Chinese Barbecue Pork (Char Siu) Recipe - How to Make Chinese-Style BBQ Pork

pork shoulder

🥗Healthier: chicken thigh

💰Cheaper: pork belly

Chicken thigh is lower in fat, while pork belly is often less expensive.

hoisin sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade sauce (soy sauce + peanut butter)

💰Cheaper: soy sauce

Homemade sauce can reduce additives, while soy sauce is widely available.

Chinese five-spice powder

🥗Healthier: cinnamon and star anise

💰Cheaper: mixed spices

Cinnamon and star anise mimic the flavor profile with common spices.

red food coloring

Omit for a natural appearance.

Marinate pork in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, brown sugar, Chinese rice wine, ketchup, crushed garlic, five-spice powder, black pepper, cayenne, and red food coloring for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 275°F to 300°F (135°C to 150°C).

Place marinated pork on a rack over a baking tray.

Roast pork in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 185°F to 190°F (85°C to 88°C).

Turn on broiler and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the surface is caramelized and slightly charred.

Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens