20 Authentic Chinese Barbecue Pork Recipe Prepare To Be Amazed!
Published on: Mar 20, 2024
Chinese barbecue pork, also known as char siu, is a popular and traditional dish in Chinese cuisine. It is a savory and succulent dish that is often served as a main course or used as a filling in various dishes. With its bold flavors and tender meat, it has become a favorite among many food lovers. In this article, we will guide you through an authentic Chinese barbecue pork recipe that will surely satisfy your cravings.
If you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine, then you’re probably familiar with Char Siu, also known as Chinese BBQ Pork. This dish is a staple in Cantonese cuisine, and is characterized by its sweet and savory flavors, as well as its distinctive red color. Char Siu is typically made by marinating pork in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder, then roasting it until it’s tender and caramelized. It’s a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from rice bowls to steamed buns.
One of the most popular ways to enjoy Char Siu is in a bowl of rice. Simply slice the pork and serve it over a bed of steamed rice, then drizzle with some of the marinade for extra flavor. You can also add some steamed vegetables, such as bok choy or broccoli, for a complete and nutritious meal. Or, for a twist on a classic dish, try making Char Siu fried rice by mixing diced Char Siu with cooked rice, vegetables, and scrambled eggs. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
If you’re following a Paleo diet, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of Char Siu by using a few simple substitutions. Instead of soy sauce, use coconut aminos, and instead of honey, use maple syrup or date syrup. You can also use a homemade Chinese five-spice powder that doesn’t contain any added sugars or preservatives. This Paleo Char Siu is just as flavorful and delicious as the traditional version, but it’s made with ingredients that are more aligned with a Paleo lifestyle.
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Paleo Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
Main Ingredients: Plum, Coconut Aminos, Tomato Paste, Almond Butter
Don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen? No problem! This Easy Char Siu recipe requires just a few basic ingredients and can be made in no time. Simply mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder, then pour over pork tenderloin and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours). Then, roast in the oven until the pork is cooked through and caramelized. It’s a simple and delicious way to enjoy this classic Chinese dish.
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Easy Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
Main Ingredients: Honey, Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Rice Wine Vinegar, Dark
Char Siu is a popular dish not just in Cantonese cuisine, but also in other regions of China. In fact, in Mandarin, it’s known as 叉烧肉 (chā shāo ròu), which literally translates to “fork-roasted meat.” This name comes from the traditional way of cooking Char Siu, which involves skewering the pork on long forks and roasting it over an open flame. While this method is still used in some restaurants, you can easily make Char Siu at home using your oven or grill.
In Vietnamese cuisine, Char Siu is known as Thịt Xá Xíu, and it’s often used as a filling for banh mi sandwiches or served over rice or noodles. The Vietnamese version of Char Siu is typically a bit sweeter than the Chinese version, and may also include additional ingredients such as lemongrass or fish sauce. If you’re a fan of Vietnamese food, you’ll definitely want to give this Thịt Xá Xíu recipe a try.
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Thịt Xá Xíu {Char Siu – Chinese BBQ Pork}
Main Ingredients: Seasoning, Five Spice, Black Pepper, Minced Garlic
This Easy Char Siu recipe is not only simple to make, but it also uses ingredients that are readily available in most grocery stores. You don’t need any special ingredients or equipment to make this delicious Chinese BBQ pork. Plus, it’s a great dish to prepare ahead of time for a party or gathering, as it can be easily reheated and served as a main dish or appetizer.
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Easy Char Siu (Chinese BBQ pork, 叉烧)
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder Steaks, Char Siu Sauce, Oyster Sauce
If you love dumplings, then you’ll definitely want to try these Chinese BBQ Pork Dumplings, also known as Char Siu Siu Mai. These bite-sized dumplings are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground pork, Char Siu, and aromatics, then steamed to perfection. They make a great appetizer or snack, and can even be frozen and reheated for a quick and delicious meal.
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Chinese BBQ pork (Char Siu) Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Char Siu, Oyster Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Five Spice
One of the most iconic dishes in Cantonese cuisine is Char Siu Bao, also known as Chinese BBQ Pork Buns. These soft and fluffy buns are filled with a savory mixture of Char Siu, and can be steamed or baked. In this recipe, the buns are baked, resulting in a slightly crisp exterior and a soft and fluffy interior. They make a delicious and filling snack or side dish.
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Chinese Baked BBQ Pork Buns - Char Siu Bao
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Water, Milk, Sugar, Salt, Instant Yeast
If you have an air fryer, then you’ll definitely want to try this Sticky Char Siu recipe. Instead of roasting the pork in the oven, you can use your air fryer to get the same delicious results. The pork comes out tender and caramelized, with a slightly sticky glaze that’s irresistible. You can also use this method to make Char Siu wings or ribs for a fun and unique twist on this classic dish.
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Sticky Char Siu in the Air Fryer (Chinese BBQ Pork)
Main Ingredients: Jasmine Rice, Greens, Char Siu, Noodle Soup, Pork
If you prefer steamed buns over baked buns, then this Char Siu Bao recipe is for you. The buns are steamed until they’re soft and fluffy, then filled with a savory mixture of Char Siu and aromatics. They’re perfect for a dim sum style meal, or as a snack or side dish. You can also make a vegetarian version by filling the buns with mushrooms or vegetables instead of pork.
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Steamed BBQ Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao)
Main Ingredients: Dough, Char Siu, Steamer
Another way to enjoy Char Siu Bao is by making them yourself at home. While it may seem intimidating to make your own steamed buns, it’s actually quite simple and only requires a few basic ingredients. Plus, the homemade version is much more delicious than the store-bought ones. These Steamed BBQ Pork Buns are sure to impress your family and friends.
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Char Siu Bao (Steamed BBQ Pork Buns)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Cornstarch, Baking Powder, Active
Of course, you can always enjoy Char Siu on its own, as a main dish. The pork is so flavorful and tender, it’s delicious all on its own. You can also serve it with some steamed vegetables or rice for a complete and balanced meal. And if you have any leftovers, you can use them to make Char Siu fried rice or add them to soups or stir-fries for an extra boost of flavor.
Speaking of fried rice, this BBQ Pork Fried Rice recipe is a must-try. It’s a great way to use up any leftover Char Siu, and it’s a complete meal in itself. You can also add additional vegetables, such as peas, carrots, and corn, for a more colorful and nutritious dish. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving Chinese takeout.
If you’re a fan of Char Siu Bao, then you’ll definitely want to try this Chinese BBQ Pork Buns recipe. The buns are filled with a savory and slightly sweet mixture of Char Siu and other ingredients, then steamed until they’re soft and fluffy. They make a great snack or side dish, and can also be enjoyed as a main course. You can also make a vegetarian version by filling the buns with tofu or mushrooms instead of pork.
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Char Siu Bao (Chinese BBQ Pork Buns)
Main Ingredients: Char Siu, Green Onion, Dark Soy Sauce, Light Soy Sauce
In Cantonese, Char Siu Bao means “fork-roasted bun,” which is a reference to the traditional method of cooking Char Siu. While the buns are typically steamed, you can also bake them for a slightly different texture. In this recipe, the buns are filled with a delicious mixture of Chinese BBQ pork, and the dough is made with both wheat flour and rice flour for a softer and fluffier texture.
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Char Siu Bao
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Water, Canola Oil
In addition to being used as a filling for dumplings and buns, Char Siu can also be used as a filling for other dishes, such as Chinese Char Siu Kikiam, which are Chinese-style spring rolls. The rolls are filled with a mixture of Char Siu, vegetables, and aromatics, then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. They make a great appetizer or snack, and can also be served as a main course with rice and vegetables.
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Chinese Char Siu Kikiam
Main Ingredients: Char Siu Pork, Red Onion, Medium Carrot, 5 Spice
If you’re a fan of noodle dishes, then you’ll love this Chinese BBQ Pork & Egg Noodles recipe. It’s a simple and flavorful dish that combines egg noodles, Char Siu, and vegetables in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. It’s a great way to use up any leftover Char Siu, and it’s a complete and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
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Chinese BBQ Pork & Egg Noodles
Main Ingredients: Dried Udon Noodles, Vegetable Oil, Ginger, Garlic
Finally, we have another variation of Char Siu, known as Cha Siu, which is a popular dish in the Philippines. This version is typically made with pork belly instead of pork shoulder, and may also include additional ingredients such as soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. It’s a delicious and slightly different take on the classic Chinese BBQ pork, and is a must-try for any Char Siu fan.
The Importance of Marinating
Key Ingredients for Marinating
One of the key steps in creating the perfect Chinese barbecue pork is marinating the meat. This process not only infuses the meat with flavor but also helps to tenderize it. The main ingredients for marinating include soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, five-spice powder, and Chinese rice wine. Garlic and ginger are also often added to enhance the flavor of the marinade.
Marinating Time
For the best results, it is recommended to marinate the pork for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish. Make sure to turn the pork occasionally during the marinating process to evenly distribute the flavors.
The Art of Roasting
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
When it comes to Chinese barbecue pork, the cut of meat used is crucial. The ideal cut for this dish is pork shoulder or pork belly. These cuts have the right balance of fat and meat, which helps to keep the pork moist and tender during the roasting process.
The Perfect Roasting Method
Roasting is the traditional way of cooking Chinese barbecue pork, and it is important to get the technique right to achieve the desired outcome. The pork is usually roasted in a barbecue pit or oven at a high temperature to create a caramelized and slightly charred exterior. It is then basted with the remaining marinade throughout the roasting process to keep it moist and add extra flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serving Suggestions
Once the Chinese barbecue pork is cooked, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing it into thin pieces. This will help the juices to redistribute and keep the meat tender. Chinese barbecue pork is often served with steamed rice and steamed vegetables, but it can also be used as a filling for steamed buns or rice noodles.
Pairing Suggestions
To complement the rich flavors of Chinese barbecue pork, a sweet and tangy sauce such as hoisin sauce or plum sauce is often served alongside it. For a complete Chinese meal, pair the pork with other traditional dishes such as stir-fried vegetables and wonton soup.
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for creating an authentic Chinese barbecue pork, it's time to put your skills to the test and impress your family and friends with this delicious dish. Follow the recipe closely and don't be afraid to add your own twist to make it your own. Happy cooking!
