Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)
Picture this: It’s a busy weeknight, and your family is hungry, but you want to serve something different from the usual routine. You crave a dish that’s not only quick but also bursting with flavor. Enter Chinese BBQ Pork, also known as Char Siu. This recipe brings the delicious taste of sweet and savory marinated pork to your dinner table, with a rich, caramelized exterior that your family will love. What sets this dish apart is its incredible balance of flavors and textures—juicy, tender pork coated in an exquisite glaze, perfect for a family dinner or a fun appetizer. Plus, it’s easy to prepare! Here’s everything you need to know to make it tonight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Luscious, sweet glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven.
- Ready in about 30 minutes after marinating, making it quick for weeknight meals.
- Feeds a family of 4 for under $15, keeping both your taste buds and budget happy.
- Kid-approved every single time, appealing to even the pickiest eaters.
- Versatile dish—serve it as a snack, in bao buns, or over rice.
- Make-ahead friendly—perfect for meal prepping or entertaining!
Ingredients
For the Pork
- 1 lb pork shoulder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Marinade
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five spice powder
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, five spice powder, garlic, and food coloring until well combined.
- Place the pork shoulder in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Remove the pork from the marinade and place it on the baking sheet. Reserve the marinade for basting.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, basting the pork with the reserved marinade halfway through, until the edges are caramelized.
- Let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve as an appetizer, a snack, or over rice for a full meal.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Marinate longer: For even deeper flavor, marinate the pork overnight.
- Broil for extra char: After baking, broil for a couple of minutes to enhance that caramelization.
- Easy swaps: Use chicken thighs for a lighter version or go keto-friendly by replacing honey with a sugar substitute.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Chinese BBQ Pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short bursts until warm.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be a great substitute, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Marinate the pork the night before and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with this?
Serve with steamed rice, in bao buns, or alongside stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.
I hope you give this Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu) recipe a try! It’s a crowd-pleaser that is sure to bring smiles to your dinner table. If you make it, please leave a comment to let me know how it turned out or rate the recipe. Let’s enjoy delicious home-cooked meals together!
Chinese BBQ Pork
Ingredients
For the Pork
- 1 lb pork shoulder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Marinade
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five spice powder
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, five spice powder, garlic, and food coloring until well combined.
- Place the pork shoulder in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
Cooking
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Remove the pork from the marinade and place it on the baking sheet. Reserve the marinade for basting.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, basting the pork with the reserved marinade halfway through, until the edges are caramelized.
- Let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve as an appetizer, a snack, or over rice for a full meal.