20 Malaysian Char Siu Recipe Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Apr 2, 2024
Char siu, also known as Chinese BBQ pork, is a popular dish in Malaysian cuisine that is enjoyed by many. Its sweet and savory flavors, combined with its tender and juicy texture, make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Malaysian char siu recipe, its history, and how you can recreate it at home to impress your family and friends.
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Water, Canola Oil
Char Siu Bao, also known as BBQ Pork Buns, is a classic Cantonese dish that has become a popular dim sum item. These steamed buns are filled with tender and flavorful char siu pork, making them a delicious and satisfying meal on their own.
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Char Siu Pastry
Main Ingredients: Minced Shallot, Onion, Char Siu, Char Siu Sauce, Water
If you're a fan of flaky, savory pastries, then you'll love this inventive twist on the traditional char siu bao. Instead of the usual steamed bun, this recipe uses a flaky pastry dough filled with the same delicious char siu pork. It's a perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion.
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Char Siu Banh Mi
Main Ingredients: Char Siu, Jalapeno, Butter, Mayonnaise, Daikon Radish
The combination of Vietnamese flavors and Chinese char siu pork creates a delicious and unique sandwich. The tender and juicy pork is marinated in a blend of soy sauce, honey, and other spices, then served on a crusty baguette with pickled vegetables, cilantro, and spicy mayo.
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Baked Char Siu Bao
Main Ingredients: Char Siu, Water, Cornstarch, Light Soy Sauce, Oyster
If you don't have a steamer or prefer a crispier texture, you can also bake your char siu bao in the oven. These baked buns still have the same delicious filling, but with a crispy outer crust. They make for a great party appetizer or snack.
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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. This recipe adds a Chinese twist by using char siu pork as the filling instead of the traditional pork and shrimp mixture. The result is a flavorful and satisfying snack that's perfect for any occasion.
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Char Siu Seitan Rolls
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Water, Oil, Garlic, Char Siu, Soy
For a vegetarian or vegan twist on char siu bao, try using seitan as the filling instead of pork. Seitan is a protein-rich meat substitute that has a similar texture and flavor to pork. These rolls are perfect for those who want to enjoy the delicious flavors of char siu without the meat.
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Roasted Char Siu Bun
Main Ingredients: Wheat Flour, Starch, Hot Water, Salt, Sugar, Chicken
If you're looking for a more substantial meal, try making these roasted char siu buns. The char siu pork is roasted until it's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, then served in a soft and fluffy bun. This is a great dish to make for a weekend dinner with family or friends.
This classic recipe for char siu bao uses a combination of pork shoulder and pork belly to create a tender and juicy filling. The buns are steamed until they're soft and fluffy, making them the perfect vessel for the flavorful pork filling.
If you're in a rush or don't have a steamer, you can also bake your char siu bao in a regular oven. These baked buns have the same tender and flavorful pork filling, but with a crispy outer crust. They're a great option for a quick and easy meal.
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Char Siu Pork Lo Mein
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti, Peanut Oil, Ginger, Napa Cabbage, Char Siu
Char siu pork is not just for buns. In this recipe, the tender and flavorful pork is added to a classic Chinese noodle dish, creating a mouthwatering combination. The rich and savory flavors of the pork pair perfectly with the noodles and vegetables in this dish.
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Fragrant Taro Char Siu Buns
Main Ingredients: Gluten Flour, Char Siu, Sugar, Baking Powder, Yeast
Taro is a root vegetable that is commonly used in Asian cuisine. In this recipe, taro is used to create a unique and flavorful bun filled with char siu pork. The taro adds a fragrant and slightly sweet flavor to the buns, making them a delicious and unforgettable dish.
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Scallion Biscuits & Char Siu Gravy
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Butter
This recipe combines the flaky and buttery texture of scallion biscuits with the rich and savory flavors of char siu gravy. The gravy is made with a blend of char siu pork, soy sauce, and other spices, creating a delicious and unique twist on the classic biscuits and gravy dish.
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Mini Baked Char Siu Buns
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Caster Sugar, Cake Flour, Vegetable
If you're looking for a cute and bite-sized version of char siu bao, try making these mini baked buns. They have the same delicious filling and crispy outer crust, but in a smaller, more manageable size. These are perfect for parties or as a snack.
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Steamed BBQ Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao)
Main Ingredients: Dough, Char Siu, Steamer
This recipe stays true to the traditional method of steaming the buns, resulting in soft and fluffy buns filled with tender and flavorful char siu pork. The buns are perfect for sharing and make for a great addition to any dim sum spread.
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XO Fried Rice with Char Siu
Main Ingredients: Peanut Oil, Yellow Onion, Char Siu Pork, Green Onions
This flavorful fried rice dish is made with a combination of char siu pork, XO sauce, and other spices. The XO sauce, made with dried seafood, adds a rich and complex umami flavor to the dish. This is a great way to use up any leftover char siu pork.
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Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns)
Main Ingredients: Char Siu, Water, Cornstarch, Light Soy Sauce, Oyster
For a more traditional version of char siu bao, try this recipe that uses a combination of pork shoulder and pork belly. The pork is marinated in a flavorful sauce before being steamed in soft and fluffy buns. These buns are perfect for any dim sum lover.
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Hokkien Noodles with Char Siu Pork
Main Ingredients: Hokkien Noodles, Char Siu Pork, Dried Shiitake
This hearty and flavorful noodle dish combines the savory flavors of char siu pork with the rich and spicy flavors of Hokkien noodles. The noodles are stir-fried with vegetables and char siu pork, creating a satisfying and delicious meal that's perfect for any day of the week.
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Chinese BBQ pork (Char Siu) Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Char Siu, Oyster Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Five Spice
These dumplings are a delicious and creative way to use leftover char siu pork. The dumplings are filled with a mix of pork, vegetables, and char siu, then pan-fried until crispy. Serve them with a soy and ginger dipping sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Char Siu and Chitterlings Egg Cake
Main Ingredients: Pumpkin, Char Siu, Egg, Chitterlings, Salt, Chicken
This unique dish combines the flavors of char siu pork with chitterlings, a type of sausage made from pig intestines. The pork and sausage are added to an egg cake, creating a delicious and flavorful breakfast or brunch dish that's sure to impress.
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Yu Choy and Char Siu Pork Salad
Main Ingredients: Char Siu Pork, Choy Sum, Red Cabbage, Medium Carrot
If you're looking for a lighter option, try this refreshing and flavorful salad. It combines the juicy and tender char siu pork with yu choy, a leafy green vegetable commonly used in Chinese cuisine. The result is a satisfying and healthy salad that's perfect for any meal.
The Origins of Char Siu
The Influence of Chinese Culture
Char siu is believed to have originated from the Cantonese region in southern China. However, its popularity quickly spread to other parts of China and eventually made its way to Malaysia through Chinese immigrants. With the influx of Chinese immigrants in the early 19th century, the dish became a staple in Malaysian cuisine and has remained a beloved dish ever since.
The Evolution in Malaysia
In Malaysia, the char siu recipe has been adapted and modified to suit the local taste buds. As a result, you can find various versions of this dish across different states in Malaysia. In Kuala Lumpur, the char siu is typically served with a side of steamed rice and a sweet and sour sauce. In Penang, the dish is often accompanied by a tangy chili sauce. Despite the variations, the core ingredients and cooking methods remain the same, making it a true Malaysian delicacy.
Recreating the Malaysian Char Siu at Home
Ingredients
To make the perfect char siu, you will need pork shoulder, garlic, honey, dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, Chinese five-spice powder, and red food coloring (optional). These ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores or Asian markets.
Marinade and Cooking Method
The key to achieving the signature flavors of Malaysian char siu lies in the marinade. To prepare the marinade, mix together the garlic, honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and Chinese five-spice powder. If you want to achieve the characteristic red color, add a few drops of red food coloring. Next, marinate the pork shoulder in the mixture for at least an hour, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the marinated pork on a rack over a baking tray and bake for 20 minutes. Then, turn the pork over and brush it with the remaining marinade. Continue baking for another 20 minutes until the pork is cooked through and the outside is caramelized and slightly charred.
Serving Suggestions
Once done, let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin pieces. Serve it with a side of steamed rice and your choice of dipping sauce. For an authentic Malaysian experience, serve it with some pickled vegetables and a refreshing glass of iced tea.
In conclusion, the Malaysian char siu recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. Its flavors and history make it a true representation of Malaysia's diverse cultural influence. So, why not try making it at home and impress your loved ones with your newfound culinary skills?
