Whole30 Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)

Elevate your healthy eating game with this irresistible Whole30 Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) recipe, a deliciously wholesome twist on the classic Chinese dish. Featuring tender pork tenderloin marinated in a rich, sweet-savory blend of coconut aminos, sesame oil, grated ginger, and a touch of date paste for natural sweetness, this recipe offers all the bold, aromatic flavors of traditional char siu without the added sugars or soy. Oven-roasted to juicy perfection and optionally broiled for that signature caramelized glaze, this Whole30-compliant version is perfect for your Paleo-friendly menu. It's easy to prepare, with just 15 minutes of hands-on prep time, and ideal for pairing with sides like cauliflower rice or stir-fried veggies. Garnished with fresh chopped chives, this Chinese BBQ pork masterpiece is sure to impress at family dinners or meal-prep sessions alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Pork tenderloin
• 0.5 cup Coconut aminos
• 2 tbsp Rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp Sesame oil
• 1 tbsp Ginger, grated
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp Date paste
• 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
• 0.5 tsp Red food coloring (optional for color)
• 2 tbsp Chives, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Begin by slicing the pork tenderloin into long strips, about 1 inch thick.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, combine coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, date paste, Chinese five-spice powder, and optional red food coloring. Mix well to create the marinade.

Step 3

Place the pork strips into a sealable plastic bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the pork. Ensure all pieces are well covered. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 4

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. This helps roast the pork evenly.

Step 5

Remove the pork from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Place the pork strips on the wire rack.

Step 6

Roast the pork in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning midway through cooking until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).

Step 7

Optional: If you want a caramelized finish, broil the pork on high for an additional 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Step 8

Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 9

Garnish sliced pork with chopped chives before serving. Serve with your favorite Whole30 sides such as cauliflower rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(677.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	988.5

Total Fat 29.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.1g
Cholesterol 308.4mg	0%
Sodium 3671.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 59.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.3g	0%
Total Sugars 50.5g
Protein 113.5g	0%

Vitamin D 36.3IU	0%
Calcium 70.0mg	0%
Iron 6.1mg	0%
Potassium 2424.2mg	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: 27.8%

Protein: 47.2%

Carbs: 24.9%