How to Make Chinese Barbecued Pork

Chinese barbecued pork, also known as char siu, is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. It is typically made by marinating pork with a sweet and savory sauce, then roasting or grilling it until it is tender and caramelized. If you love the delicious flavors of Chinese barbecued pork and want to learn how to make it at home, then follow these simple steps!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of pork shoulder or pork belly
• 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of Chinese five spice powder
• 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, garlic, Chinese five spice powder, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. This will be the marinade for the pork.
2. Cut the pork shoulder or pork belly into strips or cubes, then place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
3. Pour the marinade over the pork, making sure to coat each piece thoroughly. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to marinate.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat up your grill to medium-high heat.
5. Remove the marinated pork from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help the pork cook more evenly.
6. If using an oven, place the marinated pork on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning the pork halfway through cooking and basting with any remaining marinade.
7. If using a grill, thread the marinated pork onto skewers and grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the marinade.
8. Once the pork is cooked through and caramelized, remove it from the oven or grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
9. Serve the Chinese barbecued pork hot with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or enjoy it on its own as a tasty snack!
10. Enjoy your homemade Chinese barbecued pork and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!

Tips:

• For an extra punch of flavor, add a little bit of red food coloring to the marinade to achieve the classic red hue of char siu.
• Make sure not to overcook the pork to keep it tender and juicy.
• Feel free to customize the marinade by adding ingredients like oyster sauce, brown sugar, or rice vinegar to suit your taste preferences.
• Leftover Chinese barbecued pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Now that you know how to make Chinese barbecued pork, you can enjoy this delicious dish anytime you crave a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine. Happy cooking!