Char siu, the classic Chinese BBQ pork, is a mouthwatering dish packed with flavor that is perfect for a homemade meal. In this recipe, we marinate juicy pork tenderloin in a sweet and smoky Asian-style sauce to create a dish that will rival your favorite Chinese takeout.
When I recently made bao buns, I knew that pairing them with sweet and sticky char siu pork would be a winning combination. This recipe turned out amazing, with the pork tenderloin marinating for a full 48 hours before roasting to enhance the flavors. The result was a juicy and spicy Chinese BBQ pork that I can’t wait to make again.
### Why I Love This Char Siu Pork Recipe
– **Make Ahead:** Marinate the pork for two days to allow the flavors to soak in and create that vibrant red hue.
– **Extra Juicy:** The marinade and cooking method result in a juicy and tender homemade char siu.
– **Super Easy:** This recipe offers a simple way to recreate a restaurant favorite at home with minimal effort.
### What Is Char Siu?
Char siu is Chinese-style pork marinated in a vibrant red, sweet-savory BBQ-style sauce. Traditionally, it was skewered and roasted on long forks, but this recipe simplifies the process by roasting it on a sheet pan.
### Ingredients You’ll Need
The char siu sauce features flavorful ingredients like hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and Chinese five-spice powder. Making this dish at home allows you to adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste preferences.
– **Sugar:** Brown sugar and honey for a rich, caramelized flavor.
– **Hoisin Sauce:** A dark, sticky Asian condiment with a unique blend of flavors.
– **Soy Sauce:** Tamari or coconut aminos can be used as alternatives.
– **Chinese Five Spice:** A smoky spice blend that adds depth to the marinade.
– **Sesame Oil:** Provides a distinctive nutty flavor.
– **Food Coloring:** Used to achieve the signature red color of char siu.
– **Pork Tenderloin:** Quick-cooking and tender, perfect for this recipe.
### How to Make Char Siu
1. **Marinate the Pork:** Whisk together the marinade ingredients and massage them into the pork in a Ziploc bag. Allow the pork to marinate in the fridge for 48 hours.
2. **Roast the Pork:** Place the pork on a roasting rack over a baking sheet, brush with reserved marinade, and roast at 350°F for 25 minutes.
3. **Broil:** Char the pork under the broiler for a couple of minutes.
4. **Rest, Slice, and Serve:** Let the pork rest, then slice it thinly and serve in bao buns with garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds.
### Recipe Tips
– **Take the time to marinate:** Allowing the pork to marinate for 48 hours lets the flavors fully infuse.
– **Check the pork for doneness:** Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F before serving.
– **Rest the pork:** Let the pork rest after roasting to allow the juices to redistribute.
### Easy Char Siu Bao
Pair the char siu pork with bao buns for a delightful meal. Steam the buns and fill them with slices of char siu, then garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
### Storing and Reheating Leftovers
– **Refrigerate:** Store leftover char siu pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
– **Reheat:** Warm the pork slices in a covered skillet on medium-low heat for the best results.
### More Chinese Takeout Recipes
Expand your Chinese takeout repertoire with more delicious recipes like chicken chow mein, spicy Szechuan chicken, and vegetarian kung pao tofu. Create a restaurant-style spread at home with a variety of dishes and enjoy a flavorful meal with your loved ones.
Whether you’re craving a taste of authentic Chinese BBQ pork or looking to impress with a homemade meal, this char siu recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Dive into the world of Chinese flavors and bring the essence of a bustling restaurant kitchen into your own home with this delightful dish.
