Why You’ll Love this Sweet & Savory Chinese Char Siu Pork
I’m talking about the perfect balance of sweet honey and savory soy that makes this Chinese Char Siu pork absolutely irresistible. The marinade creates a gorgeous caramelized glaze that’ll have you licking your fingers (no judgment here).
What’s not to love about tender pork tenderloin that’s been infused overnight with aromatic five-spice powder and rich hoisin sauce?
It’s remarkably simple to prepare but tastes like you spent hours perfecting it.
Looking for that authentic red-rimmed appearance of restaurant-quality Char Siu? This recipe delivers it right in your kitchen, without any fancy equipment or techniques.
What Ingredients are in Sweet & Savory Chinese Char Siu Pork?
The magic of Char Siu pork lies in its perfectly balanced marinade, which transforms ordinary pork tenderloin into something truly extraordinary. This classic Chinese barbecue pork gets its distinctive flavor from a combination of sweet and savory ingredients that create that gorgeous caramelized exterior we all crave.
The ingredients work together to infuse the meat with complex flavors that develop beautifully during the marinating process.
- 1-1½ pounds pork tenderloin
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon dry sherry
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- ½ teaspoon five-spice powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
While this ingredient list might seem simple, each component plays a vital role in developing that authentic Char Siu flavor profile. The honey creates that signature sticky-sweet exterior, while the hoisin sauce adds depth and complexity.
Five-spice powder—typically a blend of star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds—brings that distinctive aromatic quality that makes this dish unmistakably Chinese. If you’re looking for that vibrant red color often seen in restaurant versions, you might consider adding a drop of red food coloring, though it’s completely optional and won’t affect the taste.
How to Make this Sweet & Savory Chinese Char Siu Pork
Creating authentic Char Siu at home starts with preparing the perfect marinade for your 1-1½ pounds of pork tenderloin. First, take your sharp knife and cut small incisions in the pork at approximately 1-inch intervals. This step is essential—those little cuts allow the marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat, creating flavor that goes beyond just the surface.
In a bowl, combine ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup honey, 1 tablespoon dry sherry, 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, and ½ teaspoon of five-spice powder with some salt and pepper to taste. The aroma that rises from this mixture? Pure magic.
Now for the waiting game, which truly tests my patience but is absolutely worth it. Place your pork in a large plastic bag, pour that fragrant marinade over it, seal it up, and refrigerate overnight. Remember to turn the bag a few times during marination—I like to flip it whenever I open the fridge, which gives me an excuse to peek at what’s coming tomorrow. The longer you let it marinate, the more profound the flavor will be.
When cooking day arrives, position your oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat your broiler. Set up a roasting pan with a rack inside, place your marinated pork on that rack, and add about ¼-inch of water to the bottom of the pan. This water creates steam that helps keep the meat moist while cooking.
Cook the pork for 15-25 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning—the honey in the marinade can caramelize quickly. You’re looking for that beautiful mahogany exterior that makes Char Siu instantly recognizable. For an exciting alternative, you could also prepare this dish using a Hawaiian outdoor grill for that authentic island-inspired flavor profile.
The most reliable way to know when your pork is done? Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 145°F. This guarantees your Char Siu is juicy and safe to eat.
For a different cooking method with excellent heat retention, try using a cast iron Dutch oven which creates perfect caramelization on your Char Siu pork.
Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing, which helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat. When you cut into it, you’ll see that gorgeous contrast between the caramelized exterior and the tender, perfectly cooked interior.
Sweet & Savory Chinese Char Siu Pork Substitutions and Variations
While traditional recipes deserve respect, adaptable home cooks know that substitutions and variations can breathe new life into classic dishes like Char Siu pork.
Don’t have hoisin? Try oyster sauce with a dash of molasses. Sherry can be swapped for Chinese rice wine or even apple juice in a pinch. For protein options, pork shoulder works beautifully for a fattier, more succulent result, or chicken thighs for a lighter version.
Want a smokier flavor? Add a drop of liquid smoke to the marinade.
And let’s talk spice level—a little sriracha or crushed red pepper transforms this sweet dish into something with delightful heat.
What to Serve with Sweet & Savory Chinese Char Siu Pork
Now that you’ve mastered the art of Char Siu pork with all its possible variations, let’s talk about what goes alongside this sweet and savory centerpiece.
I’m a firm believer that proper sides can elevate your meal from merely good to absolutely memorable.
Rice is the classic partner—steamed jasmine or coconut rice soaks up those delicious juices perfectly.
For something greener, stir-fried bok choy with garlic or Chinese broccoli adds a crisp contrast.
Want something more substantial? Try serving your Char Siu sliced thin in steamed bao buns with quick-pickled cucumbers.
Trust me, your dinner guests won’t stop talking about it.
Final Thoughts
After spending time with this Chinese barbecue classic, I’ve come to appreciate how Char Siu pork brings together the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors in one irresistible dish.
The ruby-red glaze, tender texture, and aromatic spices create something truly special that’s worth mastering at home.
What makes this recipe so appealing is its versatility. You can serve it with rice, stuffed in bao, or chopped in noodles.
The overnight marinade might require planning, but trust me, the complex flavors that develop are absolutely worth the wait.
Char Siu isn’t just food—it’s a celebration of technique and tradition.
For those who enjoy comforting home-cooked meals, you might also love preparing a traditional shepherd’s pie with its hearty layers of mashed potatoes and savory ground beef.
If you’re looking for another hearty main dish option, try a classic meatloaf recipe that combines ground beef with vegetables and savory seasonings for a simple yet satisfying meal.
