Chinese Barbecued Pork
Chinese Barbecued Pork, or Char Siu, is a flavorful dish featuring tender strips of pork marinated in a sweet and savory blend of soy sauce, honey, and spices. It's perfect for gatherings or a comforting meal, offering a delightful mix of umami and sweetness that appeals to all palates.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut pork into long strips about 2 inches wide and 2 inches thick.
- Soak the first six ingredients for half a day or overnight.
- Rub the meat (at room temperature) with garlic, sugar, and honey.
- Heat oven at 400°.
- Roast the pork for 35 minutes, turning strips over once during the roasting process.
- Remove pork from oven and slice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the pork for a full day instead of just half a day. If you don't have wine, apple juice or rice vinegar can work as a substitute. Use fresh ginger for the best taste, and feel free to adjust the sugar and honey to your desired sweetness. This recipe pairs well with other Chinese recipes like Pork Fried Rice for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve sliced Chinese Barbecued Pork over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal. It also goes well with a refreshing salad or pickled vegetables. For a complete feast, consider pairing it with Pork Fried Rice or Chinese Zucchini as delicious side dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Chinese Barbecued Pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it on low power in short intervals to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Barbecued Pork contains roughly 1296 calories, with 3g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 139g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1962mg per serving (85% 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, while this recipe calls for pork loin, you can also use pork shoulder or tenderloin. Each cut will provide a different texture and flavor, so choose based on your preference. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
How can I make this dish less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, simply decrease the amount of sugar and honey in the marinade. You can also add more soy sauce to balance the flavors. Additionally, incorporating some lime juice can add a nice tanginess that complements the dish.
What should I serve with Chinese Barbecued Pork?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even a cold cucumber salad. For a heartier meal, you might also enjoy it alongside Pork Fried Rice or a bowl of warm, savory soup.
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).