Chinese Roast Pork Or Chicken

Prep: 30 min Cuisine: Chinese

Chinese Roast Pork or Chicken offers a flavorful, caramelized exterior with tender, juicy meat. Marinated in a savory blend of oyster sauce, hoisin, honey, soy sauces, whiskey, and five-spice, it’s perfect for gatherings or a hearty family dinner, showcasing bold Asian flavors with a delightful glaze.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. boneless pork loin or boneless chicken breasts
  • 3 Tbsp. oyster sauce
  • 3 Tbsp. hoisin sauce
  • 3 Tbsp. honey
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp. dark soy sauce
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp. light soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. blended whiskey
  • 1 tsp. five spice powder

Instructions

  1. Quarter the pork lengthwise into 4 large strips.
  2. Pierce the meat with a fork.
  3. Whisk the oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, whiskey, and five-spice powder together in a bowl.
  4. Line a roasting pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
  5. Arrange the pork or chicken in a single layer in the pan.
  6. Pour the marinade sauce over the meat.
  7. Marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, in the refrigerator.

Tips & Substitutions

For the best flavor, marinate the meat overnight to let the sauce penetrate deeply. If you don't have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce mixed with a bit of sugar for sweetness. Ensure the pork or chicken is at room temperature before roasting for even cooking. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked to perfection without drying out. For a variation, try using the marinade in Good Sweet And Sour Pork.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious roast with steamed rice or Fried Rice (Chinese) to soak up the flavorful sauce. Pair it with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. You can also slice the meat thin and use it in sandwiches or wraps. For a fun twist, use the leftovers in Sweet And Sour Pork Kabobs for grilling on skewers at your next barbecue.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Chinese roast pork or chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it on medium power for 2-3 minutes, but be careful not to overcook, as it can dry out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chinese Roast Pork Or Chicken contains roughly 91 calories, with 5g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1135mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).

91 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.9g 10% DV
Total Fat 2.6g 3% DV
Carbs 13.3g 5% DV
Fiber 2.8g 10% DV
Sugar 3.7g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1135.2mg 49% DV
Potassium 101mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 9.7mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.5mcg
Vitamin C 2mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 37.2mg 3% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Soy Shellfish

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 meat?

Yes, you can use pork shoulder or belly for a richer flavor and juicier texture. If using chicken, thighs will yield better results than breasts, as they are more forgiving and remain juicy during cooking.

How can I tell when the meat is done?

For pork, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption, while chicken should be cooked to at least 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.

What should I do if I don't have five spice powder?

If you don't have five spice powder, you can create a quick substitute using equal parts of ground cinnamon, star anise, and fennel seeds. Adding a pinch of black pepper and ginger can also help mimic the flavor profile for a similar taste.

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).

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