If you’ve ever walked past a Cantonese BBQ shop and caught a whiff of that sweet, smoky aroma, chances are you’ve smelled char siu—the iconic Chinese BBQ pork with a glossy red glaze. Traditionally, it’s roasted over an open flame, but today, I’m sharing three foolproof methods to make Chinese BBQ pork at home: pan-fry, oven-bake, and air-fry.

What is Char Siu Pork?

Char Siu (叉燒) means “fork-roasted” in Cantonese, referring to how it’s traditionally cooked on skewers over an open fire. This sweet, savory, and slightly smoky dish is famous for its sticky glaze, rich umami, and tender texture—all thanks to a flavorful marinade featuring hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice.

Chinese BBQ pork, or char siu, is not only delicious but also versatile, making it a perfect addition to various dishes. This iconic Chinese BBQ pork is often enjoyed in rice dishes, noodles, and even as a filling for bao buns, showcasing its adaptability and rich flavors.

Whether you’re a fan of Chinese BBQ pork or trying it for the first time, this recipe will elevate your cooking game.

Chinese BBQ Pork

Many people love Chinese BBQ pork for its unique flavor profile and tender texture, making it a favorite among BBQ enthusiasts.

Why You’ll Love This Char Siu Pork Recipe

  • Easy & Versatile – Make it on the stove, in the oven, or with an air fryer.
  • Juicy & Flavorful – A balanced marinade penetrates deep into the meat.
  • Restaurant-Style Results – Achieve that iconic red, glossy char siu look at home!

Key Ingredients for Char Siu Pork

By following these simple steps, you can create your own Chinese BBQ pork that rivals your favorite restaurant.

  • Pork Belly – Best for a juicy, tender texture with crispy edges.
  • Hoisin Sauce – Adds a deep, savory sweetness.
  • Honey & Brown Sugar – For a caramelized, sticky glaze.
  • Soy Sauce & Oyster Sauce – Brings umami richness.
  • Chinese Five-Spice – Essential for the signature char siu flavor.
  • Red Fermented Bean Curd or Food Coloring (Optional) – For that classic red hue.
How to make char siew pork

Variations & Substitutions

  • Swap pork belly with pork shoulder for a leaner option.
  • Replace honey with maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
  • Try chicken thighs instead of pork for char siu chicken! Check out my Chinese BBQ Chicken version

Homemade Char Siu Sauce

You can make the homemade version of char siu sauce: rich, sweet-savory glaze for Chinese BBQ pork, packed with umami and aromatic spices.

Homemade char siu sauce

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp dark soy sauce (adds deep color)
  • 4 tbsp light soy sauce (brings balanced saltiness)
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce (adds umami richness)
  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar (for caramelization)
  • 2 tbsp honey or maltose (for glossy texture)
  • 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine (enhances aroma)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil (adds nuttiness)
  • 2 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp five-spice powder (key to authentic flavor)
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water)

How to Make Char Siu Sauce (Step-by-Step)

  1. Combine Base Ingredients
    In a saucepan over low heat, mix dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, and seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, five-spice powder, salt, and pepper).
  2. Simmer for Flavor Infusion
    Stir continuously and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely.
  3. Thicken the Sauce
    Add the cornstarch slurry, stir well, and let it cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  4. Adjust Taste & Consistency
    Taste and adjust the balance—add a dash of soy sauce for more saltiness or more honey for extra sweetness.
  5. Cool & Store
    Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight jar.

This homemade char siu sauce brings out the best in Chinese BBQ pork, enhancing its rich flavors.

how to make char siu sauce

Shortcut: Marinate with Lee Kum Kee Char Siu Sauce

Growing up, my mom always made char siu sauce from scratch, blending hoisin, honey, soy sauce, and five-spice powder. But when I started making it myself, I realized that Lee Kum Kee’s version already has everything blended perfectly—saving me both time and effort. This char siu sauce is pretty good and close to the authentic taste. Good news that you can easily find the sauce online or Asian supermarkets!

Char Siu Sauce

Instead of making a sauce from scratch, simply replace the marinade ingredients with:

  • 2 Tbsp Lee Kum Kee Char Siu Sauce
  • 1/2 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
  • 1 Tbsp Shaoxing wine or sake
  • 1 Tbsp Garlic powder
  • 1 Tbsp Onion powder

Mix everything, marinate your chicken, and cook as usual. That’s it! You’ll get restaurant-quality char siu chicken with almost no effort—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.

If you’ve ever wanted to make char siu at home without the hassle, this store-bought char siu sauce is the secret weapon you need!

How to Make Char Siu Pork – Step-by-Step

1. Marinate the Pork

Pat the pork dry to remove moisture, then poke holes to help the marinade penetrate deeper. Combine all marinade ingredients and massage into the pork. Marinate for at least 3 hours, but overnight is best!

Cooking Tip: The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavor. Overnight marination gives the best results!

2. Choose Your Cooking Method

Pan-Fry (Stovetop Method)

  1. Heat 2 Tbsp neutral oil over medium heat in a non-stick pan or cast-iron skillet.
  2. Sear the pork belly until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  3. Add ½ cup water to the remaining marinade and pour it over the pork.
  4. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  5. Uncover, increase heat slightly, and cook for another 10 minutes while basting the pork with sauce until thick and sticky.

Cooking Tip: Use a spoon to constantly baste the pork with the sauce for an extra glossy finish.

With this method, your Chinese BBQ pork will turn out juicy and flavorful every time.

Chinese BBQ Pork

Oven-Baked Char Siu

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place marinated pork on a lined baking sheet with a wire rack for even cooking.
  3. Bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
  4. Brush with extra marinade and broil for 2-3 minutes for caramelization.

Cooking Tip: Place a tray of water at the bottom of the oven to create steam and keep the pork juicy.

Air-Fryer Char Siu

  1. Preheat air fryer to 370°F (180°C).
  2. Place pork in a single layer, brushing with marinade.
  3. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping and brushing with marinade halfway.
  4. Air-fry until golden brown and slightly charred.

Cooking Tip: Line the air fryer basket with foil to catch drippings and make cleanup easier.

3. Rest, Slice & Serve

Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices. Serve your Chinese BBQ pork with steamed rice, noodles, or inside a char siu bao (BBQ pork bun)!

Use leftover Chinese BBQ pork in fried rice for a quick and satisfying meal.

Your friends and family will love the flavors of this homemade Chinese BBQ pork!

Cooking Tip: Slice against the grain for the most tender bite.

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