Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

ChineseAuthentic Cuisine

Char Siu

Serves 4 to 6 Entree meat

Char Siu

Char Siu, or Chinese barbecue pork, finds its roots in the bustling streets of Cantonese cities, where roast shops display their glistening meats like precious gems. This dish, traditionally enjoyed at celebratory gatherings or simply as a family treat, captures the essence of communal dining, inviting everyone to share in its deliciousness. Here, we bring that experience home, translating the bustling shop's whispers into a kitchen's hum.

The allure of Char Siu lies in its lacquered exterior and tender bite, a symphony of sweet and savory. The pork should glisten with a sticky sheen from honey and char siu sauce, while five-spice and hoisin lend complexity. It's a dance of flavors, each bite a harmonious blend of salt, spice, and caramelized richness, best savored with loved ones around the table.

Ingredients

  • 800 gpork shoulder
  • 2 tbspchar siu sauce
  • 1 tbsphoney
  • 1 tbspsoy sauce
  • 1 tbsphoisin
  • 1 tspfive-spice
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Begin by cutting the 800 g pork shoulder into long strips, about 2 inches wide. This size allows the meat to cook evenly and absorb the marinade thoroughly. Season the meat with a generous pinch of fine sea salt and 1 tsp of five-spice powder, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This step enhances the flavor and tenderizes the meat.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tbsp char siu sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp hoisin. Stir until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Place the pork strips into the bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
  3. Remove the marinated pork from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps the meat cook more evenly. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil to coat the bottom. Once the oil is shimmering, add the pork strips, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
  4. Brown the pork on all sides, turning occasionally, until each piece is deeply colored. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. The caramelization from the honey and sauces will create a rich, flavorful crust on the meat.
  5. Transfer the browned pork to a baking dish if using a skillet. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Pour any remaining marinade over the pork and cover the dish with foil. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pork is tender and the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F). The meat should be juicy and the marinade should have thickened slightly.
  6. Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful meat. Taste a small piece and adjust with more fine sea salt if necessary.
  7. Serve the Char Siu with steamed rice, fresh bread, or a crisp salad. The sweet and savory flavors of the pork pair beautifully with these sides, making it a perfect dish for sharing at the table.
Cover of Authentic Chinese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Chinese Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Chinese Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Chinese volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

Explore Chinese cuisine