Introduction
If you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine, you’ve probably heard of Char Siu or Chinese BBQ pork. This dish is a staple in Chinese restaurants and is loved for its succulent, sweet, and savory flavors. But did you know that you can make this dish at home? In this article, we’ll show you how to make delicious Chinese BBQ pork in the comfort of your own kitchen.Ingredients
Before we get started, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this dish. You’ll need:- 1 pound of pork belly or pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon of five-spice powder
- 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon of red food coloring (optional)
Preparation
Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to get started. Begin by preparing your pork. Cut the pork belly or shoulder into long, thin strips. Make sure to remove any excess fat. Next, it’s time to marinate the pork. In a bowl, mix together the five-spice powder, hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, and red food coloring (if using). Place the pork in a large Ziploc bag and add the marinade. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the pork until it’s evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).Cooking
When you’re ready to cook the pork, preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Remove the pork from the marinade and place it on the wire rack. Reserve the marinade for later. Bake the pork for 20 minutes, then brush it with the reserved marinade. Flip the pork and brush the other side with the marinade. Bake for another 20 minutes, then remove from the oven.Finishing Touches
To finish off your Chinese BBQ pork, it’s time to give it that characteristic charred look. Turn your oven to broil and move the pork to the top rack. Broil for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the pork is caramelized and slightly charred. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the pork into thin pieces and serve with steamed rice, vegetables, or in a sandwich.Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the perfect Chinese BBQ pork:- Use pork belly for a richer, fattier flavor or use pork shoulder for a leaner option.
- Marinate the pork overnight for maximum flavor.
- Brush the pork with the marinade every 20 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Add red food coloring for that characteristic red color, but it’s optional.
- Be careful not to burn the pork under the broiler.