Homemade Sticky Char Siu Pork

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) pork shoulder or pork tenderloin 1 kg (2.2 lbs) pork shoulder or pork tenderloin
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for vibrant color) 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for vibrant color)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 8g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine minced garlic, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, vegetable oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red food coloring (if using), salt, and black pepper.
2. 2.
   Place the pork in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Massage the marinade into the pork, ensuring it is evenly coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the pork from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
4. 4.
   Grill the pork for about 15-20 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness. Baste the pork with the remaining marinade during grilling.
5. 5.
   Once cooked, remove the pork from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the pork into thin strips and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — For the best results, choose a well-marbled pork shoulder as it will yield juicier and more flavorful meat.
• Chinese five-spice powder — If you don't have Chinese five-spice powder, you can make your own by combining equal parts ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra flavorful twist, add a splash of Chinese rice wine or sherry to the marinade.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of chili paste or sriracha to the marinade.
• To achieve a more intense smoky flavor, you can use a charcoal grill instead of a gas grill.
• If you don't have access to a grill, you can also cook the marinated pork in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until cooked through.
• Leftover char siu pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and used in stir-fries, fried rice, or noodle dishes.

Serving advice

Serve the Sticky Char Siu Pork as a main dish alongside steamed jasmine rice and stir-fried vegetables. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added freshness and texture.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced Sticky Char Siu Pork on a platter, drizzling any remaining glaze over the top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for an appealing presentation.