Homemade Chinese-Style Barbecue Pork Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. What Is Chinese-Style Barbecue Pork?

Chinese-style barbecue pork, also known as char siu, is a popular dish in Cantonese cuisine. This tender and flavorful dish features pork that is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then roasted or grilled to perfection. The unique balance of flavors—sweet, salty, and slightly smoky—makes Chinese-style barbecue pork a favorite in Chinese restaurants worldwide.

What makes this dish so iconic is its rich color and caramelized glaze, which comes from the combination of honey, soy sauce, and a few other key ingredients. It’s often served with steamed rice, in noodles, or as a filling for bao buns. Making it at home is surprisingly easy, and with the right recipe, you can recreate restaurant-quality Chinese-style barbecue pork right in your own kitchen.

2. Key Ingredients for Chinese-Style Barbecue Pork

Before you start making homemade Chinese-style barbecue pork, it’s essential to have the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pork Shoulder or Pork Belly: These cuts are ideal for char siu as they are tender and juicy, offering the perfect balance of fat and meat for roasting.
• Char Siu Sauce: The heart of the recipe, this sauce is typically made with hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, and red food coloring (optional, for the signature red hue).
• Chinese Five-Spice Powder: This spice blend, which includes star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds, adds a depth of flavor to the dish.
• Honey: Used to add sweetness and create a beautiful caramelized glaze on the pork.
• Shaoxing Wine: A Chinese rice wine that gives the dish an added layer of complexity and richness.

These ingredients are available at most Asian supermarkets or online. If you’re missing a few, don’t worry! Many substitutions can be made to achieve a similar flavor profile.

3. How to Make Homemade Chinese-Style Barbecue Pork

Follow these easy steps to prepare homemade Chinese-style barbecue pork:

1. Prepare the Pork: Start by selecting your pork cut (shoulder or belly) and trimming off any excess fat. Slice the pork into strips or small chunks, depending on how you want to serve it.
2. Marinate the Pork: In a bowl, combine the char siu sauce, honey, Shaoxing wine, Chinese five-spice powder, soy sauce, and red food coloring if desired. Add the pork and marinate it for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best for deeper flavor.
3. Roast the Pork: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated pork on a wire rack over a baking tray lined with aluminum foil. Roast for 25–30 minutes, basting with more marinade halfway through. For an extra smoky flavor, finish the pork on a grill or under the broiler for a couple of minutes to achieve a crispy, caramelized finish.
4. Serve: Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve it with steamed rice, in bao buns, or on noodles for a delicious, authentic meal.

4. Tips for Perfect Chinese-Style Barbecue Pork

To elevate your homemade Chinese-style barbecue pork to the next level, here are a few tips:

• Marinate Longer: The longer you marinate the pork, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you have time.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add chili paste or fresh chili peppers to the marinade. This will give your char siu an extra layer of heat.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked pork, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
• Grill for Extra Flavor: If you have a grill, use it! Grilling the pork at the end will infuse it with a smoky flavor, which pairs perfectly with the sweet marinade.

5. Where to Find Ingredients for Chinese-Style Barbecue Pork

To make your Chinese-style barbecue pork at home, you can easily find the necessary ingredients at local Asian markets or order them online. Here are some great places to shop:

• Chinese Food: An excellent online store that offers a wide range of Chinese ingredients, including char siu sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, and Shaoxing wine.
• Asian Supermarkets: Most large cities have Asian supermarkets where you can find everything from fresh pork cuts to specialized sauces and spices.
• Online Marketplaces: Websites like Amazon or specialized food retailers also offer many of the essential ingredients, often with fast shipping options.

By shopping at these places, you'll be able to find everything you need to recreate this delicious dish in the comfort of your home.