Char Siu – Sweet, Sticky, and Irresistibly Savory Chinese BBQ Pork
Char Siu (叉燒) is a beloved Cantonese-style Chinese BBQ pork known for its sweet-savory glaze, beautiful red exterior, and tender, juicy interior. This version is oven-roasted and finished with a glossy, caramelized char — perfect for serving over rice, noodles, or tucked inside bao buns.
🐷 Ingredients (Servings: 4)
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into long strips (about 2 inches wide)
- 2 tablespoons honey (for glaze)
For the Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1½ teaspoons five spice powder
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- A few drops red food coloring (optional, for traditional color)
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Pork:
🥣 In a large bowl, mix all marinade ingredients until combined. Reserve 2 tablespoons for glazing later. Add pork strips to the remaining marinade, coat well, cover, and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours).
2️⃣ Preheat and Prepare:
🔥 Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange marinated pork on the rack, letting excess marinade drip off.
3️⃣ Roast and Glaze:
🍯 Roast pork for 20 minutes. Flip and brush with reserved marinade. Roast another 15–20 minutes until pork is cooked through and edges begin to char.
4️⃣ Final Glaze with Honey:
🍖 Increase oven to broil. Brush pork with honey and broil for 2–3 minutes on each side, just until glossy and caramelized. Watch closely to avoid burning.
5️⃣ Rest and Slice:
🔪 Let pork rest for 10 minutes. Slice into thin pieces and serve hot over rice, noodles, or inside steamed buns.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to help you create the best Char Siu Pork
- 🔪 Meat Slicing Knife – Perfect for clean, even slices of charred pork.
- 🥣 Glass Mixing Bowls – Ideal for marinating with strong sauces.
- 🍯 Silicone Basting Brush – Great for glazing without mess.
- 🧂 Five Spice Powder – A must for authentic Chinese BBQ flavor.
- 🥢 Asian Serving Platters – Serve your Char Siu in style.
- 🍶 Shaoxing Wine – Adds authentic aroma and depth to your marinade.
💡 Helpful Tip
For a smokier version, try grilling the pork over medium-high heat and brushing on the glaze during the final few minutes for that charred BBQ edge.