Baked Char Siu

Instructions

1. Marinate the Pork

Start by preparing the marinade. In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, honey, sugar, Chinese five-spice powder, minced garlic, sesame oil, and white pepper. If you’re using food coloring for that signature red hue, add it to the marinade as well.

Place the pork strips in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the pork. Massage the marinade into the meat to ensure it’s well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, but preferably overnight. The longer the pork marinates, the more flavorful it will become.

2. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This will make cleanup easier and help prevent any drips or mess from the sticky marinade.

3. Prepare the Pork for Baking

After marinating the pork, remove it from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. This ensures even cooking. Transfer the marinated pork onto a wire rack set over the prepared baking sheet, allowing the excess marinade to drip off. The rack ensures that the pork cooks evenly on all sides and helps to achieve a nice caramelization.

4. Bake the Char Siu

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the pork for about 25-30 minutes, turning the pork halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. During the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, brush the pork with additional honey or some of the leftover marinade to enhance the glaze and create a shiny, sticky coating.

The pork is done when it’s slightly charred at the edges, caramelized, and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). For a more pronounced char, you can also broil the pork for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking process, watching closely to prevent burning.

5. Rest and Slice

Once the Char Siu is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it remains tender and juicy when sliced.

After resting, slice the Char Siu into thin strips against the grain. The result will be perfectly tender and slightly crispy on the edges, with a beautiful caramelized glaze.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Baked Char Siu with steamed white rice, noodles, or in Chinese buns (bao) for a complete meal. You can also drizzle a little extra sauce over the top for added flavor. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Pork Cut: While pork shoulder provides a slightly fattier and more tender result, pork tenderloin can also be used for a leaner option. Both cuts work wonderfully for Char Siu.
• Food Coloring: Traditional Char Siu often has a vibrant red color, achieved by adding a few drops of red food coloring to the marinade. This step is optional and won’t affect the flavor.
• Grilling Option: For a more authentic Char Siu flavor, you can grill the pork over a charcoal grill, basting it with the marinade as it cooks. However, baking in the oven is a convenient and equally delicious option.
• Leftovers: Leftover Char Siu can be sliced and used in stir-fries, sandwiches, or even as a topping for ramen. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Sweet and Savory: The marinade for Char Siu is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors, creating a glaze that is both sticky and mouthwatering.
• Easy to Make: While traditional Char Siu can require more effort, this baked version is simple to prepare and doesn’t require any special equipment.
• Versatile: Char Siu can be enjoyed in many ways—whether as a main dish with rice, sliced thin for bao buns, or added to stir-fries for an extra punch of flavor.

Baked Char Siu is an incredibly flavorful and satisfying dish that captures the essence of Chinese barbecue. The combination of tender pork and a beautifully caramelized glaze will transport you straight to the heart of Chinese cuisine. Try this recipe for your next family dinner or special occasion, and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade Char Siu!