How to Make Char Siu at Home

Char Siu, also known as Chinese BBQ pork, is a popular dish that you can easily make at home with a few key ingredients and some time to marinate. Here is a simple recipe to help you recreate this delicious dish in your kitchen:

Ingredients: - 1 lb pork shoulder or pork loin, thinly sliced or cut into strips - 4 cloves of garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine) or dry sherry - 1 teaspoon five-spice powder - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon white pepper - Red food coloring (optional, for the traditional red color) - Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions: 1. In a bowl, combine the garlic, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, Chinese cooking wine, five-spice powder, sesame oil, and white pepper. Mix well to make the marinade. 2. Add the pork slices to the marinade, ensuring that each piece is coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. 3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the marinated pork from the fridge and let it come to room temperature. 4. Place the pork slices on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to catch any drippings. If you want the traditional red color, brush the pork with a mixture of red food coloring and water. 5. Roast the pork in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, turning the slices halfway through and basting with the marinade or juices. 6. Once the pork is cooked through and has a nice char on the edges, remove it from the oven. 7. Let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. 8. Serve your homemade Char Siu with steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables for a flavorful meal that rivals your favorite Chinese takeout.

By following this recipe, you can enjoy the aromatic flavors and tender textures of homemade Char Siu right in your own kitchen. Experiment with the marinade ingredients to suit your taste preferences and enjoy this classic Chinese dish with your family and friends.