Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu): Authentic Recipe & Tips

Updated at: 14/06/2025

Char Siu, the iconic Chinese barbecue pork, is a culinary masterpiece renowned for its glistening, crimson-red exterior and incredibly tender, flavorful interior. This beloved dish, a staple at countless celebrations and dim sum brunches, boasts a complex flavor profile achieved through a masterful blend of sweet, savory, and subtly smoky notes. The aroma alone is enough to transport you to bustling Hong Kong street markets, where the scent of roasting pork fills the air. From humble beginnings to its current global popularity, Char Siu remains a testament to the enduring power of simple ingredients transformed into something truly extraordinary.

Learning to make authentic Char Siu can seem daunting, but this recipe breaks down the process into manageable steps, guiding you through every stage with clear instructions and helpful tips. We'll explore the secrets behind the perfect marinade, the ideal roasting method, and the nuances that elevate this dish from good to unforgettable. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure and create your own masterpiece? Let's begin with the detailed, step-by-step instructions below.

Tools Needed

  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Ziploc bag (optional)
  • Grill or oven
  • Heat diffuser (optional)

Ingredients

  • Hoisin sauce
  • Ketchup
  • Soy sauce
  • Light brown sugar
  • Honey
  • Chinese rice wine or plum wine (or sake/dry sherry)
  • Crushed garlic cloves
  • Chinese five-spice powder
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Pink curing salt (optional)
  • Red food coloring (optional)
  • Pork shoulder or pork loin
  • Kosher salt
  • Green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Char Siu Marinade

  • In a saucepan, combine hoisin sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, Chinese wine, crushed garlic, Chinese five-spice, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and optional pink salt.
  • Bring the sauce to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking constantly. Boil for exactly 1 minute, then remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
  • Add the optional red food coloring to the cooled sauce and mix well.
Prepare the Chinese barbecue sauce: In a saucepan, combine hoisin sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, Chinese wine, crushed garlic, Chinese five-spice, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and optional pink salt. Bring the sauce to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking constantly. Boil for exactly 1 minute, then remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.Add the optional red food coloring to the cooled sauce and mix well.
Prepare the Char Siu Marinade

Step 2. Marinate and Prepare the Pork

  • Cut the pork shoulder or loin into roughly equal-sized pieces. The size should allow for good surface area but avoid drying out.
  • Add the prepared pork to the sauce, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for 4-12 hours (ideally overnight).
Prepare the pork: Cut the pork shoulder or loin into roughly equal-sized pieces. The size should allow for good surface area but avoid drying out.Marinate the pork: Add the prepared pork to the sauce, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for 4-12 hours (ideally overnight).
Marinate and Prepare the Pork

Step 3. Cook the Char Siu

  • Preheat grill or oven to 275-300°F (closer to 275°F is better). If using a grill, ensure indirect heat is used.
  • Place the marinated pork on the grill or in the oven. Cook for approximately 2-2.5 hours, covered, until the internal temperature reaches 185-190°F. Flip halfway through and brush with sauce multiple times.
Preheat grill or oven to 275-300°F (closer to 275°F is better). If using a grill, ensure indirect heat is used.Grill the pork: Place the marinated pork on the grill or in the oven. Cook for approximately 2-2.5 hours, covered, until the internal temperature reaches 185-190°F. Flip halfway through and brush with sauce multiple times.
Cook the Char Siu

Step 4. Glaze and Serve

  • Once cooked, brush the pork with the remaining sauce (boiled if using on cooked meat). Garnish with green onions and serve.
Glaze and serve: Once cooked, brush the pork with the remaining sauce (boiled if using on cooked meat). Garnish with green onions and serve.
Glaze and Serve

Read more: Easy Char Siu Chicken Roast: Sweet & Sticky BBQ Chicken Recipe

Tips

  • Using a pork shoulder provides a better fat-to-meat ratio, preventing dryness during long cooking.
  • Consistent sizing of pork pieces ensures even cooking.
  • Save leftover marinade for glazing purposes.
  • If glazing cooked meat, boil the sauce first to avoid stomach upset.
  • Red food coloring is optional but helps achieve the characteristic mahogany color.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 250-350
  • Fat: 15-25g
  • Carbs: 15-25g
  • Protein: 20-30g

FAQs

1. What's the secret to getting that beautiful red color on the Char Siu?

The vibrant red color comes from a combination of red food coloring (like red yeast rice or a natural alternative) and the Maillard reaction during roasting, which caramelizes the sugars in the marinade.

2. Can I make Char Siu in a home oven instead of a professional rotisserie?

Absolutely! While a rotisserie gives a more even cook, a home oven works perfectly well. Just ensure you use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and baste frequently for even browning and moisture.


With its irresistible blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, your homemade Char Siu is sure to become a family favorite. This recipe empowers you to recreate the magic of authentic Cantonese barbecue in your own kitchen, impressing friends and family with your culinary prowess. Enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor – happy cooking!