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Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)

A Chinatown staple that you can easily prepare in your home.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Resting Time10 minutes
Servings: 8 people

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs pork shoulder*
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon five spice powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 10 drops red food coloring (optional, I use gel food coloring*)
  • 2 tablespoons maltose (or honey)

Instructions

  • Cut the pork into long strips that are about 1 inch tall and 2 inches long.
  • Mix all ingredients except the honey. Place pork and marinade in a container or plastic bag. Let marinate for 8 hours or overnight.
  • Preheat the oven to 450°F.
  • Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place an oven safe cooling or roasting rack on top. Pour enough water into the pan to cover most of the bottom. Place the pork on the rack. Do not discard the marinade.
  • Roast the pork for 10 minutes. Then turn the oven down to 350°F. Roast for another 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat the marinade on medium heat in a small saucepan until boiling. Once boiling, lower to a simmer and simmer for 2 minutes. Mix 1 tablespoon of the marinade with the maltose or honey.
  • After the pork has roasted, baste with the marinade. Roast for another 15 minutes.
  • Flip the pork, baste with marinade again, and roast for another 10 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve over rice with your favorite Chinese vegetable.

Notes

Pork Shoulder: Also known as pork butt. Be sure when slicing the pork that each strip contains fat.
Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring is more concentrated than liquid food coloring. You may need to use more if using liquid.