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Char Siu, also known as Chinese BBQ pork, is a flavorful and tender dish that adds a delicious touch to many meals. Making it at home allows you to customize the flavors and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. This guide will walk you through the steps to prepare authentic homemade Chinese Char Siu pork.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 pound pork shoulder or pork loin
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maltose
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional for traditional color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Preparation Steps
Start by slicing the pork into strips or a suitable shape for roasting. In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, five-spice powder, garlic, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. If you want the classic red color, add a few drops of red food coloring. Mix well to create the marinade.
Place the pork pieces into a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the pork from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place the pork on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with foil to catch drips.
Roast the pork for about 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through. During cooking, brush the pork with additional marinade or honey to enhance the glaze and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooked, let the Char Siu rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it over steamed rice, in noodle bowls, or as part of a dim sum platter. It also makes a great filling for buns or wraps.
Enjoy your homemade Chinese Char Siu pork as a flavorful addition to your favorite dishes or as a standalone treat!