Envision this: the aroma of sweet and savory spices wafting through your kitchen as tender slices of Char Sui Pork roast to perfection.
This classic Chinese dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, offering a comforting and indulgent treat that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Watch as the marinated pork transforms into a beautifully glazed masterpiece with a tantalizing flavor profile.
Ready to bring this delightful dish to life? Let’s get started!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 baking dish
- 1 oven
- 1 basting brush
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 plate
Ingredients
- 500 grams pork shoulder cut into strips
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice wine
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Cook & Prep Time
Creating a timeline for efficiently managing the prep work and cooking activities for the Char Sui Pork Recipe can help guarantee everything is done smoothly. Here’s a suggested timeline:
- Initial Reading and Setup (10 minutes)
- Read the entire recipe and instructions.
- Gather all necessary equipment and ingredients.
- Prep Time (15 minutes)
- Whisk together the marinade ingredients: hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice wine, five-spice powder, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Cut the pork shoulder into strips.
- Coat the pork strips with the marinade and refrigerate.
- Marination Time (At least 2 hours, up to overnight)
- Ideally, marinate the pork overnight for the best flavor. If time is limited, marinate for at least 2 hours.
- During this time, you can prepare any side dishes or clean up the prep area.
- Preheat Oven (5 minutes)
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Cooking Time (50 minutes)
- Place the marinated pork strips on a baking dish and brush with vegetable oil.
- Roast the pork for 25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, baste with the reserved marinade, and roast for an additional 25 minutes.
- Resting Time (10 minutes)
- Allow the pork to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serving (5 minutes)
- Slice the pork into thin pieces and serve.
Note: Adjust the timeline if you find yourself needing a bit more or less time for certain tasks.
Recipe Instructions
Whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice wine, five-spice powder, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a bowl until well combined.
Place pork strips in the bowl and coat thoroughly with the marinade.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Place marinated pork strips on a baking dish, reserving marinade.
Brush pork with vegetable oil on all sides.
Roast pork in the oven for 25 minutes.
Remove pork from oven and baste with reserved marinade.
Return pork to oven and roast for another 25 minutes or until cooked through.
Allow pork to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Slice pork into thin pieces and serve on a plate.
Serving Tips
- Steamed Rice: A classic pairing that complements the savory and sweet flavors of the Char Sui Pork.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Adds a healthy and colorful side to your meal, balancing the rich taste of the pork.
- Noodles: Perfect for soaking up the delicious marinade and juices from the pork.
- Bao Buns: Soft and fluffy buns that make for a delightful handheld option, great for gatherings.
- Asian Slaw: A revitalizing and crunchy side dish that adds a fresh contrast to the rich pork.
Storage
Store leftover Char Sui Pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months.
Confirm proper sealing.
Freezing
To freeze Char Sui Pork, allow it to cool completely.
Slice it, and store in airtight containers or freezer bags.
Label with the date.
Consume within three months for best flavor.
Reheating
To reheat Char Sui Pork, use a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes.
Cover with foil to retain moisture.
Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
Char Sui Pork is a delicious Chinese dish that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.
By marinating the pork overnight, you allow the spices to fully penetrate the meat, enhancing its taste.
Make sure your oven is preheated for even cooking, and avoid opening the oven door frequently to maintain the correct temperature.
You can adjust the level of sweetness or spice by varying the amount of honey and five-spice powder, tailoring it to your personal preference.
With this simple recipe, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can I Use as a Substitute for Rice Wine?
You can substitute rice wine with dry sherry or sake for similar flavor profiles. Alternatively, use white grape juice with a splash of vinegar for acidity. Adjust quantities carefully to maintain the dish’s balance and integrity.
How Do I Prevent the Pork From Drying Out?
Maintain moisture by basting regularly with marinade and using a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Let the pork rest after roasting to redistribute juices. Cover lightly with foil during resting to retain heat without steaming.
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
You can substitute pork shoulder with pork belly for its higher fat content, ensuring juiciness and flavor. Adjust cooking time, monitoring internal temperature to reach 145°F. This cut provides a tender, succulent texture ideal for roasting.
Is There a Vegetarian Alternative to This Recipe?
You can substitute the pork with firm tofu or seitan. Marinate as instructed, ensuring proper absorption. For tofu, reduce roasting time to 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. Seitan requires similar cooking time to pork for ideal texture.
How Can I Make the Dish Gluten-Free?
Substitute soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. Double-check hoisin sauce for gluten-free labeling or make a homemade version. Confirm all other ingredients, like five-spice powder, are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
Char Sui Pork
Equipment
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Oven
- 1 Basting brush
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 plate
Ingredients
- 500 grams pork shoulder cut into strips
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice wine
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice wine, five-spice powder, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until well combined.
- Place the pork strips in the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pork for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Place the marinated pork strips on a baking dish, reserving the marinade.
- Brush the pork with vegetable oil on all sides.
- Roast the pork in the oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the pork from the oven and baste with the reserved marinade.
- Return the pork to the oven and continue roasting for another 25 minutes or until cooked through.
- Allow the pork to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice the pork into thin pieces and serve on a plate.
Notes
