Barbecued Pork Chinese Style
Sweet and savory Chinese-style barbecued pork tenderloin glazed with honey, soy, and spices, perfect for flavorful slices at family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Remove fat from the pork tenderloins.
- Combine soy sauce, red wine, brown sugar, honey, red food coloring (if using), cinnamon, crushed garlic, and green onion in a bowl.
- Place pork in a large bowl and pour marinade over, turning to coat completely.
- Cover and let stand at room temperature for 1 hour or refrigerate overnight, turning occasionally.
- Drain the pork and reserve the marinade.
- Place the pork on a wire rack set over a baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven until done, about 45 minutes.
- Turn the pork and baste frequently during baking.
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before slicing diagonally like London broil.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the pork overnight. If you don't have dry red wine, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or additional soy sauce. Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or sugar based on your preference. For a slightly spicier kick, consider incorporating a dash of chili flakes or Szechuan peppercorns into the marinade.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecued pork pairs beautifully with Cantonese Salad or steamed rice. Serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. You can also slice the pork thinly and use it as a filling for bao buns or in a noodle stir-fry for an exciting twist. Don't forget to drizzle some reserved marinade over the top for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover barbecued pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the pork and warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. For longer storage, consider freezing the pork in slices for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecued Pork Chinese Style contains roughly 160 calories, with 3g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2053mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pork shoulder or loin if tenderloin is unavailable. Just adjust the cooking time, as these cuts may require longer to become tender. Make sure to monitor the internal temperature to ensure it's cooked properly.
Is the red food coloring necessary?
The red food coloring is optional and primarily for aesthetic purposes to achieve that signature barbecued look. If you prefer a more natural approach, you can skip it, as the flavors will remain delicious without it.
What can I serve with barbecued pork?
Barbecued pork goes well with a variety of dishes. Consider pairing it with fried rice, such as Pork, Shrimp, Ham Fried Rice, or serve it alongside a refreshing cucumber and meat slices dish to balance the richness of the pork.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).