Chinese Best Char Siu Recipe

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.