char siu recipe chicken

The Best char siu recipe chicken

Char Siu Chicken has been a staple in my kitchen for years—it’s the kind of dish that feels special but is actually simple enough to make anytime, whether it’s for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. I love how it balances sweet, savory, sticky glaze with tender, juicy chicken that falls apart at the touch. My kids always ask for it, especially after school when they’re craving something flavorful but not too heavy. It’s that kind of dish that makes me feel like I’ve put in effort, even though the prep isn’t complicated. Plus, it’s versatile—you can serve it over rice, with noodles, or even as a sandwich filling. It’s the kind of meal that feels festive but isn’t a big deal to make.

The health benefits are another reason I stick with this recipe. The glaze is made with natural ingredients like honey, soy sauce, and a touch of ginger and garlic, so it’s not loaded with sugar or unhealthy fats. The chicken itself is lean and packed with protein, keeping us full without the heaviness. My family doesn’t even notice how good it is for them—it’s just delicious. And because it’s so easy to customize, you can adjust the spices or sweeteners to suit your taste. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a lazy Sunday dinner, this recipe is always a hit. It’s that kind of comfort food that doesn’t feel like a chore, and honestly, that’s what I love most about it.

Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)

4.8 from 575 votes

A sweet and savory glazed pork dish traditionally served with steamed rice and dim sum. This recipe uses a simple marinade and a rich, sticky sauce for a delicious home-cooked version.

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Prep Time30 mins

Cook Time1 hour 15 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time1 hour 45 mins

Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pork

• 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder or pork butt
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp five-spice powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Char Siu Sauce

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

For Serving

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Steamed bok choy or leafy greens
• Optional: Pickled vegetables or cucumber slices

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1 Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, five-spice powder, and black pepper. Add pork shoulder and coat evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
2. 2 Preheat a grill or oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove pork from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Pat the pork dry and place it on a foil-lined tray. Grill or bake for 1 hour 15 mins, turning occasionally, until the pork is tender and cooked through.
3. 3 While the pork cooks, prepare the char siu sauce by combining all sauce ingredients in a pot. Simmer on medium heat for 10-15 mins until thickened.
4. 4 Once the pork is done, remove it from the heat and brush the char siu sauce generously over the top. Let it sit for 10 mins to absorb the sauce.
5. 5 Serve the char siu with steamed jasmine rice, bok choy, and optional pickled vegetables.

🔧Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed pot or saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board
• Meat mallet or rolling pin (optional)
• Aluminum foil
• Oven or grill

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18💛Saturated Fat: 5❤️Cholesterol: 80🧂Sodium: 1200🌾Total Carbs: 35🥦Dietary Fiber: 1🍬Sugars: 25🥩Protein: 30

📝Notes

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This Char Siu Chicken recipe is always a solid choice for any gathering because it’s flavorful and easy to make ahead, so you don’t have to stress about last-minute cooking. It’s perfect for family dinners or holiday meals because the sweet and savory glaze keeps everyone happy, and the tender meat stays juicy no matter how long it sits. Plus, it pairs well with rice or noodles, making it a go-to for both casual weeknight meals and bigger events.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)

What is Char Siu and how does it is different from other Chinese BBQ chicken?

Char Siu (char siu) is a traditional Chinese barbecue chicken dish originating from Cantonese cuisine. Unlike other Chinese BBQ chicken recipes, Char Siu is known for its sweet and savory glaze that is applied to the chicken before grilling or roasting. The glaze is usually made from soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and sometimes other ingredients like five-spice powder, garlic, and ginger. Char Siu chicken is typically marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine, and spices, then cooked slowly over low heat to develop its distinct sweet and sticky flavor.

How long should I marinate the chicken for Char Siu?

The ideal marinating time for Char Siu chicken varies depending on the cut of chicken and your preference for tenderness. For bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks, a minimum of 4 to 6 hours is recommended, but overnight (12 hours) is ideal for deeper flavor penetration. For boneless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, you can marinate for 2 to 4 hours. If you’re short on time, even 1 hour can yield some flavor, but the results won’t be as rich.

What are the essential ingredients for the Char Siu sauce and marinade?

The classic Char Siu marinade and glaze require a balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors. Marinade essentials include: – Soy sauce (or dark soy sauce for deeper color) – Brown sugar (or rock sugar for a finer texture) – Rice wine or Shaoxing wine (for depth and caramelization) – Five-spice powder (or star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and fennel seeds for homemade) – Garlic and ginger (minced or grated) – Hoisin sauce (optional but enhances sweetness) – Sesame oil (for nutty aroma) – Cornstarch or arrowroot powder (to thicken the sauce)

For the glaze, you’ll need: – Soy sauce – Brown sugar – Hoisin sauce or oyster sauce (for depth) – Rice vinegar or Shaoxing wine (to balance sweetness) – Cornstarch slurry (to create a glossy finish)

Can I make Char Siu without a grill or smoker, and if so, how?

Yes! You can make Char Siu using alternative cooking methods like an oven, air fryer, or even a stovetop. For oven-baked Char Siu, preheat to 375°F (190°C), brush the marinated chicken with sauce, and bake for 40-50 minutes, basting every 10 minutes until caramelized. For an air fryer, cook at 380°F (193°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. On a stovetop, sear the chicken in a hot pan with oil, then simmer in sauce covered for 15-20 minutes until tender.

How do I achieve the perfect sticky, glossy glaze for Char Siu?

A glossy, sticky glaze comes from reducing the sauce over low heat to concentrate the sugars and create a caramelized layer. Here’s how: 1. Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) to thicken the sauce. 2. Simmer the sauce on low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and turns glossy. 3. Brush the chicken with the reduced sauce before cooking or after grilling. 4. Add a splash of vinegar or wine at the end to brighten the flavor. 5. For extra shine, finish with a light spray of water or a drizzle of honey before serving.

For best results, cook the chicken low and slow (especially for bone-in pieces) to ensure the sauce clings well.