There’s something truly magical about Chinese BBQ Pork — that sticky, sweet-savory glaze, the juicy interior, and the deep, smoky flavor. Known as “Char Siu” in Cantonese cuisine, this dish is a staple at Chinese BBQ shops and beloved in homes around the world. And now, you can make it from scratch right in your kitchen.
This Chinese BBQ Pork recipe is incredibly flavorful, easy to prepare, and perfect for all seasons. Whether baked in the oven or grilled outdoors, it delivers that signature caramelized crust and tender bite every time. With a marinade full of umami-rich sauces and aromatic spices, it’s as close to your favorite takeout as you can get — if not better!
Why You’ll Love This Chinese BBQ Pork
- Sticky & Caramelized: That crispy-sweet crust is unbeatable.
- Flavor-Packed Marinade: A savory blend of hoisin, soy, and garlic.
- Juicy & Tender: Pork shoulder stays moist and flavorful.
- Perfect for Any Season: Oven or grill — it works both ways.
- Better than Takeout: More flavor, more value, and made at home.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder or butt, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ Tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for the caramelized crust)
- 3 green onions, sliced, for garnish
How to Make Chinese BBQ Pork
1. Prep the Pork
Cut the pork into roughly 1-inch cubes. This not only helps the pork cook faster but ensures that every piece is coated with maximum flavor from the marinade.
2. Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add the cubed pork to the bowl and toss until each piece is well coated.
3. Marinate
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight. This long marinade time is key to infusing the meat with deep, savory flavor.
4. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
5. Bake the Pork
Spread the pork and its marinade evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the top — this will help form the iconic caramelized crust. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Broil for Char (Optional but Recommended)
For extra char and crispy edges, set your oven to broil. Broil each side for 3–4 minutes (6–8 minutes total) after the pork is fully cooked. This step adds authentic BBQ texture and flavor.
7. Garnish & Serve
Transfer the pork to a serving platter and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve hot with steamed jasmine or sticky rice, and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Chinese BBQ Pork
- Use Pork Shoulder or Butt: These cuts stay tender and juicy during roasting or grilling.
- Don’t Skip the Sugar: Sprinkling sugar on top creates that glossy, caramelized finish.
- Broil or Grill for Char: That slight char takes this dish from good to unforgettable.
- Double the Batch: This pork freezes well and is perfect for meal prep.
- Slice Thin for Serving: Especially great for sandwiches, rice bowls, or noodle dishes.
Topping & Pairing Ideas
This pork shines on its own, but here are a few great ways to serve it:
- Classic Pairing: Sticky white rice and sautéed bok choy.
- Char Siu Bao: Use leftovers to make fluffy steamed buns.
- Rice Noodle Bowls: Top vermicelli noodles with BBQ pork, pickled veggies, and herbs.
- Asian Sliders: Serve in soft buns with slaw and sriracha mayo.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like biting into a piece of homemade Chinese BBQ Pork. The balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors wrapped in a caramelized crust makes this dish irresistible. And while it may look like something you’d order from a restaurant, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Perfect for both winter comfort meals and summer grilling, this Char Siu-inspired recipe deserves a permanent place in your rotation. Whether you serve it at dinner parties, weekend meals, or for weeknight leftovers — it’s guaranteed to impress.
Chinese BBQ Pork
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder or butt cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ Tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup granulated sugar for the caramelized crust
- 3 green onions sliced, for garnish
Instructions
Prep the Pork
- Cut the pork into roughly 1-inch cubes. This not only helps the pork cook faster but ensures that every piece is coated with maximum flavor from the marinade.
Make the Marinade
- In a large bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add the cubed pork to the bowl and toss until each piece is well coated.
Marinate
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight. This long marinade time is key to infusing the meat with deep, savory flavor.
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Bake the Pork
- Spread the pork and its marinade evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the top — this will help form the iconic caramelized crust. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Broil for Char (Optional but Recommended)
- For extra char and crispy edges, set your oven to broil. Broil each side for 3–4 minutes (6–8 minutes total) after the pork is fully cooked. This step adds authentic BBQ texture and flavor.
Garnish & Serve
- Transfer the pork to a serving platter and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve hot with steamed jasmine or sticky rice, and enjoy!
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