One of my favorite “go to” dishes, when ordering Chinese take out, is the Chinese BBQ Pork. I love to mix the red sauce together with the hot mustard and dip the pork in it as if it were a bowl of chips and salsa. Just enough hot mustard to clear the sinuses but not to the point of tears forming. Yum!
It was at my first job, out of culinary school, that I learned how to make Char Sui (BBQ Pork). I was working at a boutique hotel preparing food for private events (banquets and catering).
Char Sui (BBQ Pork) was one of the more popular hors d’oeuvres on the menu and one of my favorites to make (and eat!).
The charred end pieces the best. Since they were not display worthy, they were all mine! One of the many perks of working in a kitchen, you get to taste everything.
You might think that something so delicious would be difficult to make but it is actually quite simple.
Tips for making a flavorful and juicy Chinese BBQ Pork
- Marinate the pork for 24 hours for maximum flavor
- Do not overcook it and be sure to let the meat rest after cooking.
- The pork can be cooked in the oven or on the bbq grill using indirect heat. I typically cook it in the oven but on a hot summer day will take it to the grill.
- The food color is optional, sometimes I use it and other times I don’t. It really depends if you want that bright red look or not.
What to serve with Chinese bbq pork
- Serve with steamed rice and stir fried veggies or Asian slaw
- Serve as an appetizer with Hot mustard sauce or sweet chili sauce
- Serve over a steaming bowl of ramen
- Use any leftovers to make fried rice
Over the years I have seen many different versions of making Char Sui. Most use the same ingredients in varying amounts. Some add ketchup or five spice. Some use red food color and some don’t.
This recipe achieves that perfect balance of salty and sweet that is Char Sui. I hope this will become one of your “go to” favorite dishes as well.
Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork loin
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
- 3 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons raw sugar
- 1 tablespoon dry sherry
- red food color a few drops (optional
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Instructions
To Marinate:
- Cut pork loin lengthwise into long thick strips and place into a gallon sized ziploc bag. In a bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients to make a marinade. Pour marinade in bag with the pork and swish around to coat. Seal bag and place in the refrigerator to marinate for 24 to 48 hours.
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