Char Siu, or Chinese BBQ Pork, is a quintessential Cantonese dish celebrated for its savory-sweet flavor and tender texture. This dish has a rich history dating back to ancient China, where it was traditionally made with seasoned pork roasted to perfection. Today, Char Siu is enjoyed globally, making it a popular choice in both Chinese restaurants and home kitchens.
Char Siu originated from Canton (Guangzhou), a region in southern China known for its rich culinary traditions. The name "Char Siu" translates to "fork-roasted" in Cantonese, referring to the method of cooking the pork on skewers over an open flame or in an oven. Historically, this dish was prepared with a variety of meats, but pork became the most popular choice due to its availability and flavor.
Char Siu features pork marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder. This mixture infuses the pork with a deep, complex flavor and creates a caramelized, slightly sticky exterior. The pork is typically roasted in two stages: first to cook through and then with a glaze to achieve the desired caramelization and shine.
Ingredients:
1. 1 pound pork (shoulder or belly)
2. 2 tablespoons honey
3. 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
4. 2 tablespoons soy sauce
5. 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine
6. 1 tablespoon sesame oil
7. 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
8. 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
9. 2 cloves garlic, minced
10. 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated
11. 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare Pork: Cut the pork into 1-inch thick strips, 4-5 inches long. Prick the pork with a fork or skewer to allow the marinade to penetrate.
2. Make Marinade: In a bowl, mix honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, five-spice powder, red food coloring (if using), garlic, ginger, and salt until well combined.
3. Marinate: Place pork strips in a resealable plastic bag, pour in the marinade, seal, and massage to coat. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
5. Roast Pork: Remove pork from marinade, place on the wire rack, and roast for 20-25 minutes until cooked and caramelized.
6. Prepare Glaze: Boil reserved marinade in a saucepan, reduce heat, and simmer for 5-10 minutes until thickened into a glaze.
7. Glaze Pork: Brush the cooked pork with the glaze and return to the oven for 5-10 minutes to set the glaze.
8. Serve: Let the pork rest before slicing and serving.
Notes:
- Pork belly provides a more tender and flavorful result.
- Substitute dry sherry or white wine if Chinese rice wine is unavailable.
- Red food coloring is optional for traditional appearance.
- Pricking the pork helps the flavors infuse better.
Char Siu remains a beloved dish, cherished for its rich, sweet, and savory taste. Its versatility allows it to be enjoyed in various forms, from traditional BBQ to modern culinary creations.
Nutritional Information:
A 3-ounce serving of Char Siu contains approximately 180 calories, 17 grams of protein, and 8 grams of fat, making it a good source of protein. It's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Nutrition Value:
1. 1 pound pork (shoulder or belly)
- Calories: 1,200
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 100 g
- Fat: 90 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Cholesterol: 275 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6
- Minerals: Iron, Zinc, Phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Pork provides a high amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. It also contains important B vitamins for energy production and maintaining a healthy nervous system. The fat content helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
2. 2 tablespoons honey
- Calories: 128
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Small amounts of Vitamin C
- Minerals: Small amounts of calcium, potassium, magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Honey is a natural sweetener that provides quick energy through its carbohydrate content. It also contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals, along with antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation.
3. 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- Calories: 50
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 660 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None significant
- Minerals: Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Hoisin sauce adds flavor and depth to the dish. While it contributes a small amount of iron, it is primarily valued for its flavor-enhancing qualities rather than nutritional content.
4. 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Calories: 20
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1,800 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None significant
- Minerals: Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor to the dish and provides some protein and iron. However, its high sodium content should be considered, especially for those managing blood pressure.
5. 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine
- Calories: 15
- Carbohydrates: 0.5 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None significant
- Minerals: None significant
- Nutritional Benefit: Chinese rice wine is used mainly for its flavor. It provides minimal nutritional benefits but enhances the taste and aroma of the dish.
6. 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin E
- Minerals: Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Sesame oil is rich in healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. It also provides Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
7. 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Small amounts of Vitamin A
- Minerals: Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Five-spice powder adds flavor and provides a small amount of iron. It also contains spices like star anise, cloves, and cinnamon, which have various health benefits including anti-inflammatory properties.
8. 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Red food coloring is used solely for aesthetic purposes and does not contribute any nutritional value.
9. 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Calories: 9
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Protein: 0.4 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin B6
- Minerals: Manganese, Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Garlic has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It supports immune function and cardiovascular health and provides essential vitamins and minerals.
10. 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated
- Calories: 2
- Carbohydrates: 0.5 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C
- Minerals: Magnesium, Potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It aids digestion and can help reduce nausea and muscle pain.
11. 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 575 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Salt is essential for flavor and can help balance other flavors in the dish. However, excessive salt consumption can contribute to high blood pressure, so it should be used in moderation.
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