How do you make Chinese BBQ pork?

How to Make Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)

Here's a classic recipe for Chinese BBQ pork, also known as Char Siu:

Ingredients:

* For the Marinade:

* 1 lb boneless pork shoulder or loin, cut into 1.5-inch thick pieces

* 1/4 cup soy sauce

* 2 tablespoons honey

* 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)

* 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

* 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

* 1 tablespoon sesame oil

* 1 teaspoon ground ginger

* 1 teaspoon five-spice powder

* 1/2 teaspoon salt

* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

* For the Glaze:

* 1 tablespoon honey

* 1 tablespoon soy sauce

* 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients.

2. Marinate the pork: Add the pork pieces to the marinade, making sure they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.

3. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together all the glaze ingredients.

4. Roast the pork: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Place the pork in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet.

5. Baste and roast: Brush the pork with half the glaze. Roast for 30 minutes.

6. Continue basting and roasting: Brush the pork with the remaining glaze and continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

7. Rest and slice: Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

8. Serve: Serve the BBQ pork hot with your favorite sides, such as rice, steamed vegetables, or noodles.

Tips:

* Use high-quality pork: For the best results, use a pork shoulder or loin with good marbling.

* Don't overcrowd the pan: Make sure the pork pieces have enough space in the roasting pan for even cooking.

* Baste frequently: Basting the pork regularly throughout the roasting process will ensure a beautiful caramelized glaze and tender meat.

* Don't overcook the pork: Overcooked pork will be dry and tough.

* Experiment with the glaze: You can adjust the sweetness and savoriness of the glaze to your liking by adding more honey, soy sauce, or other ingredients.

Variations:

* For a sweeter glaze: Add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to the glaze.

* For a spicier glaze: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few drops of chili oil to the glaze.

* For a more intense flavor: Marinate the pork for longer, or use a higher concentration of marinade ingredients.

* For a crispy skin: Score the pork skin before marinating and roasting.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Chinese BBQ pork!