Char siu pork, also known as Chinese barbecued pork, is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. The name “char siu” literally translates to “fork roast” because traditionally, the pork was skewered with long forks and grilled over an open fire. This delicious, sweet and savory dish is characterized by its vibrant red color and juicy, tender meat.

To make char siu pork, you will need a few key ingredients. The main ingredient is pork, preferably lean cuts such as pork shoulder or tenderloin. The pork is marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, Chinese five spice powder, and other seasonings. This marinade infuses the meat with its distinct flavors and helps to tenderize it.

After marinating, the pork is usually roasted in the oven until it is cooked through and caramelized on the outside. Some recipes also call for grilling the pork over charcoal or broiling it for a smoky flavor. Once cooked, the char siu pork can be sliced and served as a main dish, added to stir-fries, or used as a filling in steamed buns or sandwiches.

Whether you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine or simply looking to try something new, learning how to cook char siu pork is a great way to explore the diverse flavors of Chinese cooking. With its sticky, caramelized glaze and tender, juicy meat, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. So why not give it a try and bring a taste of China to your own kitchen?

What is Char Siu Pork?

Char siu pork, also known as Chinese barbecued pork, is a popular dish in Cantonese cuisine. It is made by marinating and roasting pork with a flavorful sauce, resulting in tender and juicy meat with a sticky and glossy glaze. The term “char siu” literally translates to “fork-roasted” because traditionally, long strips of seasoned pork were skewered with fork-like utensils and roasted over an open fire.

The key to making delicious char siu pork lies in the marinade. It typically consists of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, garlic, and sometimes other ingredients like oyster sauce or fermented red bean curd. This marinade infuses the pork with complex sweet, savory, and umami flavors.

Char siu pork can be enjoyed in different ways. It is often served on its own as a main dish, either sliced or diced, and garnished with green onions or sesame seeds. It can also be used as a filling in various Chinese dishes, such as baozi (steamed buns), fried rice, or noodles. The versatility and deliciousness of char siu pork make it a beloved dish in Chinese cuisine that is enjoyed by people all over the world.


Traditional ingredients for Char Siu Pork

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Traditional ingredients for Char Siu Pork

Char Siu Pork is a popular Chinese dish that is known for its succulent, flavorful meat. The traditional recipe for Char Siu Pork calls for a specific set of ingredients that helps create its unique taste and texture. These ingredients include:

1. Pork

The primary ingredient for Char Siu Pork is, of course, pork. The most commonly used cut of pork is pork loin or pork shoulder. The meat should be well-marbled and have a good amount of fat to ensure tenderness and juiciness.

2. Marinade

The marinade is a crucial component of Char Siu Pork as it delivers the distinct sweet and savory flavors. The traditional marinade includes ingredients such as soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, honey or sugar, Chinese five-spice powder, minced garlic, and red fermented bean curd.

These ingredients are combined to create a rich, sticky marinade that coats the pork and infuses it with its signature taste.

3. Red Bean Curd

Red fermented bean curd is an essential ingredient in Char Siu Pork. It adds depth of flavor and a reddish color to the dish. The fermented bean curd is mashed and mixed into the marinade to create a unique umami taste.

4. Optional Ingredients

While the above ingredients are the traditional ones used in Char Siu Pork, there are variations that include additional ingredients. Some recipes call for Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, or maltose syrup to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.

It’s important to note that while the ingredients are important, the cooking technique and time are equally crucial for achieving the perfect Char Siu Pork.

Step-by-step guide on how to make Char Siu Pork

Char Siu Pork is a popular Chinese dish that is known for its sweet and savory flavor. It is traditionally made by marinating and then roasting slices of pork in a special sauce. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to make delicious Char Siu Pork at home.

Ingredients:

Ingredients Quantity
Pork shoulder or tenderloin 1 pound
Hoisin sauce 3 tablespoons
Soy sauce 3 tablespoons
Honey 2 tablespoons
Chinese five spice powder 1 teaspoon
Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
Red food coloring (optional) few drops
Sesame oil 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Start by preparing the marinade. In a bowl, mix together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Chinese five spice powder, garlic powder, red food coloring (if desired), sesame oil, and salt. Stir until well combined.
  2. Cut the pork into long, thin slices. Make sure they are of even thickness to ensure even cooking.
  3. Place the pork slices in a shallow dish or a large resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the pork, making sure to coat each slice thoroughly. Allow the pork to marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for more intense flavor.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  5. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This will help the pork cook evenly and allow the excess marinade to drip off.
  6. Arrange the marinated pork slices on the wire rack, leaving some space between each slice.
  7. Bake the pork in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until it is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges, flipping the slices halfway through.
  8. Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
  9. Serve the Char Siu Pork with steamed rice or noodles. It can also be used as a filling in sandwiches or added to stir-fries for extra flavor.
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Enjoy your homemade Char Siu Pork!

Tips and tricks for cooking Char Siu Pork

Char Siu Pork is a popular Cantonese dish known for its juicy and flavorful meat. Below are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the best results when cooking Char Siu Pork:

1. Choosing the right cut of meat:

The most commonly used cut of meat for Char Siu is pork shoulder or pork belly. These cuts have a good balance of fat and meat, which helps to keep the pork juicy during the cooking process.

2. Marinating the meat:

Marinating the meat is crucial for infusing it with the distinct sweet and savory flavors of Char Siu. The traditional marinade consists of ingredients like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, Chinese five spice powder, and garlic. It is recommended to marinate the meat for at least 2 hours, but overnight marination will give you the best results.

3. Basting the meat:

During the cooking process, basting the meat with the leftover marinade helps to enhance the flavor and creates a beautiful glaze on the pork. Baste the meat every 10 minutes to ensure it is coated evenly.

4. Cooking method:

Char Siu Pork can be cooked using various methods such as grilling, roasting, or barbecuing. The traditional method involves roasting the marinated pork in the oven at a high temperature for a short amount of time, followed by a lower temperature to ensure the meat cooks through without drying out.

5. Resting the meat:

Once the meat is cooked, it is important to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat tender and juicy.

With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to cook delicious and authentic Char Siu Pork at home. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions for Char Siu Pork

Char Siu Pork is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance the flavors of this delicious Chinese dish:

  1. Slice the Char Siu Pork and serve it with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
  2. Make a Char Siu Pork sandwich by layering the sliced pork on a crusty bread roll, adding some pickled vegetables, and drizzling with hoisin sauce.
  3. Use the Char Siu Pork as a filling for dumplings or buns. The succulent and flavorful meat will elevate traditional dumplings to a new level.
  4. Add the sliced Char Siu Pork to a vibrant green salad. The sweet and smoky flavors of the pork will provide a delightful contrast to the fresh greens.
  5. Create a Char Siu Pork fried rice by combining diced pork with cooked rice, scrambled eggs, and your choice of vegetables. Season with soy sauce and serve hot.
  6. For a unique twist, use the Char Siu Pork as a topping for pizzas. The combination of the smoky pork with the melted cheese creates a fusion of flavors that is truly mouthwatering.
  7. Make Char Siu Pork sliders by serving small pieces of the meat on mini buns. Top with sliced cucumbers, cilantro, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a delicious bite-sized treat.
  8. Serve the Char Siu Pork alongside some steamed buns and a selection of dipping sauces. Let your guests assemble their own buns by adding the succulent pork and their preferred condiments.
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These serving suggestions will surely elevate your Char Siu Pork to a new level and impress your family and friends with a unique and flavorful meal.

Q&A

What is char siu pork?

Char siu pork is a popular Chinese dish made with marinated and roasted pork. It has a sweet and savory flavor and a bright red color.

What is the best cut of pork to use for char siu pork?

The best cut of pork to use for char siu pork is pork shoulder or pork butt. These cuts have a good balance of meat and fat, which helps to keep the meat tender and juicy during the cooking process.

What ingredients are used in the marinade for char siu pork?

The marinade for char siu pork typically includes soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, Chinese five spice powder, garlic, and red food coloring.

How do you cook char siu pork?

To cook char siu pork, you start by marinating the pork in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, Chinese five spice powder, garlic, and red food coloring for at least 2 hours or overnight. Then, you roast the marinated pork in the oven at 180°C for about 40-45 minutes, basting it with the marinade every 10 minutes. Once cooked, you can slice the pork and serve it with rice or noodles.