19 Chinese Barbecue Char Siu Recipe Experience Flavor Like Never Before!
Published on: Mar 22, 2024
Chinese barbecue char siu, also known as Chinese barbecued pork, is a popular dish that can be found in many Chinese restaurants and homes around the world. This savory and succulent dish features tender and juicy pieces of pork, marinated in a flavorful sauce and then grilled to perfection. While it may seem intimidating to recreate this dish at home, with the right recipe and technique, you can easily master the art of making Chinese barbecue char siu. In this article, we will share a professional and well-organized introduction to this delicious Chinese dish, complete with a tried and tested recipe that will have you making your own char siu like a pro.
Char Siu, also known as Chinese BBQ Pork, is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. It is made by marinating pork in a sweet and savory sauce and then roasting it until it is tender and caramelized. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth meat that is perfect for any occasion. Here are 20 delicious recipes that showcase the versatility of Char Siu.
One of the most common ways to enjoy Char Siu is on its own, served with steamed rice and vegetables. This simple yet flavorful dish is a staple in many Chinese households and is a great introduction to the world of Char Siu. Simply marinate the pork in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder, then roast until it is golden and crispy.
For a twist on the classic Char Siu, try using pork belly instead of pork shoulder. The fattiness of the pork belly adds a rich and indulgent flavor to the dish. Serve it with some steamed buns and pickled vegetables for a traditional Chinese meal.
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Paleo Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
Main Ingredients: Plum, Coconut Aminos, Tomato Paste, Almond Butter
If you are following a paleo diet, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of Char Siu by making a few simple substitutions. Instead of honey, use maple syrup, and instead of soy sauce, use coconut aminos. The result is a paleo-friendly version of Char Siu that is just as delicious as the original.
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Easy Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
Main Ingredients: Honey, Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Rice Wine Vinegar, Dark
If you are short on time but still want to enjoy Char Siu, this easy recipe is perfect for you. Instead of roasting the pork, this recipe calls for grilling it, which cuts down on cooking time. The result is a smoky and flavorful Char Siu that is perfect for summer BBQs.
This recipe is a classic Cantonese-style Char Siu that is bursting with flavor. The pork is marinated in a mixture of hoisin sauce, honey, and soy sauce, which gives it a beautiful red color and a rich and savory taste. Serve it with some steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
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Easy Char Siu (Chinese BBQ pork, 叉烧)
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder Steaks, Char Siu Sauce, Oyster Sauce
This recipe simplifies the traditional Char Siu by using only a few ingredients, making it perfect for beginners. The pork is marinated in a mixture of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and honey, and then roasted until it is tender and caramelized. Serve it with some steamed buns and enjoy!
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Thịt Xá Xíu {Char Siu – Chinese BBQ Pork}
Main Ingredients: Seasoning, Five Spice, Black Pepper, Minced Garlic
Thịt Xá Xíu, also known as Vietnamese Char Siu, is a popular street food in Vietnam. It is made by marinating the pork in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder, and then grilling it until it is tender and charred. Serve it with some rice noodles, herbs, and dipping sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Chinese BBQ pork (Char Siu) Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Char Siu, Oyster Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Five Spice
If you love dumplings, you have to try this recipe for Chinese BBQ pork dumplings. The filling is made with ground pork, Char Siu sauce, and spices, and then wrapped in a wonton wrapper. These dumplings can be steamed, pan-fried, or deep-fried, making them a versatile and delicious dish.
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Chinese Baked BBQ Pork Buns - Char Siu Bao
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Water, Milk, Sugar, Salt, Instant Yeast
Char Siu Bao, also known as Chinese BBQ pork buns, are a popular dim sum dish that is loved by many. These steamed buns are filled with a sweet and savory Char Siu filling and then baked until they are golden and fluffy. Serve them as a snack or as part of a dim sum feast.
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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 have an air fryer, you can make this delicious Char Siu recipe with minimal effort. The pork is marinated in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder, and then air-fried until it is sticky and caramelized. This is a great option for those who want to enjoy Char Siu without having to heat up the oven.
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Steamed BBQ Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao)
Main Ingredients: Dough, Char Siu, Steamer
If you prefer steamed buns over baked ones, this recipe is for you. The steamed Char Siu buns are fluffy and soft, with a sweet and savory filling that will leave you wanting more. Serve them as a snack or as part of a larger meal.
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Char Siu Bao (Steamed BBQ Pork Buns)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Cornstarch, Baking Powder, Active
This recipe takes the traditional Char Siu buns to the next level by adding a layer of crispy and flaky pastry on top. The result is a delicious combination of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for more. Serve these buns as a snack or as part of a dim sum feast.
If you want a more intense and complex flavor in your Char Siu, try using a homemade Char Siu sauce. This recipe calls for a mixture of hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, and other ingredients, resulting in a rich and flavorful sauce that will take your Char Siu to the next level.
If you have some leftover Char Siu, this fried rice recipe is a great way to use it up. The Char Siu adds a delicious smoky and savory flavor to the fried rice, making it a delicious and satisfying meal. Serve it as a side dish or add some extra protein to make it a complete meal.
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Char Siu Bao (Chinese BBQ Pork Buns)
Main Ingredients: Char Siu, Green Onion, Dark Soy Sauce, Light Soy Sauce
This recipe for Char Siu buns uses a shortcut by using store-bought dough instead of making it from scratch. The result is still just as delicious, with a sweet and savory filling that is encased in a soft and fluffy bun. Serve these buns as a snack or as part of a larger meal.
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Char Siu Bao
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Water, Canola Oil
For a vegetarian version of Char Siu buns, try this recipe that uses tofu as a replacement for pork. The tofu is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, giving it a similar flavor to Char Siu. The result is a delicious and healthier alternative to the traditional buns.
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Chinese Char Siu Kikiam
Main Ingredients: Char Siu Pork, Red Onion, Medium Carrot, 5 Spice
Kikiam, also known as Quekiam, is a popular street food in the Philippines that is believed to have originated from Chinese cuisine. This version of Kikiam is made with a filling of ground pork, vegetables, and Char Siu sauce, then wrapped in bean curd sheets and fried until crispy. Serve it with some sweet and sour sauce for a delicious snack or appetizer.
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Chinese BBQ Pork & Egg Noodles
Main Ingredients: Dried Udon Noodles, Vegetable Oil, Ginger, Garlic
This recipe is a delicious combination of Char Siu and egg noodles, a classic Cantonese dish that is loved by many. The Char Siu adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish, while the egg noodles provide a satisfying texture. This is a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
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Cha Siu (Char Siu, Chinese BBQ Pork)
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Soy Sauce, Dark Soy Sauce, Granulated
Last but not least, this recipe is a traditional Cha Siu dish that is commonly found in Hong Kong. The pork is marinated in a mixture of honey, hoisin sauce, and other ingredients, and then roasted until it is tender and caramelized. Serve it with some steamed rice and vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.
The Perfect Cut of Meat for Chinese Barbecue Char Siu
When it comes to making Chinese barbecue char siu, the type of meat you use is crucial in achieving that tender and juicy texture. The traditional cut of meat used for char siu is pork shoulder or pork butt, which is known for its high fat content and marbling. This fat content is what gives the dish its signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. However, if you prefer leaner meat, you can also use pork tenderloin, although the end result may not be as juicy.
Marinade - The Key to Flavorful Char Siu
The marinade is the heart of any Chinese barbecue char siu recipe. It is what infuses the meat with its rich and complex flavors. While there are many variations of the marinade, the key ingredients typically include soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder. Some recipes also call for other ingredients such as oyster sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil. It is important to let the meat marinate for at least 4 hours, or even overnight, to ensure the flavors fully penetrate the meat.
Grilling vs. Baking - Which Method to Use?
Traditionally, char siu is cooked over an open flame or in a charcoal grill, which gives it a nice smoky flavor. However, if you do not have access to a grill, you can still achieve great results by baking the meat in the oven. Simply place the marinated pork on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping the meat halfway through. To mimic the smoky flavor, you can also add a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade.
Now that you have a basic understanding of Chinese barbecue char siu, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! With the right cut of meat, a flavorful marinade, and a little bit of patience, you can create your own delicious char siu at home. Don't forget to serve it with steamed rice and some stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
