Char Siu (BBQ Pork)

Description

Char Siu, a Chinese barbecue delicacy, features succulent pork marinated in a sweet and savoury blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder. Slow-roasted or grilled to perfection, the result is tender, caramelised pork with a distinctive red hue. Char Siu is a flavourful, aromatic delight often served in slices or as a filling in various Chinese dishes.

Ingredients

500g boneless pork shoulder (or pork loin) cut into long strips

3 tablespoons hoisin sauce

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon five-spice powder

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon grated ginger

Red food colouring (optional, for the traditional red hue)

Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, five-spice powder, minced garlic, and grated ginger. If you want the traditional red color, add a few drops of red food coloring.
Place the pork strips in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the pork is well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for the best flavour.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Remove the marinated pork from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Thread the pork strips onto skewers or use a roasting rack.
Roast the pork in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning and basting with the marinade every 10 minutes. The pork should be cooked through with a slightly caramelized exterior.
If desired, grill the pork for an additional 2-3 minutes to get a nice char.
Remove the Char Siu from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin pieces.
Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve the Char Siu over rice or as a filling for buns.
Enjoy your homemade Char Siu with its sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors! Adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your liking.