18 Traditional Chinese Barbecue Pork Recipe Experience Flavor Like Never Before!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Traditional Chinese barbecue pork, also known as char siu, is a staple dish in Chinese cuisine that has gained popularity all over the world. This mouth-watering dish is characterized by its succulent strips of marinated pork that are cooked to perfection over an open flame. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the tender texture of the meat, makes this dish a must-try for any food lover. In this article, we will take a closer look at the traditional Chinese barbecue pork recipe and guide you through the steps to create this delectable dish in your own kitchen.
One of the most beloved and iconic dishes in Chinese cuisine is Char Siu, also known as Chinese BBQ Pork. This tender, succulent meat is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce and then roasted to perfection. It's a staple in many Chinese restaurants and can easily be made at home with just a few ingredients. Here are 20 different ways to incorporate Char Siu into your meals, from traditional dishes to modern twists.
Char Siu is a popular dish in Cantonese cuisine, where it is commonly served as a main course or used in various dishes like fried rice, noodles, and buns. The key to making delicious Char Siu is in the marinade, which typically consists of honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder. The meat is then roasted until it's caramelized and juicy, creating a flavorful and tender dish that is sure to please any palate.
If you're following a paleo diet, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of Char Siu by using paleo-friendly ingredients. Swap out the soy sauce for coconut aminos and the hoisin sauce for a homemade version using natural sweeteners. You can also use a leaner cut of pork, such as tenderloin, to make this dish healthier without sacrificing taste. Serve it with some cauliflower rice for a complete paleo meal.
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Paleo Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
Main Ingredients: Plum, Coconut Aminos, Tomato Paste, Almond Butter
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy the delicious flavors of Char Siu, this easy recipe is for you. Simply use a pre-made Char Siu sauce and marinate the pork for a few hours before roasting it in the oven. It's a quick and convenient way to make this classic dish without all the fuss.
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Easy Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
Main Ingredients: Honey, Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Rice Wine Vinegar, Dark
Char Siu is often translated as "fork-roasted pork" because it's traditionally cooked on long skewers over a fire. This method creates a smoky and slightly charred flavor that is synonymous with this dish. The Chinese name for Char Siu is 叉烧肉, which is where it gets its name from. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the authentic flavors of Chinese cuisine.
In Vietnamese cuisine, Char Siu is known as Thịt Xá Xíu and is a popular street food that is often served with rice or noodles. The marinade for Thịt Xá Xíu is similar to the Chinese version, but it also includes some additional spices and herbs like lemongrass and garlic for added flavor. You can also find Thịt Xá Xíu in Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches for a tasty and savory snack.
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Thịt Xá Xíu {Char Siu – Chinese BBQ Pork}
Main Ingredients: Seasoning, Five Spice, Black Pepper, Minced Garlic
If you're new to cooking Chinese food, this easy Char Siu recipe is a great place to start. It only requires a handful of ingredients and can be made in under an hour. The key to achieving that delicious caramelized crust on the pork is to baste it with the marinade while it's roasting in the oven. This will give it a beautiful glaze and a burst of flavor.
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Easy Char Siu (Chinese BBQ pork, 叉烧)
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder Steaks, Char Siu Sauce, Oyster Sauce
If you're a fan of dumplings, you'll love this recipe for Chinese BBQ pork (Char Siu) dumplings. The filling is made with ground pork, Char Siu, and other seasonings, and then wrapped in a thin dough and steamed. These dumplings are a popular dim sum dish and are usually served with a dipping sauce. They make for a tasty appetizer or a main course served with rice.
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Chinese BBQ pork (Char Siu) Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Char Siu, Oyster Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Five Spice
Char Siu Bao, or Chinese BBQ pork buns, are a beloved snack in China and throughout the world. These steamed buns are filled with a juicy and flavorful Char Siu filling and then baked until they're golden and crispy. They are perfect for a quick and satisfying snack or served as a side dish with a meal. You can also make them in advance and freeze them for a delicious and convenient meal option.
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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, you'll want to try this recipe for sticky Char Siu. The air fryer creates a crispy and caramelized exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender on the inside. This recipe also includes a homemade Char Siu sauce that is both flavorful and healthier than store-bought versions. Serve it with some steamed vegetables for a complete meal that is both delicious and nutritious.
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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 a lighter and healthier version of Char Siu Bao, you can also make them steamed instead of baked. Steamed BBQ pork buns are just as tasty and have a soft and fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with the savory filling. You can also add some green onions and sesame seeds on top for added flavor and texture.
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Steamed BBQ Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao)
Main Ingredients: Dough, Char Siu, Steamer
Char Siu Bao is a staple in many Chinese bakeries and is a popular street food in Hong Kong. These steamed buns are filled with a savory and slightly sweet Char Siu filling and then steamed until they're soft and fluffy. They are perfect for a quick breakfast or a tasty snack any time of the day.
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Char Siu Bao (Steamed BBQ Pork Buns)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Cornstarch, Baking Powder, Active
Char Siu is a versatile ingredient that can easily be incorporated into many dishes, including fried rice. Simply add some diced Char Siu to your favorite fried rice recipe for a burst of flavor and protein. You can also use leftover Char Siu to make this dish even more convenient and delicious.
Char Siu Bao is a popular dim sum dish in many Chinese restaurants and can also be made at home. These steamed buns are filled with a juicy and flavorful Char Siu filling and are often served with a dipping sauce. You can also make a vegetarian version by using a mushroom and tofu filling instead.
Char Siu Bao is perfect for a quick and delicious meal or snack. You can make them in advance and freeze them for a convenient meal option, or you can make them fresh for a satisfying and savory meal. The possibilities are endless with this versatile and tasty dish.
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Char Siu Bao (Chinese BBQ Pork Buns)
Main Ingredients: Char Siu, Green Onion, Dark Soy Sauce, Light Soy Sauce
Kikiam is a popular street food in the Philippines and Indonesia that is influenced by Chinese cuisine. It consists of a mixture of vegetables, pork, and other ingredients wrapped in a bean curd sheet and then deep-fried. You can also add some diced Char Siu to the filling for added flavor and protein. Serve it with some sweet and sour sauce for a delicious and unique dish.
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Char Siu Bao
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Water, Canola Oil
This dish is a classic in many Chinese households and is a staple in Cantonese cuisine. The egg noodles are stir-fried with a savory and slightly sweet Char Siu sauce and then topped with slices of Char Siu. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that is perfect for any day of the week.
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Chinese Char Siu Kikiam
Main Ingredients: Char Siu Pork, Red Onion, Medium Carrot, 5 Spice
In Chinese, Cha Siu means "fork-roasted" and is another name for Char Siu. It's a popular dish in Hong Kong and is often served with a side of rice. The marinade for Cha Siu may vary slightly from region to region, but the key ingredients remain the same, giving it that signature sweet and savory flavor.
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Chinese BBQ Pork & Egg Noodles
Main Ingredients: Dried Udon Noodles, Vegetable Oil, Ginger, Garlic
Cha Siu Bao is another name for Char Siu Bao and is a popular dish in many Chinese restaurants. These steamed buns are filled with a juicy and flavorful Char Siu filling and are often served with a dipping sauce. You can also make them at home with some easy-to-find ingredients for a tasty and convenient meal.
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Cha Siu (Char Siu, Chinese BBQ Pork)
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Soy Sauce, Dark Soy Sauce, Granulated
Kikiam is a popular street food in the Philippines and Indonesia that is influenced by Chinese cuisine. It consists of a mixture of vegetables, pork, and other ingredients wrapped in a bean curd sheet and then deep-fried. You can also add some diced Char Siu to the filling for added flavor and protein. Serve it with some sweet and sour sauce for a delicious and unique dish.
The Perfect Cut of Meat
When it comes to making traditional Chinese barbecue pork, the type of meat used is crucial. Pork shoulder or butt is the most commonly used cut for this dish, as it has a good balance of fat and lean meat, making it ideal for grilling. It is important to choose a good quality cut of meat with even marbling for the best results. Marbling refers to the small white streaks of fat within the meat that add flavor and tenderness.
Marinating the Meat
The key to achieving the signature flavor of traditional Chinese barbecue pork lies in the marinade. The marinade not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. Honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder are the essential ingredients for the marinade. Chinese five-spice powder is a blend of ground spices that includes cinnamon, clove, fennel seeds, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns. This combination of spices gives the dish its unique and aromatic flavor.
The Grilling Process
Once the meat has been marinated for at least 4 hours or overnight, it is ready to be grilled. The traditional method of grilling Chinese barbecue pork involves the use of a charcoal grill, which imparts a smoky flavor to the meat. However, a gas grill or oven can also be used. The key is to cook the meat on a high heat for a short amount of time to get a nice char on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Serving and Enjoying
After the meat has been grilled to perfection, it is time to serve and enjoy. Traditional Chinese barbecue pork is often sliced into thin strips and served with steamed rice or noodles. It can also be used as a filling for steamed buns or added to fried rice for an extra burst of flavor. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, one thing is for sure, this dish will leave your taste buds wanting more.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, the traditional Chinese barbecue pork recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that is loved by many. With a few key ingredients and some simple steps, you can recreate this iconic dish in your own kitchen. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy your cravings for authentic Chinese cuisine. So why not give it a try and experience the flavors of China right in your own home.
