Char siu is traditional Cantonese roast meat, trendy street food in the country. In Cantonese, it is known as char siu, but Mandarin-speaking people call it cha shao. Pork is marinated in a sweet BBQ sauce and then roasted to make this delicious recipe. 

This recipe has been around for many years. Food historians think that it wasn’t always a pork dish. Instead, Chinese chefs would use the authentic char siu marinade on just about any type of meat and then slow cook it to perfection for fantastic taste. Traditionally, it is roasted on fire for that charring, burning taste. 

Delicious Char Siu Pork Recipe! 

If you have never tried char siu before, you are missing a delicious recipe. If made right, this is one of the juiciest and tender dishes with an excellent balance of savory and sweet flavored pork. The umami of various ingredients, a bit of zest of the wine, and the sweetness of brown sugar and honey make this recipe a must-try! 

This recipe is the perfect char siu recipe that will provide you with the taste bud tantalizing taste without breaking too much sweat. This authentic recipe will take you straight to the streets of China and provide you with amazing char siu! 

Here, pork is sliced into thin pieces and served with steamed rice vegetables on the side. In this recipe, you will learn how to make char siu at home, with the taste that will rival any Cantonese restaurant in Chinatown!

Char Siu Recipe

Quick Stats 

Prep time: 15 minutes 

Cooking time: 30 minutes 

Servings: 4 serves 

Ingredients 

  • One lb. skinless pork belly, cut into two long strips
  • Two tablespoons finely chopped garlic

Char Siu Sauce: 

  • One tablespoon hoisin sauce 
  • One tablespoon maltose or honey
  • One tablespoon of Chinese Shaoxing wine
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • One tablespoon oyster sauce
  • One teaspoon of dark and thick soy sauce
  • One teaspoon five-spice powder
  • ¼ teaspoon white pepper powder
  • 3 ½ oz sugar

Method to Prepare 

  • Take a big bowl and add all the ingredients listed below the char siu sauce section. 
  • Then, add garlic and pork belly and slide it into the fridge for overnight marination. 
  • The next day, preheat the oven to 400°F.
  • Meanwhile, place the pork belly on a wire rack or a pan lined with aluminum foil and roast it for at least 15 minutes. 
  • Remove it from the oven and turn the pork belly. Brush the remaining char siu sauce on the pork and roast it for another 15 minutes. 
  • Set the oven to broil mode and broil each side of the pork belly for at least a minute each side until it is nicely charred. It will be dark in color. 
  • Meanwhile, heat the remaining char siu sauce, bring it to a simmer, and set it aside. 
  • Slice the roasted pork belly into thin slices and serve immediately. 
  • Serve it with steamed white rice, drizzle the simmered char siu sauce, and enjoy! 

Must Check: Oliebollen Recipe: Make Dutch Doughnuts in the Old-fashioned way! 

Final Words 

This authentic recipe will help you make char siu most traditionally. We will cook this dish from scratch. The tender and juicy pork, along with mouthwatering char siu sauce, will mesmerize your family and friends. So, try this recipe and enjoy the amazing Chinese delicacy at home!