Go Back
+ servings

Authentic Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)

Learn how to make delicious, authentic Chinese BBQ pork (Char Siu) at home with this easy recipe featuring a sweet and savory marinade and a glossy honey glaze.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 5 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 513

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds pork shoulder boneless
  • cup soy sauce
  • ½ cup honey
  • cup Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
  • ¼ cup hoisin sauce
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 teaspoon pink curing salt optional, for authentic color
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey for final glaze

Method
 

  1. Cut the pork shoulder into long strips about 2 inches thick. Trim visible fat if desired, but leaving some will enhance flavor.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice wine, hoisin sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, minced garlic, five-spice powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and curing salt (if using).
  3. Bring marinade to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-high and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Remove from heat and allow marinade to cool completely to room temperature.
  5. Place pork strips in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish and pour 2/3 of the cooled marinade over the meat. Reserve the remaining 1/3 for basting later.
  6. Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight (up to 24 hours) for maximum flavor penetration.
  7. When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350°F/175°C) or preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  8. Remove pork from marinade (discard the used marinade) and pat dry with paper towels.
  9. If grilling: Brush grill grates with oil, then grill pork for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the reserved marinade until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  10. If roasting: Place pork on a rack over a foil-lined baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, turning and basting halfway through cooking.
  11. For the final glaze: Mix 2 tablespoons honey with 1 tablespoon of the reserved marinade and brush over the pork during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  12. Let the meat rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing thinly across the grain.

Nutrition

Calories: 513kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 26gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 2421mgFiber: 1gSugar: 43g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!