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The first time I bit into juicy Char Siu, I was transported to the bustling streets of Hong Kong, where the sweet and savory aroma of BBQ wafts through the air, luring you closer. This iconic Cantonese dish, with its shiny, sticky glaze, isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor. What I love most about making Char Siu at home is the simplicity of the process—just marinate, roast, and glaze. You can transform ordinary pork shoulder into something extraordinary that can be enjoyed over rice, tucked into noodles, or savored on its own.

As someone who appreciates home-cooked goodness, I often turn to this recipe when I’m hoping to impress family or friends without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it an ideal make-ahead option for busy weeknights. Join me as we dive into this flavorful journey, bringing the essence of Cantonese cuisine right to your table!

Why is Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) a must-try?

Juicy Perfection: The secret to tender Char Siu lies in the pork shoulder, ensuring you get that mouthwatering juiciness every time.

Incredible Flavor: The blend of sweet honey glaze, rich soy sauce, and unique spices dances on your palate, creating a complex yet balanced taste.

Easy to Make: With just a few steps—marinate, roast, and glaze—you’ll need minimal effort to achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

Versatile Serving Options: Whether over jasmine rice or nestled in a warm bun, this dish shines in any form, making it perfect for every meal.

Make-Ahead Convenience: Preparing ahead of time? This recipe is freezer-friendly and keeps well, so you can have your favorite dish ready for busy nights.

Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Impress family and friends with this iconic flavors, and watch how quickly it disappears from your table! If you’re interested in more recipes that fit this convenience, check out our delicious make-ahead meals.

Essential Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Ingredients

• Get ready to create an irresistible dish with these key ingredients!

For the Pork

Boneless Pork Shoulder – This cut provides the necessary juiciness and flavor; avoid lean cuts like pork loin.

For the Marinade

Light Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness; white sugar can be used as a substitute.
Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor; remember to use less table salt if needed.
Light Soy Sauce – Brings depth and umami to the dish.
Dark Soy Sauce – Adds rich color and complexity.
Chee Hou Sauce – Infuses a unique flavor; if unavailable, hoisin works well.
Chinese Shaoxing Cooking Wine – Essential for authentic taste, dry sherry can be a suitable alternative.
Fermented Red Bean Curd – Crucial for authentic color and flavor; use hoisin with a hint of red food coloring if in a pinch.
Five Spice Powder – Provides aromatic notes; optional depending on your taste.

For the Glaze

Honey – Balances sweetness and adds that glorious shine.
Granulated Sugar – Helps perfect the glaze; can be swapped for more honey if desired.
Water – Used to achieve the right consistency for your glaze.

Optional Ingredients

Red Food Coloring – Enhances the visual appeal; completely optional for flavor.

Gather these ingredients to embark on your savory adventure of making Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) right from your kitchen!

How to Make Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)

Prepare the Pork: Cut the boneless pork shoulder into long strips, approximately 2-3 inches thick. Place these tasty strips into a resealable bag to marinate and infuse with flavor.
Mix the Marinade: In a bowl, combine all marinade ingredients, breaking up the fermented red bean curd well. Pour this mixture over the pork, ensuring it’s fully coated, and refrigerate for 8-16 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (218°C). Prepare a lined baking sheet with a wire rack on top. Pour a little water underneath the rack to create steam for juicy pork.
Arrange the Pork: Take the marinated pork out of the bag and place it on the wire rack. Reserve any leftover marinade for later basting—it’ll help achieve that sticky glaze!
Roast the Pork: Roast the pork in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. Remember to flip it halfway and baste with the boiled marinade every 15 minutes. Cook until the pork registers an internal temperature of 150°F (65°C).
Prepare the Glaze: Create the honey glaze by mixing honey, granulated sugar, and water. Microwave the mixture until it’s thin and smooth. If desired, add red food coloring for visual appeal.
Glaze the Pork: Once the pork reaches 150°F, generously apply the glaze and put it back in the oven. Baste every 5 minutes until it caramelizes and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Slice and Serve: After removing the pork from the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period helps lock in juices. Slice it against the grain and serve it up!

Optional: Garnish with chopped scallions for a fresh touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) is an excellent option for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week. You can marinate the pork shoulder up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat for a truly savory experience. Simply place the pork in a resealable bag with the marinade, ensuring it’s well-coated, and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. Additionally, any leftovers can be stored in airtight containers for 3-5 days in the fridge or frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, just roast and glaze as instructed, and you’ll have a delightful dish that tastes just as delicious as the day it was made.

Expert Tips for Char Siu

Choose the Right Cut: Opt for boneless pork shoulder for maximum juiciness; avoid leaner cuts like loin, as they can result in dry meat.
Marinating Time Matters: Adjust the marinating time based on the thickness of your pork strips; thicker cuts may need closer to 16 hours for full flavor penetration.
Achieve Perfect Glaze: Baste your pork every 5 minutes after applying the glaze to create that iconic sticky, sweet finish that makes Char Siu so irresistible.
Monitor Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork reaches at least 160°F for safe consumption, ensuring a perfectly cooked and flavorful finish.
Rest Before Slicing: Allow the cooked pork to rest for 10 minutes before slicing; this helps the juices redistribute, keeping your Char Siu tender and juicy.
Use a Wire Rack: Roasting on a wire rack promotes even cooking and air circulation, preventing the meat from becoming soggy while achieving that yummy caramel edge.

Storage Tips for Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)

Fridge: Store leftover Char Siu in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days. This will keep the flavors intact and the pork juicy.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze Char Siu in a tightly wrapped container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, wrap the sliced pork in foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
Marinating Time: You can marinate the pork overnight for deeper flavors if you prefer making your Char Siu ahead of time.

What to Serve with Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)?

Elevate your dining experience by complementing this alluring dish with side pairings that play on its rich, sticky goodness.

Jasmine Rice: The fluffy, aromatic rice absorbs the savory glaze beautifully, creating a satisfying balance to the sweet pork.
Steamed Bok Choy: This leafy green brings a crisp freshness, cutting through the richness with its vibrant flavor. Add a drizzle of soy sauce for extra depth.
Egg Noodles: Soft and slightly chewy, these noodles provide a hearty base that carries the flavors of the Char Siu, making for a comforting bowl.
Pickled Vegetables: The tangy crunch of pickled radishes or cucumbers offers a refreshing contrast, cleansing the palate between bites of flavorful pork.
Coconut Rice: This subtly sweet alternative enhances the dish with its creamy texture, proving a delightful pairing to the savory notes of Char Siu.
Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan): Slightly bitter with a tender stalk, it complements the sweetness of the pork perfectly and adds a pop of color to your plate.
Hot and Sour Soup: A bold soup offers contrasting textures and flavors, a vibrant way to start your meal while adding warmth to your table.
Honey Sesame Chicken Wings: For the adventurous, this finger-licking addition will create a BBQ feast, further indulging in sweet and savory flavors.
Chilled Green Tea: This refreshing drink offsets the rich flavors with its light taste, helping cleanse the palate after each bite.
Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, this sweet treat offers a tropical touch, perfectly wrapping up your delightful Cantonese-inspired meal.

Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs!

Chicken Twist: Use boneless chicken thighs instead of pork for a lighter yet equally flavorful take. The marinade will infuse the chicken with sweet, savory goodness.
Vegetarian Delight: Swap pork for marinated tofu or seitan, allowing the marinade to soak in for a few hours. You’ll achieve a delightful meat-free dish that’s satisfying and vibrant.
Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili paste or Szechuan peppercorns to the marinade for an exciting heat level. This twist will awaken your taste buds with every bite!
Fruit Fun: Incorporate pineapple or mango juice into the marinade for a tropical sweetness. The added fruity notes will elevate the dish to new, bright heights.
Herbal Infusion: Enhance the flavor profile by adding fresh grated ginger or minced garlic to the marinade. These additions will provide aromatic depth and a fragrant finish.
Asian Style: For an extra layer of flavor, serve with a side of sesame broccoli or bok choy. This not only adds texture but celebrates traditional Cantonese accompaniments perfectly.
Glaze Variation: For a unique twist, substitute half the honey in the glaze with maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness that adds richness.
Add Nuts: Toss in some crushed peanuts or sesame seeds when serving for a delightful crunch. This little touch brings unexpected texture and flavor to your Char Siu experience.

Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe FAQs

What is the best cut of pork to use for Char Siu?
Absolutely! The ideal choice for making Char Siu is boneless pork shoulder. It provides that necessary juiciness and flavor that makes this dish so delicious. Avoid using lean cuts like pork loin or tenderloin, as they can dry out during the cooking process.

How should I store leftover Char Siu?
Very! After enjoying your delicious Char Siu, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. This helps keep the flavors intact and the pork juicy.

Can I freeze Char Siu for later use?
Definitely! You can freeze Char Siu in a tightly wrapped container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then wrap the sliced pork in foil and place it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

What should I do if my Char Siu glaze doesn’t caramelize?
If you find that your glaze isn’t caramelizing as expected, don’t worry! Make sure you’re basting it every 5 minutes and that the oven is properly preheated to 425°F. If it still isn’t working, you can also finish the cooking under the broiler for a few minutes to achieve that beautiful sticky finish—just be sure to watch it closely to avoid burning.

Is Char Siu safe for pets?
I recommend avoiding giving Char Siu to pets, especially dogs. The ingredients in the marinade, like soy sauce and various spices, can be harmful to them. Always consult your vet before sharing any human food with your furry friends!

What happens if I marinate the pork for too long?
If you marinate the pork for more than 16 hours, the meat may become too salty or overly soft from the acidity. For best results, aim for the 8-16 hours guideline, adjusting based on the thickness of your pork slices to ensure flavorful penetration without deterioration.