Easy Recipe for Homemade Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) from I Am A Food Blog

Easy Recipe for Homemade Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) from I Am A Food Blog

# The Comfort of Char Siu: A Comprehensive Guide to Chinese BBQ Pork

When discussing comfort cuisine, few recipes can compare to a steaming bowl of fluffy rice adorned with shiny slices of Chinese BBQ pork, referred to as char siu. This dish, with its blend of sweet and savory tastes, has secured its place in many homes, including those of my partner Mike and myself. Be it ordering takeout from our preferred Chinese BBQ spot or crafting a homemade variant, char siu is invariably a gratifying option.

## What is Char Siu?

Char siu, translating to “fork roasted,” is a classic Cantonese delicacy made from marinated pork, often using pork shoulder or butt. The meat is enveloped in a sweet and savory marinade that usually features ingredients such as honey, soy sauce, and five-spice powder, and then roasted until it develops a caramelized, sticky finish. The outcome is succulent, tender pork that complements a bowl of white rice beautifully.

![Char Siu](https://iamafoodblog.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/how-to-make-char-siu-1848-2.jpg)

## Preparing Char Siu at Home

While ordering char siu from a restaurant is convenient, creating it at home can be equally fulfilling, allowing for personal adjustments. Below is a simple recipe to help you get started:

### Ingredients

– **2 tbsp honey**
– **2 tbsp hoisin sauce**
– **1 tbsp soy sauce**
– **2 tsp Shaoxing wine (optional)**
– **2 cloves garlic, slightly crushed**
– **1 inch ginger, chopped**
– **1/2 tsp five-spice powder (optional)**
– **1/4 tsp white pepper (optional)**
– **1 lb pork butt/shoulder, sliced into strips**
– **2 tbsp honey (for glazing)**

### Instructions

1. **Slice the Pork**: Cut the pork into long strips, each at least 3 inches in width.
2. **Marinate**: In a mixing bowl, combine honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, garlic, ginger, five-spice powder, and white pepper. Massage this marinade into the pork and let it sit in the fridge for a minimum of an hour, ideally overnight.
3. **Roast**: Preheat your oven to a low temperature (approximately 300°F or 150°C). Set the marinated pork on a wire rack over a baking sheet and roast until fully cooked, generally around 45 minutes to an hour.
4. **Prepare the Glaze**: In a small saucepan, heat the remaining marinade and extra honey until it boils to create a glaze.
5. **Brush and Char**: Generously apply the glaze over the pork and return it to the oven for a few minutes on high heat for a charred effect. Slice and serve atop rice.

## Selecting the Right Cut of Pork

While various cuts may work for char siu, here are some top suggestions:

– **Pork Butt**: Provides a rich, sumptuous taste due to its fat content.
– **Pork Tenderloin**: A leaner alternative that remains tender.
– **Pork Loin**: A cost-effective option that is lean but may be less juicy.
– **Pork Collar (Neck)**: Though rarer, this cut offers a fantastic balance of fat and meat for the finest char siu experience.

## Key Ingredients

To make char siu, you’ll require a few essential ingredients that are readily available in Asian markets or online:

– **Hoisin Sauce**: A thick, sweet condiment that imparts depth and flavor.
– **Shaoxing Wine**: A type of rice wine that boosts the dish’s authenticity.
– **Five-Spice Powder**: Contributes a savory richness to the marinade.
– **White Pepper**: Adds a subtle peppery note without overpowering the dish.

## Why Create Char Siu?

Char siu is not only scrumptious but also a low-effort, high-reward recipe. The sticky glaze and tender meat make it an ideal addition to a range of meals, from rice bowls to sandwiches. If you’re longing for Chinese takeout but wish to enjoy it at home, this recipe is the ideal choice.

## Serving Ideas

Char siu is incredibly adaptable. Here are some suggestions for enjoying it:

– Serve atop **fluffy white rice**.
– Incorporate into **bao buns** for a delightful sandwich.
– Mix with **noodles** for a quick stir-fry.
– Add to **fried rice** for a flavorful twist.

In summary, whether you’re savoring takeout or crafting a homemade meal, char siu is a comforting dish that brings happiness to the dining experience. With its sweet, sticky glaze and tender meat, it’s bound to become a beloved favorite in your home just as it has in mine.