Char Siu Pork is a yummy and sweet Chinese dish made with tender pork marinated in a tasty blend of soy sauce, honey, and five-spice powder. It’s grilled or roasted to perfection!
This dish is great on its own but works wonderfully in sandwiches or rice bowls. I love how the sweet glaze makes every bite feel like a little treat. You’ll keep coming back for more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is ideal for Char Siu due to its fat content, which keeps the meat juicy. If you prefer leaner meat, pork loin works too, but it may be a bit drier. For a different flavor, try using chicken thighs or beef brisket.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness, especially if you’re sensitive to sodium. If you want a gluten-free version, tamari is a good option. Coconut aminos offer a sweeter, soy-free alternative.
Hoisin Sauce: If you don’t have hoisin sauce, try a mix of soy sauce, peanut butter, and a bit of sugar. This mimics the sweet and savory taste. Adjust the ratios to suit your preference.
Chinese Rice Wine: Dry sherry is a wonderful substitute if you can’t find rice wine. In a pinch, you can replace it with white wine or even apple cider vinegar, which adds acidity.
Five-Spice Powder: If you don’t have this spice blend, mixing cinnamon, star anise, cloves, fennel seed, and ginger in equal parts can give a similar flavor. Just adjust to your taste!
How Do I Marinate the Pork Properly?
Marinating is crucial for flavor and tenderness. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- Place the pork shoulder in a resealable bag or dish and pour the marinade over it. Make sure every part of the pork is covered.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible – this allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
Remember, the longer the marinating time, the more intense the flavor will be!
What’s the Best Way to Achieve That Caramelized Finish?
Getting that beautiful caramelized exterior is all about careful basting and temperature control:
- When you place the pork in the oven, set a timer to baste it every 10 minutes with the reserved marinade. This builds a rich glaze.
- For the final touch, turn on the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end. Keep a close eye, as it can burn quickly. Rotate the pork if necessary for even charring.
This technique will give your Char Siu Pork a delightful caramelized crust that’s packed with flavor!
How to Make Char Siu Pork
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Marinade:
- 2 lb pork shoulder (or pork loin)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 1/2 tsp red food coloring (optional, for color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
For Garnishing:
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced scallions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus a minimum of 4 hours for marinating, ideally overnight. The cooking itself takes about 30 minutes, making a total of around 4 hours and 45 minutes, mostly for marinating time. Your patience will be rewarded with delicious flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice wine, sugar, five-spice powder, red food coloring (if you want a vibrant color), minced garlic, and ginger. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This will be your flavorful marinade!
2. Marinate the Pork:
Take your pork shoulder and place it in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring every bit is well coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Pop it in the fridge and let the pork marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor!
3. Preheat the Oven:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help caramelize the marinade beautifully.
4. Bake the Pork:
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Take the pork out of the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off (you’ll keep the marinade for basting later). Set the pork on the wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Be sure to baste the pork with the reserved marinade every 10 minutes so it stays juicy and tasty!
5. Get a Charred Finish (Optional):
If you love a charred look, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. You want that perfect char without charring the entire piece!
6. Slice and Serve:
When the pork is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps to keep it juicy. After resting, slice the pork into thin pieces. Arrange on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced scallions. Serve it with steamed rice or in a bun, and enjoy your delicious Char Siu Pork!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork for Char Siu?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is traditional, you can also use pork loin or tenderloin. Just keep in mind that pork loin is leaner, so it may require less cooking time to avoid drying out. Aim for a similar cooking time, checking for a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
What Can I Substitute for Chinese Rice Wine?
If you don’t have Chinese rice wine, dry sherry is a great substitute! Alternatively, you can use white wine or even apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile, but use a slightly lesser amount since vinegar can be quite strong.
How Should I Store Leftover Char Siu Pork?
Store leftover Char Siu Pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain moisture, you can drizzle a little of the reserved marinade over the pork before sealing it. Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave, to avoid drying it out.
Can I Prepare the Marinade in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you’re ready to marinate the pork, give it a good stir as some ingredients may settle. This can save you time on busy days!
