Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu) 

Ingredients

Pork

  • 500 g boneless pork shoulder

Marinade

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (sweetness & caramelization)
  • 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder (warm, aromatic depth)
  • ½ tsp black pepper (mild heat)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce (sweet & savory base)
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (umami richness)
  • 1 tbsp honey (glaze & shine)
  • 1 tbsp rice wine (tenderizes meat)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (salt & umami balance)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (nutty aroma)
  • ½ tsp red food coloring (optional, classic look)

Methods

1. Make the Marinade

  • Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
  • Mix until smooth and well blended.

2. Marinate the Pork

  • Coat the pork evenly with the marinade.
  • Cover and refrigerate:
    • Minimum: 6 hours
    • Best: Overnight (12–24 hours)

👉 Turn occasionally for even flavor.

3. Cook the Pork

Option A: Oven Roasting

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F)
  2. Place pork on a rack over a tray
  3. Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway

Option B: Grilling / BBQ

  • Grill over medium heat, turning frequently

👉 In both methods:

  • Baste with leftover marinade during cooking
  • Cook until nicely caramelized and slightly charred

4. Glaze & Finish

  • Brush extra honey during the last few minutes for shine
  • Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing

Serving Result

  • Slice into thin strips
  • Serve with:
    • Rice 🍚
    • Noodles 🍜
    • Or in bao buns 🥟

Tips

  • Use pork shoulder or pork neck for best juiciness
  • Don’t skip the basting—that’s where the glaze builds
  • Slight charring = authentic flavor
  • For extra authenticity: cook with a little grill/char at the end

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I’m Lita

Welcome to Lita Eats! Here you’ll find recipes I love from so many amazing chefs and home cooks around the world. This blog is my personal recipe diary—a place where I can save and revisit my favorite dishes without having to search through all my social media feeds.

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