Name: Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 pounds pork belly or pork shoulder; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon Chinese five spice powder; 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or dry sherry; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cube red fermented bean curd (optional); 2 drops red food coloring (optional)

Sticky, glossy, and irresistibly tender, Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu is a classic Cantonese dish that balances savory, sweet, and umami in every bite. Whether enjoyed sliced over steamed rice or tucked into fluffy bao buns, this pork belly dish stands out with its caramelized char and ruby-red glaze. It’s the kind of recipe that turns your kitchen into a street food haven, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas and anticipation.

The magic of Char Siu lies in its marinade—a rich blend of soy sauce, hoisin, Chinese five spice, honey, and garlic—that seeps into the meat overnight. Once roasted to sticky perfection, the pork develops a beautiful bark with deep flavor in every layer. Perfect for gatherings or meal prep, it’s a dish that impresses with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu

Authentic Flavors at Home: Recreate that classic Cantonese BBQ taste without leaving your kitchen.
Caramelized Glaze: The sweet-savory lacquer on the pork is everything.
Meal Versatility: Serve it in bao, with rice, noodles, or even in stir-fry.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinate the pork a day before for deeper flavor.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a guaranteed hit at family dinners or cookouts.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Making the perfect Char Siu is about technique and the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining your marinade ingredients smoothly.
Whisk: Helps emulsify the marinade for even coating.
Ziplock Bag or Shallow Dish: For marinating the pork overnight.
Wire Rack + Baking Sheet: Allows heat to circulate and glaze to caramelize evenly.
Aluminum Foil: Makes cleanup a breeze and prevents burning on the pan.
Basting Brush: Crucial for layering that glossy glaze during roasting.

Each tool plays a part in giving your pork that signature Char Siu texture—tender, juicy meat with that sweet-savory crust you crave.

Ingredients for the Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu

Each ingredient in this Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu recipe contributes to its signature bold and balanced flavor:

Pork Belly or Pork Shoulder: This cut provides the ideal mix of fat and meat for juicy, flavorful results.
Soy Sauce: Adds depth and essential umami to the marinade.
Hoisin Sauce: Gives a rich, slightly sweet and tangy base.
Honey: For that sticky, caramelized finish that makes Char Siu so iconic.
Brown Sugar: Boosts sweetness and promotes browning.
Chinese Five Spice Powder: The heart of Char Siu flavor, with notes of cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and Sichuan pepper.
Shaoxing Wine (or dry sherry): Brings a mild fermented aroma that adds complexity.
Garlic: For a punch of savory intensity.
Red Fermented Bean Curd (optional): Used in traditional versions for color and flavor depth.
Red Food Coloring (optional): For that vibrant red hue seen in restaurant-style Char Siu.

How To Make the Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu

Step 1: Create the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, brown sugar, Chinese five spice, Shaoxing wine, and minced garlic until smooth. If using, add mashed red fermented bean curd and a drop of red food coloring.

Step 2: Marinate the Pork

Place your pork strips into a ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal and refrigerate overnight, turning once or twice for even marination.

Step 3: Prep for Roasting

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack over it. Place the marinated pork on the rack, reserving excess marinade for basting.

Step 4: Roast and Baste

Roast pork for 20 minutes, then baste with reserved marinade. Flip and roast for another 15-20 minutes, basting once more. For a sticky finish, broil for 2-3 minutes until charred and glossy.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice against the grain and serve warm with rice, noodles, or your favorite sides.

How to Serve and Store Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu

Char Siu is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Slice it into thin strips and layer over steamed jasmine rice or tuck it into pillowy bao buns with pickled vegetables for an easy street food experience. It also makes a standout protein in stir-fries or noodle bowls. For gatherings, arrange the glistening slices on a platter with a sprinkle of chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds for presentation-worthy flair.

For storing, let the pork cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a covered pan or oven to retain moisture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork?

Yes! While pork belly and shoulder are traditional for their fat content, pork loin works for a leaner version, though it may be slightly less juicy.

Is the red food coloring necessary?

Not at all. It’s purely aesthetic and doesn’t affect taste. For a natural red tint, some recipes use red fermented bean curd or beet juice.

Can I grill Char Siu instead of baking it?

Absolutely! Grilling adds delicious smoky flavor. Just be mindful of basting frequently and turning often to avoid burning.

What sides go well with Char Siu?

Steamed rice, fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, pickled cucumbers, or a crisp Asian slaw all pair beautifully.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes! Marinate up to 24 hours ahead, and you can even roast it the day before and reheat. The flavor only deepens.

How do I prevent the glaze from burning?

Roast at moderate heat and avoid over-basting with sugary marinades. Use foil and rotate the meat as needed. Finish with a quick broil instead of extended high heat.

Want More Asian-Inspired Dinner Ideas?

If this Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu has your tastebuds dancing, check out these other flavor-packed recipes you’ll love:

Honey Garlic Roast Pork Belly Slices for a sweet-savory crispy delight.
Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken when you’re craving tangy and crunchy goodness.
Sticky Honey Garlic Steak Rotini for a hearty, saucy fusion meal.
Bang Bang Chicken to turn up the creamy heat.
Spicy Cheesy Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet for a weeknight kick.

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And when you do, I’d love to know how it turned out! Did you go traditional or add your own twist? Maybe you grilled it instead? Share in the comments!

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