Char Siu (Cantonese Honey-Glazed Roast Pork)
Local name: 叉燒
In short: Strips of pork shoulder marinated overnight in hoisin, soy, honey and five-spice, then roasted and glazed until sticky, lacquered and lightly charred. It takes about 1 h in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Resting
- 8 h
- Total
- 1 h
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 300 kcal
Char siu is the glossy red-brown roast pork that hangs in the windows of Hong Kong's roast meat shops. Strips of fatty pork shoulder are marinated overnight in a sweet and savory mix of hoisin, soy, honey and five-spice, then roasted at high heat and brushed with honey until sticky and charred at the edges. Slice it over rice, into noodle soup, or inside steamed buns.
Instructions
- Whisk all the marinade ingredients together. Set aside 2 tbsp in a small bowl for basting. Coat the pork with the rest, then cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 8 hours, or up to 24.
- Heat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Put a rack over a foil-lined tray and pour 250 ml (1 cup) of water into a second tray on the shelf below to catch drips.
- Lay the pork on the rack, spaced apart. Roast for 15 minutes.
- Turn the strips and brush with the reserved marinade. Roast for another 15 minutes.
- Mix the honey with the hot water and brush it over the pork. Roast for 5 to 8 minutes more, until the edges are charred in spots and the pork reaches at least 71°C (160°F).
- Rest the pork for 10 minutes, then slice against the grain. Serve over rice, or in noodles or buns, with any pan juices.
Tips
- Pork shoulder or neck has enough fat to stay juicy under high heat. Lean pork loin dries out, so cut it thick and cook it only to 63°C (145°F).
- Watch the oven in the last 10 minutes, since the sugar burns fast. If the edges darken too soon, tent them with foil and finish the cooking.
Questions and answers
How long does char siu keep?
Wrapped, it keeps for 4 days in the fridge. Reheat slices in a covered pan with a splash of water, or in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 10 minutes.
Can I freeze char siu?
Yes. Freeze sliced or whole pieces for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently so the glaze does not scorch.
Why is my char siu not red?
The deep red color of shop char siu comes from food coloring. Home versions are a natural caramel brown, which tastes the same. Fermented red bean curd adds a slight red tint.
How long does it take to make Char Siu (Cantonese Honey-Glazed Roast Pork)?
About 1 h in total: 20 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Char Siu (Cantonese Honey-Glazed Roast Pork)?
About 300 kcal per serving, with 21 g of protein, 13 g of carbohydrates and 19 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 300 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 21 g |
| Carbohydrates | 13 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 11 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
