In this recipe, pork tenderloin is used. Others may use pork belly or pork shoulder, but I prefer using pork tenderloin because the meat is so tender and not so fatty. The tenderloin is marinated overnight in a mixture of hoisin sauce, Chinese 5 spice, sesame oil, ketchup, soy sauce, honey and canola oil. Then, it is roasted in the oven until cooked. The dish came out so good. I decided to make some extra glaze to make this dish look even more appealing. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips
Getting the best results with Char siu comes down to a few key techniques. First, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Pork tenderloin is best cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the meat stays juicy and tender. If you like a bit of char on your pork, finish it off under the broiler for a couple of minutes at the end of cooking. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Also, let the meat rest for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, making every bite more flavorful. If you want to enhance the glaze, brush some more on while it’s roasting. This adds extra flavor and a beautiful glossy finish.
Serving Suggestions
Char siu is incredibly versatile, which makes it perfect for a variety of meals. One popular way to serve it is with steamed rice, accompanied by stir-fried vegetables like bok choy or snap peas. For a more casual option, you can slice the pork and serve it in bao buns with pickled vegetables and hoisin sauce. If you are feeling adventurous, try adding it to a noodle soup or a salad for a fusion twist. Another great idea is to create a Char siu platter with various sides such as cucumber salad, chili oil, and sesame seeds. This way, everyone can customize their meal. Pair it with a nice cup of jasmine tea or a light beer to balance the flavors. The possibilities are endless.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can mix soy sauce with a bit of honey and peanut butter to create a similar flavor. Another option is using oyster sauce, but it will change the taste a little.
How should I store leftover Char Siu?
Store leftover Char Siu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it, and it should last for about three months.
Can I make Char Siu in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the pork tenderloin a day ahead and let it sit in the fridge overnight for more flavor. Just make sure to roast it the next day when you’re ready to enjoy!
What sides go well with Char Siu?
Char Siu pairs really well with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables. You can also serve it with bao buns or in a noodle dish for a delicious meal.
What are common mistakes to avoid when making Char Siu?
One common mistake is not marinating the pork long enough, which can lead to less flavor. Also, make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
Ingredients
Marinade/Sauce
- ½ tbsp. sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 ½ tbsp. soy sauce
- ½ tsp Chinese 5 Spice
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 1 tbsp ketchup
Pork
- 1 lb of pork tenderloin
- 1 tbsp of honey
Instructions
- Place all of the marinade/sauce ingredients in a small saucepan and heat for 30 seconds.
- Let the sauce cool. Then, place the pork and the sauce in a ziplock bag and mix.
- Refrigerate the pork and marinade mixture. Marinate for 3 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a rack (like a cooling rack) on top of the baking sheet.
- Place the pork tenderloin on the rack. Reserve any remaining sauce from the ziplock bag.
- Place the pork in the preheated oven and roast until the internal temperature hits 145F – 160F. At about half way through cooking, baste the pork tenderloin by using half of the reserved sauce. The total baking time depends on the thickness of the pork tenderloin. For me it took 35-40 minutes.
- Once the pork is fully cooked, take the remaining marinade and add 1 tbsp of honey to it and mix.
- Baste the pork tenderloin once more using all the remaining marinade mixture.
- Switch the oven to broil and return the pork to the oven. Broil for about 2 minutes.
- Remove the pork from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before cutting.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
This was delicious! Will be making it again really soon! Thank you!!