19 Chinese Barbecue Pork Marinade Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 22, 2024
Barbecue pork is a beloved dish in Chinese cuisine, known for its tender and juicy meat coated in a flavorful marinade. While there are many variations of this dish, one of the most popular recipes is the Chinese barbecue pork marinade. This marinade is perfect for adding a delicious and authentic flavor to your pork, whether you plan on grilling, roasting, or stir-frying it. In this article, we will take a closer look at this mouth-watering marinade and how you can easily make it at home.
The classic Char Siu recipe is a must-try for any beer can chicken lover. This traditional dish features succulent pork marinated in a sweet and savory blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and five-spice powder. The result is a perfectly glazed and tender piece of meat that will have your guests begging for more.
If you're looking to put a unique spin on your Char Siu, try adding some pineapple juice to the marinade. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the pork, giving your beer can chicken a tropical twist.
For those following a paleo diet, we haven't forgotten about you. This recipe for paleo Char Siu is made with all-natural ingredients, including coconut aminos and coconut sugar, for a healthier version of the classic dish.
4of 20
Paleo Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
Main Ingredients: Plum, Coconut Aminos, Tomato Paste, Almond Butter
If you're short on time but don't want to sacrifice flavor, this easy Char Siu recipe is for you. With only five ingredients, including store-bought Char Siu sauce, you can have a delicious beer can chicken in no time.
5of 20
Easy Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
Main Ingredients: Honey, Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Rice Wine Vinegar, Dark
Get a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine with this recipe for Char Siu. The Chinese characters in the title mean “fork roasted meat,” which refers to the traditional method of cooking this dish. The pork is hung on a fork and roasted over an open flame for a smoky and charred flavor that is hard to resist.
For a Vietnamese twist on Char Siu, try this recipe for Thịt Xá Xíu. It features a similar marinade to the Chinese version, but with the addition of lemongrass for a citrusy and fragrant kick.
7of 20
Thịt Xá Xíu {Char Siu – Chinese BBQ Pork}
Main Ingredients: Seasoning, Five Spice, Black Pepper, Minced Garlic
If you're a fan of using your slow cooker, this easy Char Siu recipe is for you. Simply marinate the pork, place it in the slow cooker, and let it cook low and slow for a tender and flavorful result.
8of 20
Easy Char Siu (Chinese BBQ pork, 叉烧)
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder Steaks, Char Siu Sauce, Oyster Sauce
Dumplings are a classic Chinese dish, and this recipe takes it to the next level with the addition of Char Siu. These flavorful and juicy dumplings are perfect as an appetizer or a main course.
9of 20
Chinese BBQ pork (Char Siu) Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Char Siu, Oyster Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Five Spice
Char Siu Bao, also known as Chinese BBQ pork buns, are a staple in many Chinese households. This recipe features a soft and fluffy bun filled with a sweet and savory Char Siu filling. Perfect for a snack or a meal on its own.
10of 20
Chinese Baked BBQ Pork Buns - Char Siu Bao
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Water, Milk, Sugar, Salt, Instant Yeast
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to grilling, try making Char Siu in the air fryer. The result is still tender and flavorful, but with less oil and fat. Plus, the sticky glaze is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
11of 20
Sticky Char Siu in the Air Fryer (Chinese BBQ Pork)
Main Ingredients: Jasmine Rice, Greens, Char Siu, Noodle Soup, Pork
For a lighter and fluffier version of Char Siu Bao, try steaming them instead of baking. The steaming process makes the buns soft and airy, perfect for soaking up the delicious Char Siu filling.
12of 20
Steamed BBQ Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao)
Main Ingredients: Dough, Char Siu, Steamer
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, this recipe for Char Siu Bao features a mushroom and tofu filling instead of pork. The result is a savory and flavorful bun that is perfect for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
13of 20
Char Siu Bao (Steamed BBQ Pork Buns)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Cornstarch, Baking Powder, Active
Put a twist on your regular fried rice by adding in some Char Siu. This recipe features all the classic fried rice ingredients, including eggs, peas, and carrots, with the addition of sweet and smoky Char Siu.
If you're a fan of the classic Char Siu Bao, this recipe is a must-try. It features a homemade dough that is soft and fluffy, with a delicious Char Siu filling that will have you reaching for seconds.
If you're short on time, this Char Siu Bao recipe is perfect for you. It uses store-bought frozen dinner rolls as the bun, making it a quick and easy version of the classic dish.
16of 20
Char Siu Bao (Chinese BBQ Pork Buns)
Main Ingredients: Char Siu, Green Onion, Dark Soy Sauce, Light Soy Sauce
Kikiam, also known as Quekiam, is a Filipino-Chinese dish that features a mixture of ground pork and vegetables wrapped in bean curd sheets and then deep-fried. This recipe adds a delicious twist to the traditional dish by using Char Siu as the filling.
17of 20
Char Siu Bao
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Water, Canola Oil
For a hearty and satisfying meal, try this recipe for Chinese BBQ pork and egg noodles. The egg noodles are stir-fried with a flavorful Char Siu sauce and topped with tender and juicy pieces of Char Siu.
18of 20
Chinese Char Siu Kikiam
Main Ingredients: Char Siu Pork, Red Onion, Medium Carrot, 5 Spice
If you're a fan of spicy food, this recipe for Cha Siu is for you. It features all the classic Char Siu ingredients, with the addition of chili flakes for a spicy kick. Perfect for those who like a little heat in their beer can chicken.
19of 20
Chinese BBQ Pork & Egg Noodles
Main Ingredients: Dried Udon Noodles, Vegetable Oil, Ginger, Garlic
For a fusion twist on Char Siu, try making these delicious Char Siu tacos. The tender and flavorful pork is paired with a fresh and tangy slaw and wrapped in a warm tortilla. A perfect combination of Chinese and Mexican flavors.
20of 20
Cha Siu (Char Siu, Chinese BBQ Pork)
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Soy Sauce, Dark Soy Sauce, Granulated
If you're feeling adventurous, this recipe for Char Siu pizza is a must-try. The sweet and savory flavors of Char Siu are the perfect topping for a crispy and cheesy pizza crust. A unique and delicious way to enjoy your favorite Chinese dish.
The Key Ingredients
Chinese Five-Spice Powder
One of the key ingredients in this marinade is Chinese five-spice powder, which is a blend of five different spices - star anise, cloves, cinnamon, fennel seeds, and Szechuan peppercorns. This spice mix gives the marinade its unique and distinct flavor, making it a staple in Chinese cuisine. Chinese five-spice powder also has many health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making this marinade not only delicious but also nutritious.
Hoisin Sauce
Another crucial component of this marinade is hoisin sauce, a thick and flavorful sauce commonly used in Chinese cooking. Hoisin sauce is made from a blend of soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and spices, giving it a sweet and tangy taste. This sauce adds depth and complexity to the marinade, making it a must-have ingredient for the perfect Chinese barbecue pork.
Soy Sauce
No Chinese marinade is complete without soy sauce, a staple ingredient in Asian cooking. This savory and salty sauce not only adds flavor to the marinade but also helps to tenderize the meat. Soy sauce also contains essential amino acids, making it a healthier option compared to other marinades that use sugar or honey for sweetness.
The Method
Marinating the Pork
To make the Chinese barbecue pork marinade, start by mixing together Chinese five-spice powder, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and other ingredients such as honey, rice wine, and garlic. Coat the pork in the marinade and let it sit for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to infuse into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.
Grilling, Roasting, or Stir-Frying
Once the pork has marinated, you can cook it in various ways, depending on your preference. Grilling the pork over charcoal or in an oven will give it a smoky and charred flavor, while roasting it in the oven will result in a crispy and succulent dish. You can also stir-fry the marinated pork with vegetables for a quick and easy meal. Whichever method you choose, the Chinese barbecue pork will be a crowd-pleaser.
In Conclusion
Making your own Chinese barbecue pork marinade at home is easy and allows you to control the ingredients and flavors. With Chinese five-spice powder, hoisin sauce, and soy sauce as the key ingredients, this marinade is packed with flavor and health benefits. So, impress your family and friends with this delicious dish and add a touch of authentic Chinese flavor to your cooking.
