The Epicurean Express: Char Siu

pork shoulder

🥗Healthier: pork tenderloin

💰Cheaper: pork belly

Pork tenderloin is leaner and lower in calories, while pork belly is often more affordable.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

Low-sodium soy sauce reduces sodium intake.

hoisin sauce

💰Cheaper: plum sauce

Plum sauce can be a budget-friendly alternative.

Select pork neck shoulder with 70% lean meat and 30% fat.

Trim the pork to ensure even fat distribution.

Prepare the marinade with sesame sauce, sweet sauce, sugar, and salt in a 5:1 ratio of sugar to salt.

Massage the marinade into the pork evenly and let it marinate for 45 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 280 degrees Celsius (about 536 degrees Fahrenheit).

Bake the pork for 45 minutes until cooked through.

Increase the oven temperature to 380 degrees Celsius (about 716 degrees Fahrenheit) and cook for an additional 15 minutes to seal in the juices.

Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens