Authentic Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)

Char Siu, also known as Chinese BBQ Pork, is a delicious dish renowned for its mouthwatering combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. This traditional Cantonese barbecue dish features tender strips of pork marinated in a delectable blend of hoisin sauce, honey, and five-spice powder, then roasted to perfection. 

Making Char Siu at home allows you to savor the authentic taste of Chinese barbecue and tweak the flavors just the way you like them. Dive into this easy-to-follow Chinese BBQ pork recipe and bring a taste of deliciously fragrant, homemade Char Siu right to your table.

STEP ONE:

Use a fork to make multiple holes through the surface of the meat

STEP TWO:

Mix ingredients well together and add to meat, reserving about 1/4 for later use. Marinate for 6-12 hrs or overnight in the fridge.

STEP THREE:

To properly monitor the internal temperature of your ingredients, use a ThermoPro Twin TempSpike Plus 600-ft Wireless Dual-Probe Meat Thermometer. Be sure to insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat.

STEP FOUR:

Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). To keep things clean, lay down parchment paper on a baking pan before using. Don’t use foil wrap that will burn because of the sugar in the sauce.

STEP FIVE:

Cook the meat by placing it on the parchment-lined baking pan on the middle rack in the oven.
Bake for 20 minutes, then flip to the other side.

STEP SIX:

Continue to bake for another 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 180°F. Cooking time may be vary depending on how thick the meat is.

STEP SEVEN:

Remove from the oven and flip the meat over. Add a new layer of char siu BBQ sauce onto the meat, then return to the oven. Bake on broil for 5-7 minutes or lightly charred.