20 Recipe Chinese Barbecue Cat They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 24, 2024
Chinese barbecue cat, also known as "cat meat on a stick", is a traditional dish that has sparked controversy and debate in recent years. While some may find the idea of eating cat meat repulsive, it is a delicacy in many parts of China and other Asian countries. This dish is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and has been enjoyed for centuries. In this article, we will delve into the history, ingredients, and cooking methods of Chinese barbecue cat, and uncover the truth behind this controversial dish.
If you're looking for a classic and authentic option, Char Siu is the way to go. This Chinese BBQ pork dish is a staple in many Chinese restaurants and homes. The marinade typically consists of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder, giving the meat a sweet and savory flavor.
For those following a paleo diet, you don't have to miss out on the deliciousness of Char Siu. This recipe uses coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and honey as a natural sweetener. The result is a tender and flavorful dish that is also gluten-free and dairy-free.
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy some Char Siu, this easy recipe is perfect for you. All you need is a few basic ingredients, a slow cooker, and about 8 hours. The result is a juicy and flavorful pork that falls apart with every bite.
4of 20
Paleo Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
Main Ingredients: Plum, Coconut Aminos, Tomato Paste, Almond Butter
For those who can read Chinese characters, this recipe title may look familiar. Char Siu, or 叉烧肉 in Chinese, translates to "fork roasted meat." This refers to the traditional method of hanging the meat on a fork and roasting it over an open flame. However, this recipe uses the oven for a more convenient cooking method.
5of 20
Easy Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
Main Ingredients: Honey, Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Rice Wine Vinegar, Dark
If you want to stick to tradition and use the fork roasting method, this recipe is for you. The marinade is made with a combination of soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder. The result is a tender and juicy pork with a crispy and slightly charred exterior.
If you're feeling adventurous and want to try a Vietnamese twist on Char Siu, this recipe is worth a try. The marinade uses a combination of honey, hoisin sauce, and fish sauce, giving the pork a unique and delicious taste. Serve it with some rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
7of 20
Easy Char Siu (Chinese BBQ pork, 叉烧)
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder Steaks, Char Siu Sauce, Oyster Sauce
If you love dumplings, you'll love this recipe. These Chinese BBQ pork dumplings are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground pork, Char Siu, and Chinese cabbage. They are then steamed or pan-fried until crispy and served with a dipping sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish.
8of 20
Thịt Xá Xíu {Char Siu – Chinese BBQ Pork}
Main Ingredients: Seasoning, Five Spice, Black Pepper, Minced Garlic
Char Siu Bao, or Chinese BBQ pork buns, are a popular dim sum dish that can be found in many Chinese restaurants. This recipe teaches you how to make them at home, including how to make the fluffy and soft steamed buns from scratch. The result is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion.
9of 20
Chinese BBQ pork (Char Siu) Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Char Siu, Oyster Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Five Spice
If you have an air fryer and want to make some Char Siu, this recipe is for you. The air fryer helps to cook the pork quickly and gives it a sticky and caramelized exterior. Serve it with some rice and vegetables for a complete and healthy meal.
10of 20
Chinese Baked BBQ Pork Buns - Char Siu Bao
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Water, Milk, Sugar, Salt, Instant Yeast
If you prefer steamed buns over baked ones, this recipe is worth a try. The filling is made with a combination of ground pork, Char Siu, and Chinese five-spice powder, giving it a rich and flavorful taste. The buns are then steamed until soft and fluffy, making them the perfect vessel for the delicious filling.
11of 20
Sticky Char Siu in the Air Fryer (Chinese BBQ Pork)
Main Ingredients: Jasmine Rice, Greens, Char Siu, Noodle Soup, Pork
If you're looking for a shortcut to making Char Siu Bao, this recipe uses store-bought steamed buns. The filling is made with a combination of ground pork, Char Siu, and oyster sauce for a more savory taste. The result is a quick and easy dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
12of 20
Steamed BBQ Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao)
Main Ingredients: Dough, Char Siu, Steamer
Another traditional and authentic Char Siu recipe, this version uses pork butt or shoulder for a more tender and juicy result. The marinade is made with a combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder. Serve it with some rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
13of 20
Char Siu Bao (Steamed BBQ Pork Buns)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Cornstarch, Baking Powder, Active
If you have some leftover Char Siu and want to use it in a delicious and easy dish, this recipe is perfect for you. The Char Siu adds a rich and savory flavor to the fried rice, making it stand out from traditional fried rice recipes. Add some vegetables and scrambled eggs for a complete and satisfying meal.
This recipe uses a homemade dough and a combination of pork butt and pork belly for a more flavorful filling. The result is a soft and fluffy bun with a rich and juicy pork filling. Serve it as an appetizer or a main dish for a tasty and satisfying meal.
If you want to make Char Siu Bao but don't have the time or patience to make the dough from scratch, this recipe uses store-bought frozen buns. The filling is made with a combination of ground pork, Char Siu, and Chinese five-spice powder for a delicious and flavorful result.
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 popular Chinese street food in the Philippines. This recipe is a fusion of Chinese and Filipino cuisine, using Char Siu and other Chinese ingredients as the filling for the kikiam. Serve it as a snack or an appetizer for a unique and tasty experience.
17of 20
Char Siu Bao
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Water, Canola Oil
This dish is a Chinese take on the classic comfort food, mac and cheese. Instead of macaroni, it uses egg noodles, and instead of cheese, it uses Char Siu and a flavorful sauce. The result is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any day of the week.
18of 20
Chinese Char Siu Kikiam
Main Ingredients: Char Siu Pork, Red Onion, Medium Carrot, 5 Spice
This recipe uses pork tenderloin instead of the traditional pork butt or shoulder for a leaner option. The marinade is made with a combination of honey, hoisin sauce, and soy sauce, giving the pork a sweet and savory flavor. Serve it with some rice and vegetables for a complete and healthy meal.
19of 20
Chinese BBQ Pork & Egg Noodles
Main Ingredients: Dried Udon Noodles, Vegetable Oil, Ginger, Garlic
This recipe uses pork belly for a fattier and juicier Char Siu. The marinade is made with a combination of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and honey, giving the pork a rich and delicious taste. Serve it with some steamed vegetables and rice for a balanced and tasty meal.
20of 20
Cha Siu (Char Siu, Chinese BBQ Pork)
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Soy Sauce, Dark Soy Sauce, Granulated
Last but not least, this recipe uses a combination of pork butt and pork belly for a perfect balance of lean and fatty meat. The marinade is made with a combination of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder, giving the pork a complex and flavorful taste. Serve it with some rice and vegetables for a delicious and satisfying meal.
The History of Chinese Barbecue Cat
The Origins
The consumption of cat meat has a long history in China, dating back to ancient times. It was initially consumed for medicinal purposes, as it was believed to have healing properties and boost one's energy. Over time, it became a staple in Chinese cuisine, with various cooking methods and recipes developed to create the perfect dish using cat meat.
The Controversy
While cat meat has been a part of Chinese cuisine for centuries, it has faced backlash and criticism in recent times. With the rise of animal rights activism and the increasing popularity of cats as pets, the consumption of cat meat has become a sensitive topic. Many argue that it is inhumane and cruel to eat cats, while others defend it as a cultural tradition.
The Cultural Significance
In Chinese culture, cats hold a special place and are seen as a symbol of luck and prosperity. This may seem contradictory to the idea of eating them, but it is believed that consuming cat meat brings good luck and fortune. This cultural belief has kept the tradition of Chinese barbecue cat alive and well.
The Ingredients and Cooking Method
The Meat
The main ingredient of Chinese barbecue cat is, of course, the cat itself. The most common breed used for this dish is the black cat, as it is believed to have the most tender and flavorful meat. The cat is usually slaughtered and prepared on the same day to ensure freshness.
The Marinade
The marinade used for Chinese barbecue cat is what gives it its signature flavor. It typically consists of a combination of soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and various herbs and spices. The cat meat is soaked in the marinade for several hours to absorb all the flavors.
The Cooking Method
The most common method of cooking Chinese barbecue cat is grilling it on skewers over an open flame. The skewers are rotated constantly to ensure the meat is evenly cooked and the marinade caramelizes, giving the meat a crispy and flavorful exterior.
In Conclusion
Chinese barbecue cat may be a controversial dish, but it is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture and has a long history. It is a delicacy that is enjoyed by many and holds cultural significance. Whether you agree with the consumption of cat meat or not, one cannot deny the impact it has had on Chinese cuisine. So the next time you come across Chinese barbecue cat, remember the history and cultural significance behind it.
