist on a classic with this Whole30 Cha Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) recipe! Perfectly tender pork tenderloins are marinated in a sweet and savory blend of coconut aminos, pineapple juice, almond butter, and aromatic spices like Chinese five spice and ginger powder, then roasted to perfection. This healthier take on traditional cha siu is free of soy, refined sugar, and gluten, making it fully compliant with Whole30 while retaining all the signature flavors of Chinese BBQ. Finished with a glossy homemade sauce and garnished with fresh green onions, this dish makes a stunning centerpiece for dinner or meal prep. Ready in just over an hour, it’s an easy, wholesome option that’s sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Pork tenderloin
• 0.5 cup Coconut aminos
• 0.25 cup Pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Almond butter
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Ginger powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
• 1 teaspoon Sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 3 slices, for garnish Green onions

Directions

Step 1

Start by trimming any excess fat off the pork tenderloins. Set aside.

Step 2

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the coconut aminos, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, almond butter, garlic powder, ginger powder, Chinese five spice powder, sea salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. This will serve as the marinade and sauce.

Step 4

Place the pork tenderloins in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the pork, ensuring all surfaces are coated. Reserve the other half of the marinade for cooking.

Step 5

Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate the pork in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 7

Remove the pork from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Place the pork on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet.

Step 8

Roast the pork in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 9

Meanwhile, transfer the reserved marinade to a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 10

After 25 minutes, remove the pork from the oven and brush generously with the thickened marinade. Return the pork to the oven and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Step 11

Let the cooked pork rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 12

Serve the sliced Whole30 Cha Siu garnished with sliced green onions. Enjoy the delicious and healthy take on Chinese BBQ pork!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1174.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1609.8

Total Fat 48.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.4g
Cholesterol 616.9mg	0%
Sodium 7537.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 45.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.6g	0%
Total Sugars 34.6g
Protein 231.4g	0%

Vitamin D 72.6IU	0%
Calcium 177.2mg	0%
Iron 12.0mg	0%
Potassium 4597.6mg	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: 28.1%

Protein: 60.2%

Carbs: 11.8%