“Homemade Char Siu Recipe: Chinese Barbecue Pork Delight”

Here’s a recipe for making delicious homemade Char Siu (Chinese Barbecue Pork) at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder or pork loin, thinly sliced or cut into strips

For the marinade:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Red food coloring (optional, for traditional color)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   • In a bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey or brown sugar, oyster sauce, Chinese rice wine or sherry, Chinese five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red food coloring (if using). Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Marinate the Pork:
   • Place the sliced or cut pork into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
3. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
4. Roast the Char Siu:
   • Remove the marinated pork from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Arrange the pork slices or strips on the wire rack, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
   • Reserve the marinade for basting.
   • Roast the pork in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and caramelized on the edges. You can baste the pork with the reserved marinade halfway through the cooking process for added flavor and moisture.
   • If desired, broil the pork for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end to achieve a slightly charred and crispy exterior.
5. Rest and Serve:
   • Once cooked, remove the char siu from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly. The resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
   • Serve the char siu slices hot as a main dish with steamed rice and vegetables, or use them as a filling in sandwiches, wraps, fried rice, or noodle dishes.

Enjoy your homemade Char Siu with its flavorful marinade and succulent, tender texture! Adjust the sweetness or saltiness according to your taste preferences for a customized experience.