Chinese Best Char Siu Recipe
Description
Char Siu is one of the most iconic Cantonese barbecue dishes, famous for its beautifully caramelized exterior, juicy pork, and irresistible sweet and savory flavor. Traditionally roasted until perfectly tender, this Chinese BBQ pork is marinated in a rich blend of hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, five-spice powder, garlic, and aromatic seasonings, creating its signature glossy red glaze.
This homemade Char Siu recipe brings authentic Cantonese flavors to your kitchen with simple ingredients and an easy roasting method. Whether served with steamed rice, noodles, or tucked into fluffy bao buns, this restaurant-quality dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or festive occasions.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 8 hours
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 9 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Difficulty: Easy
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Cantonese BBQ flavor.
- Juicy and tender pork every time.
- Beautiful caramelized honey glaze.
- Better than restaurant takeout.
- Easy to prepare with pantry ingredients.
- Perfect for rice, noodles, or bao buns.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
- Family-friendly recipe.
How to Make Char Siu
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl combine:
- Hoisin sauce
- Honey
- Light soy sauce
- Dark soy sauce
- Shaoxing wine
- Brown sugar
- Chinese five-spice powder
- Garlic
- Sesame oil
- White pepper
Mix until smooth.
2. Marinate the Pork
Coat the pork strips evenly with the marinade.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
3. Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top.
4. Roast the Pork
Arrange the marinated pork on the wire rack.
Roast for 20 minutes.
Turn the pork over and brush with reserved marinade.
Roast for another 15 minutes.
5. Glaze the Pork
Brush generously with honey.
Roast for another 5 minutes until beautifully caramelized.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve with rice, noodles, or steamed bao buns.
Tips
- Marinate overnight for the best flavor.
- Use pork shoulder for juicy, tender results.
- Roast on a wire rack for even cooking.
- Brush with honey during the final roasting stage.
- Allow the pork to rest before slicing.
Variations
Spicy Char Siu
Add chili flakes or chili paste to the marinade.
Chicken Char Siu
Replace pork with boneless chicken thighs.
Air Fryer Char Siu
Cook in an air fryer until caramelized and fully cooked.
Extra Honey Glaze
Brush with additional honey before serving.
Char Siu Rice Bowl
Serve sliced Char Siu over steamed rice with vegetables.
What to Serve
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Egg fried rice
- Lo mein noodles
- Steamed bao buns
- Chinese broccoli
- Bok choy
- Pickled vegetables
- Hot and sour soup
Storage
Allow the Char Siu to cool completely.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in the oven, air fryer, or microwave before serving.
Freezing
Yes.
Cool completely before freezing.
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Ingredients
For the Pork
For the Marinade
For the Glaze
Instructions
-
Whisk together the hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, brown sugar, five-spice powder, garlic, sesame oil, and white pepper to make the marinade.
-
Coat the pork evenly with the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
-
Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Arrange the pork on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking tray.
-
Roast for 20 minutes, turn the pork over, brush with the reserved marinade, and roast for another 15 minutes.
-
Brush the pork with the honey glaze and roast for an additional 5 minutes until beautifully caramelized and fully cooked.
-
Let the Char Siu rest for 10 minutes, slice thinly, and serve with rice, noodles, or steamed bao buns.
