Name: Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 lbs pork shoulder (boneless); 3 tbsp hoisin sauce; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 3 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine; 1/2 tsp five-spice powder; 1/4 tsp white pepper; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cube red fermented tofu; few drops red food coloring

Steps

1. Make the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, Shaoxing wine, five-spice powder, white pepper, garlic, and mashed red fermented tofu (if using). Mix well.

2. Marinate

Add the pork strips to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. The longer, the better.

3. Roast

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet. Arrange the pork strips on the rack, reserving the marinade.

Roast for 15 minutes. Flip the pork, brush with reserved marinade. Roast for another 15 minutes.

4. Glaze

Mix the remaining 1 tablespoon honey with 1 tablespoon warm water. Brush generously over the pork.

Switch oven to broil. Broil for 2-3 minutes per side, watching carefully, until the edges are slightly charred and caramelized.

5. Rest and Slice

Let the pork rest for 10 minutes. Slice against the grain into 1/4-inch pieces. Drizzle with any pan juices.

Pro tip: Pork shoulder has the perfect fat-to-meat ratio for char siu. Pork tenderloin is too lean and will dry out. The fat renders during roasting and keeps the meat incredibly juicy.