Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Sweet, sticky, savory, and slightly smoky, Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu is one of the most iconic Cantonese dishes that brings restaurant flavor straight to your home kitchen. Traditionally roasted until beautifully caramelized and richly lacquered, Char Siu is the ultimate balance of umami-packed seasoning and luscious, juicy pork.

This homemade version skips the artificial red dye and instead leans into pantry ingredients to recreate the deep flavors you love. Whether served over rice, tucked into bao, or snacked on straight from the cutting board, this pork is irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu

Char Siu is both simple to make and impressive in flavor. The marinade is where the magic happens: hoisin sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice, and soy sauce create layers of taste that penetrate the meat. It’s a low-effort recipe with high rewards, and the leftovers are just as delicious—if they last long enough.

This dish also adapts well to oven roasting, air frying, or grilling, so you can make it work no matter the season or your kitchen setup.

What Cut of Pork Should I Use for Char Siu?

Pork shoulder or pork butt is the most popular choice for Char Siu because of its rich marbling and tenderness after marinating. These cuts absorb flavor beautifully and don’t dry out in the oven. If you prefer leaner meat, pork loin can also be used, but be careful not to overcook it to maintain juiciness.

Ingredients for the Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu

The flavor of Char Siu comes from a deeply aromatic marinade, balanced between sweet, savory, and fragrant spice. Each ingredient plays a role in achieving the signature sticky glaze and rich flavor.

• Pork shoulder
• Hoisin sauce
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Shaoxing wine
• Chinese five-spice powder
• Garlic
• Red fermented bean curd (optional)
• Sesame oil
• White pepper

How To Make the Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu

Step 1: Make the Marinade

Combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, Shaoxing wine, Chinese five-spice, minced garlic, sesame oil, and white pepper in a bowl. If using red fermented bean curd, mash and add it in. Mix well.

Step 2: Marinate the Pork

Cut the pork shoulder into long strips for better surface area. Place in a zip-top bag or a dish and coat with marinade. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, flipping halfway.

Step 3: Roast the Pork

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place pork on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet. Reserve leftover marinade. Roast for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Glaze and Finish

After 20 minutes, baste the pork with the reserved marinade. Roast for another 10 minutes, then flip and baste again. Roast 10-15 more minutes until edges are caramelized and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Optionally broil for a minute or two for added char.

How to Serve and Store Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people generously. Char Siu is incredibly versatile: serve it sliced over steamed jasmine rice, tucked into steamed buns, or alongside noodles. Leftovers are just as good cold and make excellent additions to fried rice or stir-fries.

To store, cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, gently steam or microwave covered to retain moisture.

What to Serve With Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu?

Steamed White Rice

Classic and simple, jasmine rice soaks up the sweet and savory glaze perfectly.

Stir-Fried Bok Choy

Light and crisp greens tossed in garlic give a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork.

Chinese Egg Rolls

Crunchy on the outside, savory on the inside — a perfect appetizer pairing. Try our crispy Chinese egg rolls here

Pickled Cucumber Salad

Tangy, cold, and quick to prepare, this salad helps balance the flavors on the plate.

Chicken Fried Rice

Use leftover pork to boost flavor in a next-day fried rice twist. See our easy chicken fried rice version

Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese

It may not be traditional, but if you’re planning a fusion feast, this fun dish brings bold flavors. Find the recipe here

Sesame Noodles

Chilled or warm, sesame noodles with cucumber and scallion add another texture to the meal.

Want More Asian-Inspired Dinner Ideas?

If you enjoy this savory Char Siu, you’ll probably want to try these recipes next:

• Easy Chicken Fried Rice for a fast and flavorful weeknight staple.
• Crispy and Delicious Chinese Egg Rolls for an appetizer that never fails.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip for finger food with a kick.
• Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa for something light, fresh, and tropical.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime.

Let me know how your Char Siu turned out! Did you use the broiler for extra caramelization? Try a different cut of pork? Drop a comment and share your version.

Explore beautifully curated Asian-inspired dinners on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next family favorite!

Conclusion

Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu is one of those dishes that never goes out of style. It’s sweet, savory, and sticky in all the right ways. This homemade version brings authentic flavor without the need for special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this Char Siu recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen rotation.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?