Chinese Char Siu Pork Recipe
Char siu pork is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, known for its sweet, sticky, and slightly charred flavor. This dish is typically made from marinated pork shoulder or pork belly that is roasted or grilled, resulting in juicy and tender meat with a caramelized exterior. In this article, we will be exploring the history and traditional preparation methods of char siu pork, as well as a simple and delicious recipe for making it at home.
History of Char Siu Pork
Char siu pork has a long history in Chinese cuisine, dating back over a thousand years. It was originally a dish made by Cantonese immigrants in southern China, who used it as a way to preserve meat for long journeys. Over time, char siu pork became a staple in Chinese cooking and is now enjoyed by people all over the world.
Traditional Preparation Methods of Char Siu Pork
Char siu pork is typically prepared using the following steps:
- Marination: The pork is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and spices for several hours to enhance its flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Roasting or Grilling: The pork is then roasted or grilled until the exterior is caramelized and the meat is juicy and tender.
Chinese Char Siu Pork Recipe
Here is a simple and delicious recipe for making char siu pork at home:
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb. boneless pork shoulder or pork belly
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp. sugar
- 2 tbsp. honey
- 1 tbsp. Chinese five spice powder
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground ginger
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. red food coloring (optional)
- Instructions:
- 1. In a large bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sugar, honey, five spice powder, cinnamon, ginger, garlic powder, and food coloring (if using).
- 2. Add pork to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- 3. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
- 4. Remove pork from the marinade and place on the wire rack. Bake for 20 minutes, then baste with the remaining marinade. Bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the pork is caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- 5. Let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions
Char siu pork is traditionally served over steamed rice or noodles, but it can also be used in a variety of other dishes, such as:
- Stir-fries: Char siu pork can be added to stir-fries for added flavor and protein.
- Sandwiches: Char siu pork can be used as a filling for sandwiches or sliders.
- Salads: Char siu pork can be sliced and added to salads for a protein boost.
Conclusion
Char siu pork is a delicious and flavorful dish in Chinese cuisine that is easy to make at home. With its juicy and tender meat, caramelized exterior, and sweet, sticky flavor, it is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you are serving it over rice, noodles, or in a sandwich, char siu pork is a versatile dish that is sure to impress.
