**** is a classic Cantonese dish known for its sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavor. The pork is marinated in a rich mixture of honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice, then roasted or grilled to create its signature red, glossy glaze.

Char Siu can be served as a main dish, in fried rice, noodles, or as a filling for buns (bao), making it one of the most versatile and beloved Chinese BBQ recipes.


📝 Ingredients

For the Pork:

500 g pork shoulder or pork loin (preferably with some fat)

2 tbsp hoisin sauce

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp honey

1 tbsp oyster sauce

1 tbsp Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)

1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder

1 clove garlic (minced)

½ tsp red food coloring (optional, for traditional red glaze)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Marinate the Pork

In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, five-spice powder, garlic, and optional red food coloring.

Add pork and coat evenly.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.

2. Prepare for Roasting

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top.

Place marinated pork on the rack, letting excess marinade drip onto the foil.

3. Roast the Pork

Roast for 25–30 minutes.

Brush with extra marinade every 10 minutes to build a glossy glaze.

Optional: for extra caramelization, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

4. Rest and Slice

Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes.

Slice thinly across the grain for serving.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Char Siu is delicious in multiple ways:

Serve with steamed rice 🍚 and stir-fried vegetables

Use in fried rice or noodles 🍜

Fill bao buns or dumplings 🥟

Add as a topping for ramen or congee 🍲

📝 Pro Tips for Perfect Char Siu

Pork shoulder gives a juicy, tender result due to its fat content.

Marinating overnight enhances flavor and color.

Brush with marinade during roasting for a sticky, caramelized glaze.

Avoid overcooking — pork should be tender, not dry.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet, savory, and aromatic with a rich Cantonese BBQ flavor

Sticky, glossy finish that looks as good as it tastes

Perfect for meals, snacks, or special occasions

Versatile — works in rice, noodles, buns, and more

Char Siu (BBQ Pork) brings the taste of Cantonese street food and restaurants to your kitchen. Juicy, tender, and sticky-sweet — it’s a showstopper on any plate.

Do you want me to give a Char Siu marinade recipe for slow cooker or air fryer for an easy alternative? 🐖🔥