Name: Chinese BBQ Pork Char Sui
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 8 h 45 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 lbs pork shoulder (or pork belly), cut into long strips; 3 tbsp honey; 3 tbsp hoisin sauce; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp dark soy sauce; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 2 tbsp Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry); 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp five-spice powder; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ tsp red food coloring (optional); 1 tbsp sesame oil; ½ tsp white pepper; Equipment:; Mixing bowl; Baking tray with rack or grill; Basting brush; Foil (for easy cleanup)

Chinese BBQ Pork Char Sui

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of tender, caramelized Chinese BBQ pork (Char Siu) wafting through the kitchen. The first time I made this dish, my family couldn’t get enough—it was love at first bite. My kids, who can be picky eaters, devoured every last piece, and my husband requested it for dinner the following week. That’s when I knew I had found a staple recipe for our home.

Char Siu is a beloved Cantonese dish that balances sweet and savory flavors with a sticky, slightly charred glaze. The deep red hue and glistening caramelized exterior make it irresistible. I’ve perfected this recipe to be both delicious and practical for busy moms who want to recreate that authentic takeout taste without all the hassle. You don’t need fancy equipment or a restaurant-sized oven—just a few pantry staples and a little patience.

This version of Char Siu is one I’m incredibly proud of, with just the right balance of honey sweetness, soy sauce umami, and a subtle hint of five-spice. It’s a recipe that will transport your taste buds straight to a bustling Chinatown street, all from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re making this for a weekend dinner or meal-prepping for the week, I promise this will be one of the most satisfying dishes you’ve ever made.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I make this without red food coloring?
Absolutely! The red hue in traditional Char Siu comes from food coloring, but you can skip it. The flavor won’t be affected, and you’ll still get that beautiful caramelization.

Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes! Chicken thighs work well as a substitute. They stay juicy and absorb the marinade beautifully, giving you a flavorful alternative.

Do I need a grill to make Char Siu?
Not at all! While grilling enhances the smokiness, baking or broiling in your oven will yield fantastic results. You can also use an air fryer for a quicker option.

How long should I marinate the pork?
At least 8 hours, but overnight is best. The longer it sits, the more flavorful and tender the meat becomes.

What You Need to Make Char Siu

Ingredients:

2 lbs pork shoulder (or pork belly), cut into long strips

3 tbsp honey

3 tbsp hoisin sauce

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp dark soy sauce

2 tbsp oyster sauce

2 tbsp Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp five-spice powder

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ tsp red food coloring (optional)

1 tbsp sesame oil

½ tsp white pepper

Equipment:

Mixing bowl

Baking tray with rack or grill

Basting brush

Foil (for easy cleanup)

How to Make Char Siu

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients until well combined.

Marinate the Pork: Place the pork strips in a resealable bag or bowl and pour the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the marinated pork strips on the rack.

Bake: Roast for 25 minutes, basting with the remaining marinade halfway through.

Broil or Grill: Increase the oven to broil (or use a grill) and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes per side until caramelized and slightly charred.

Rest and Serve: Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with steamed rice or in bao buns.

Tips for Making the Best Char Siu

Choose the Right Cut: Pork shoulder is ideal because of its balance of fat and meat, keeping it juicy.

Don’t Skip the Basting: This step is key to achieving that signature glossy finish.

For Extra Smokiness: If using a grill, add a small pan of water to prevent drying out.

Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, then increase to 400°F for the last 5 minutes.

Reader Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This recipe is a game changer! My whole family loved it, and it tasted just like restaurant Char Siu!” – Emily R.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Delicious and easy to make. I skipped the red food coloring, and it still turned out great.” – David L.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “So much better than takeout! My kids devoured it, and it’s now a weekly favorite.” – Melissa K.

⭐⭐⭐ “I think I’ll add more honey next time for extra sweetness, but overall it was really tasty.” – Jason T.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Perfect for meal prep! I used chicken thighs instead, and they turned out juicy and flavorful.” – Sarah M.

Printable Recipe

Before you print the recipe, could I ask you a favor? Please consider sharing this recipe on Facebook or pin to a group on Pinterest? This would really help us out. Thank you so much <3