Recipes Char Siu

Char Siu, also known as Chinese BBQ Pork, is a popular Cantonese dish characterized by its sweet and savory flavor profile. Traditionally, Char Siu is made with pork shoulder or pork belly, marinated in a rich blend of soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder. The meat is then roasted until it develops a beautiful caramelized exterior, making it both flavorful and visually appealing. This dish is commonly served in Chinese restaurants but is also easy to prepare at home. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of making Char Siu, including the necessary ingredients, preparation steps, tips, variations, calorie information, and a conclusion.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 2 pounds (900g) pork shoulder or pork belly
• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons sugar (preferably brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or sherry
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (optional, for traditional red color)

For Basting:

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon hot water

Preparation and Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork:

   • Cut the pork shoulder or belly into long strips, about 2 inches wide. This helps the meat cook evenly and allows the marinade to penetrate more effectively.

2. Make the Marinade:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, sugar, rice wine, Chinese five-spice powder, sesame oil, minced garlic, and optional red food coloring. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

3. Marinate the Pork:

   • Add the pork strips to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to infuse deeply into the meat.

4. Roast the Pork:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the marinated pork strips on the wire rack, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
   • Roast the pork for about 25-30 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through the cooking time.

5. Baste and Finish:

   • While the pork is roasting, mix the honey and hot water to make the basting sauce. After the initial 25-30 minutes of roasting, remove the pork from the oven and brush it generously with the honey mixture.
   • Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and return the pork to the oven. Roast for an additional 10-15 minutes, basting and turning the pork every 5 minutes to develop a sticky, caramelized glaze.

6. Rest and Slice:

   • Once the pork is beautifully caramelized, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist meat.

Tips

• Marinating: The longer you marinate the pork, the more flavorful it will be. Overnight marination is ideal.
• Cooking Method: If you have access to a charcoal grill, consider grilling the pork over indirect heat for an authentic smoky flavor.
• Red Food Coloring: Traditional Char Siu has a reddish hue. While the food coloring is optional, it does give the dish its characteristic look.

Variations

• Chicken Char Siu: Substitute pork with chicken thighs or drumsticks for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian Char Siu: Use firm tofu or seitan instead of meat, marinating and roasting as you would with pork.
• Char Siu Sauce: If you're short on time, you can use store-bought Char Siu sauce as a marinade. However, making it from scratch offers a more authentic flavor.

Calorie Information

The calorie content of Char Siu can vary depending on the cut of pork used and the amount of marinade absorbed. On average, a 3.5-ounce (100g) serving of Char Siu contains approximately 290-350 calories. Pork belly tends to be higher in calories due to its fat content, while pork shoulder is a leaner option.

Conclusion

Char Siu is a delightful dish that combines the richness of pork with a sweet and savory marinade, resulting in a deliciously caramelized exterior. Whether served with rice, noodles, or as part of a larger meal, Char Siu is sure to impress. By following this recipe, you can enjoy the authentic taste of Chinese BBQ pork in the comfort of your home. With the added tips and variations, you can customize the dish to suit your preferences, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.