Description

Char Siu is a Cantonese classic featuring tender strips of pork marinated in a sweet, savory, and slightly smoky sauce, then roasted until sticky, caramelized, and full of umami flavor. It’s perfect served over rice, in buns, or as part of your favorite stir-fry!

Ingredients

2 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into long strips (about 2 inches wide)

For the marinade:

¼ cup hoisin sauce
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup honey or maltose
2 tbsp Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp five-spice powder
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp red food coloring (optional for authentic red color)

Instructions

1️⃣ Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients until smooth.

2️⃣ Marinate the pork: Place pork strips in a large zip-top bag or bowl. Pour in marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Marinate in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight.

3️⃣ Preheat oven: Set to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top. Arrange pork strips on the rack, reserving leftover marinade.

4️⃣ Roast: Roast pork for 25 minutes. Flip pieces and brush with reserved marinade. Roast another 15–20 minutes, or until deeply caramelized and slightly charred.

5️⃣ Glaze and finish: Brush with additional honey during the last 5 minutes for extra gloss. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Slice thin and serve over steamed rice, in bao buns, or in noodle soup.
Freeze cooked pork in portions for easy future meals.

Add red fermented tofu (nam yu) to the marinade for traditional depth of flavor.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 40–45 min