Chinese BBQ pork, also known as Char Siu, is a popular dish that originated in Southern China. It is a sweet and savory dish made by marinating pork in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and spices, then roasting it to perfection. Traditionally, Chinese BBQ pork is cooked over an open flame, but it can also be cooked in the oven with great results. In this article, we will show you how to cook Chinese BBQ pork in the oven, and provide you with some tips and tricks to make it even more delicious.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To cook Chinese BBQ pork in the oven, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 2 pounds of pork shoulder or pork belly, sliced into thin strips
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon of five-spice powder
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon of chopped scallions
- 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of white pepper
- 1 oven
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 wire rack
- 1 meat thermometer
Preparing the Marinade
The marinade is the key to making delicious Chinese BBQ pork. To prepare the marinade, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, five-spice powder, sesame oil, and honey in a blender or food processor. Blend the mixture until it is smooth and well combined.
Adding the Cornstarch
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until it is smooth and free of lumps. Add the cornstarch mixture to the marinade and blend until it is well combined.
Marinating the Pork
Place the sliced pork in a large zip-top plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork and massage the marinade into the meat, making sure that each piece of pork is coated with the marinade. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the pork for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Cooking the Pork in the Oven
To cook the pork in the oven, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. Remove the pork from the marinade and place it on the wire rack. Reserve the marinade.
Roasting the Pork
Roast the pork in the oven for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Baste the pork with the reserved marinade every 10-15 minutes to keep it moist and promote even browning.
Glazing the Pork
After the pork has roasted for 20-25 minutes per pound, brush it with the reserved marinade and sprinkle it with sesame seeds. Return the pork to the oven and roast for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until it is caramelized and golden brown.
Resting the Pork
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the pork to retain its moisture.
Serving the Chinese BBQ Pork
To serve the Chinese BBQ pork, slice it thinly against the grain. Serve it with steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables. You can also serve it in a sandwich or as a topping for a salad.
Traditional Serving Methods
In traditional Chinese cuisine, BBQ pork is often served with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables. It is also served as a topping for noodles or as a filling for bao (Chinese buns).
Modern Serving Methods
In modern Chinese cuisine, BBQ pork is often served in a variety of ways. It can be served as a topping for a salad or as a filling for a sandwich. It can also be served as a main dish with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.
Tips and Tricks for Cooking Chinese BBQ Pork in the Oven
Here are some tips and tricks for cooking Chinese BBQ pork in the oven:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Baste the pork with the reserved marinade every 10-15 minutes to keep it moist and promote even browning.
- Use a wire rack to elevate the pork and promote even browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can prevent the pork from cooking evenly.
- Let the pork rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing it, as this will allow the juices to redistribute and the pork to retain its moisture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when cooking Chinese BBQ pork in the oven:
- Overcooking the pork, as this can make it dry and tough.
- Not basting the pork with the reserved marinade, as this can prevent it from staying moist and promoting even browning.
- Not using a meat thermometer, as this can prevent the pork from being cooked to a safe internal temperature.
How to Fix Common Mistakes
Here are some ways to fix common mistakes when cooking Chinese BBQ pork in the oven:
- If the pork is overcooked, try slicing it thinly and serving it with a sauce or gravy to mask the dryness.
- If the pork is not basted with the reserved marinade, try brushing it with the marinade during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to promote even browning.
- If the pork is not cooked to a safe internal temperature, try returning it to the oven and cooking it for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
By following these tips and tricks, you can cook delicious Chinese BBQ pork in the oven that is sure to impress your family and friends.
What is Chinese BBQ Pork and how does it differ from other BBQ styles?
Chinese BBQ Pork, also known as Char Siu, is a popular Cantonese dish that originated in Southern China. It is characterized by its sweet and savory flavor profile, which is achieved through the use of a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sugar. This style of BBQ differs from other styles, such as Korean BBQ or American BBQ, in that it uses a sweeter and more complex marinade.
The sweet and savory flavors of Chinese BBQ Pork are balanced by the use of spices and aromatics, such as five-spice powder and ginger. This gives the dish a unique and aromatic flavor that is distinct from other BBQ styles. Additionally, Chinese BBQ Pork is often cooked using a combination of grilling and steaming, which helps to retain the moisture and tenderness of the meat.
What type of pork is best suited for Chinese BBQ Pork?
The best type of pork for Chinese BBQ Pork is pork shoulder or pork belly. These cuts of meat are well-suited for slow-cooking and are able to absorb the flavors of the marinade. Pork shoulder is a leaner cut of meat, which makes it a good option for those looking for a healthier alternative. Pork belly, on the other hand, is a fattier cut of meat, which makes it more tender and flavorful.
When selecting a pork shoulder or pork belly, look for a cut that is well-marbled with fat. This will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful during the cooking process. It’s also important to choose a cut that is fresh and of high quality, as this will affect the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
What is the role of the marinade in Chinese BBQ Pork?
The marinade plays a crucial role in Chinese BBQ Pork, as it helps to add flavor and tenderize the meat. The marinade typically consists of a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and spices, which are combined to create a sweet and savory flavor profile. The acidity in the marinade, such as from the soy sauce and hoisin sauce, helps to break down the proteins in the meat, making it more tender and easier to chew.
The marinade also helps to add flavor to the meat, as the sweet and savory flavors penetrate deep into the tissue. This helps to create a complex and aromatic flavor profile that is characteristic of Chinese BBQ Pork. By allowing the meat to marinate for an extended period of time, the flavors are able to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.
Can I cook Chinese BBQ Pork in the oven instead of on a grill?
Yes, you can cook Chinese BBQ Pork in the oven instead of on a grill. In fact, cooking the pork in the oven can be a more convenient and easier option, especially for those who do not have access to a grill. To cook the pork in the oven, simply place it on a baking sheet lined with foil and brush it with the marinade. Then, bake the pork in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until it is cooked through.
Cooking the pork in the oven can also help to achieve a more even cooking temperature, which can result in a more tender and flavorful dish. Additionally, the oven heat can help to caramelize the surface of the pork, creating a crispy and golden-brown exterior.
How do I achieve the signature glaze on Chinese BBQ Pork?
The signature glaze on Chinese BBQ Pork is achieved by brushing the pork with a mixture of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and sugar during the last few minutes of cooking. This helps to create a sweet and sticky glaze that is characteristic of Chinese BBQ Pork. To achieve the glaze, simply brush the pork with the glaze mixture during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, or until the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
The key to achieving a good glaze is to use a combination of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. The hoisin sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor, while the soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor. The sugar helps to caramelize the glaze, creating a crispy and golden-brown exterior.
Can I serve Chinese BBQ Pork as a main dish or as part of a larger meal?
Chinese BBQ Pork can be served as a main dish or as part of a larger meal. It is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or noodles. It can also be served as part of a larger meal, such as a Chinese-style BBQ or a stir-fry.
When serving Chinese BBQ Pork as a main dish, consider serving it with a variety of sides, such as steamed broccoli or carrots, and a side of rice or noodles. This will help to round out the meal and provide a balanced flavor profile. When serving it as part of a larger meal, consider pairing it with other Chinese-style dishes, such as stir-fries or noodle dishes.
How do I store leftover Chinese BBQ Pork?
Leftover Chinese BBQ Pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store the pork, simply place it in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze it. When reheating the pork, simply place it in the oven or on the stovetop and heat it until it is warmed through.
It’s also important to note that Chinese BBQ Pork can be reheated multiple times without losing its flavor or texture. This makes it a great option for meal prep or for serving at a later time. When reheating the pork, consider adding a little bit of water or broth to help keep it moist and flavorful.