Chinese cuisine

Easy

Char Siu | Chinese BBQ Pork

Marinated overnight in a rich blend of spices, this pork belly promises an explosion of taste with every mouthful. The addition of Chu Hou paste, red yeast rice powder, and ground bean sauce adds depth and complexity to the marinade, ensuring each slice is imbued with layers of umami goodness.

As the pork sizzles on the grill, the enticing aroma fills the air, drawing you in with its irresistible allure. Once plated, the glistening slices of Chinese barbecued pork belly beckon with their golden hue, inviting you to indulge in their savory splendor. Paired with a vibrant salad, fluffy rice, or crisp green vegetables, each bite is a culinary adventure that transports you to the bustling streets of Chinatown.

Chef John Zhang

RATING LIKE SAVE PRINT

5 stars rating if you like it!

Done

Recipe

PRE TIME: 20 min

COOKING TIME: 1 hr

TOTAL TIME: 1 hr 20 min

10 SERVING

Ingredients:

7 lb. Pork Belly
Marinade
1 tbsp. Garlic Powder
1 tbsp. Onion Powder
1 tbsp. Salt
1 cup Chinese Barbecue Sauce
1/2 cup Agave Syrup
1/4 cup Chu Hou Paste
1 tbsp. Red Yeast Rice Powder
1/3 cup Hoisin Sauce
3/4 cup High Alcohol Content Liquor
1/3 cup Sugar
1/4 cup Ground Bean Sauce

Directions:

In a large container, combine garlic powder, onion powder, salt, Chinese barbecue sauce, agave syrup, Chu Hou Paste, red yeast rice powder, hoisin sauce, high-grade white wine, sugar, and ground bean sauce. Stir well.

Spread the seasoning evenly on the pork belly, place it in the refrigerator, and marinate overnight for optimal flavor.

Preheat a hanging stove with charcoal or oven until the temperature reaches 400°F/200°C. Grill the marinated pork belly for about 45-60 minutes.

Once grilled, cut the barbecued pork into 0.3-0.4 inch thick slices and arrange them on a plate. Note: Do not cut too thin, otherwise it will affect the taste.

Serve the Chinese barbecued pork, Char Siu, with your choice of accompaniments such as salad, rice, green vegetables, or poached eggs.

Final Notes

Chu Hou Paste is a savory and aromatic condiment commonly used in Cantonese cuisine, particularly in Hong Kong-style cooking. It's made from a blend of fermented soybeans, garlic, sesame paste, and various spices such as star anise, cinnamon, and ginger. Chu Hou Paste is commonly available in Asian grocery stores, particularly those that specialize in Chinese ingredients. You can also find it in the Asian or international food aisles of larger supermarkets: Amazon, Walmart, Asian grocery websites such as Asian Food Grocer or YamiBuy, Specialty Asian ingredient retailers like Weee! and EFoodDepot.