Authentic Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)

Name: Authentic Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1540 min
Total time: 1555 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1.35 kg pork scotch fillet or pork shoulder; 0.25 cup honey; 0.25 cup hoisin sauce; 2 tbsp extra honey; 2 tbsp light soy sauce; 1.5 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 tsp red food colouring; 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder

Master the art of making sticky, sweet, and savory Char Siu at home with this foolproof recipe. Perfectly caramelized pork shoulder is marinated in a rich blend of five-spice and hoisin for that iconic Cantonese flavor.

Servings6 Portions

Prep Time15 Mins

Cook Time1540 Mins

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ingredients

pork scotch fillet or pork shoulder
1.4 kg
honey
0.3 cup
hoisin sauce
0.3 cup
extra honey
2 tbsp
light soy sauce
2 tbsp
brown sugar
1.5 tbsp
soy sauce
1 tbsp
vegetable oil
1 tbsp
red food colouring
2 tsp
Chinese five-spice powder
1 tsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the pork by cutting the shoulder or scotch fillet into long, even strips approximately 2-3 inches wide. This ensures even marinating and cooking.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, hoisin sauce, light soy sauce, regular soy sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, oil, and red food coloring. Whisk until the sugar is mostly dissolved.

Place the pork strips into a heavy-duty zip-lock bag or a non-reactive container. Pour the marinade over the meat, seal tightly, and massage to coat. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours, though 48 hours is ideal for maximum flavor depth.

When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Line a deep baking tray with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and set a wire roasting rack on top.

Remove the pork from the marinade, making sure to reserve all the liquid. Arrange the pork strips on the wire rack and roast in the center of the oven for 30 minutes.