Chinese Roast Pork is a savory, tender dish featuring pork belly that’s marinated with a flavorful blend of soy sauce, honey, and five-spice powder. Roasted to perfection, the skin becomes crisp, adding texture to the rich, juicy meat.

FULL RECIPE

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork belly
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Score the skin of the pork belly in a crosshatch pattern.
3. Mix soy sauce, rice wine, honey, five-spice powder, salt, sugar, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Rub the marinade all over the pork belly, ensuring it covers the meat and the skin.
5. Place the pork belly on a rack in a roasting pan.
6. Roast for 60 minutes, basting with marinade halfway through.
7. Increase temperature to 400°F (200°C) and roast for another 20 minutes to crisp up the skin.
8. Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 350 per serving
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g

History of Chinese Roast Pork

Chinese Roast Pork, or Char Siu, traces its roots to Cantonese cuisine, where it became famous for its mouthwatering sweetness and savory flavor. Traditionally roasted in wood-fired ovens, it developed a smoky essence, which was later adopted and adapted by Chinese restaurants worldwide.

The Role of Pork Belly in Char Siu

Pork belly is ideal for Char Siu because of its combination of lean meat and fatty sections. The fat renders while cooking, keeping the meat tender and juicy, while the fat layer helps the skin achieve the crispy finish that this dish is known for.

The Importance of the Marinade

The marinade plays a pivotal role in flavoring the meat. The blend of soy sauce, honey, Chinese rice wine, and five-spice powder delivers that signature sweet and savory taste. As the pork roasts, the honey caramelizes, creating a delicious, glossy glaze on the surface.

Achieving the Perfect Crisp Skin

The key to the perfect Char Siu lies in its crispy skin. Scoring the pork belly helps fat render properly during roasting, while the final high-heat roasting period ensures a golden, crispy surface. This crispy skin contrasts beautifully with the tender interior.

Char Siu in Cantonese Cuisine

Char Siu is a staple in Cantonese cuisine, used not only as a stand-alone dish but also in dumplings, steamed buns (Char Siu Bao), or served over rice. Its sweet flavor is a staple in dim sum restaurants and has spread throughout the world due to its universal appeal.

The Difference Between Char Siu and Other Roasts

Char Siu differs from other Chinese roasted meats like Peking duck. Peking duck has a distinct crispy texture and is often paired with pancakes, while Char Siu’s focus is on the balance of sweet and savory flavors with tender pork and crispy skin.

Five-Spice Powder’s Flavor Contribution

Chinese five-spice powder is crucial in creating the complex flavor profile of Char Siu. Its aromatic blend of star anise, cloves, fennel, cinnamon, and Sichuan peppercorns enhances the sweetness and adds a subtle depth to the dish’s overall flavor.

Traditional Roasting Methods

Char Siu is traditionally roasted in an oven, but some recipes use an open flame for added smokiness. Roasting in a rack allows excess fat to drip off, ensuring the meat remains juicy and not greasy, while allowing the skin to crisp up.

Marination Time for Optimal Flavor

The flavor of Char Siu improves significantly with a longer marination time. Ideally, the pork should marinate for several hours, though an overnight marinade is recommended for the fullest flavor. The longer it sits, the deeper the flavors penetrate the pork, resulting in a more complex taste.

Chinese Roast Pork in Modern Kitchens

With the rise of modern kitchen appliances, Char Siu can now be prepared using air fryers or slow cookers, though the classic oven method still delivers the best results for a crispy finish. These modern methods make it more accessible for home cooks to recreate this dish.

Serving Chinese Roast Pork

Char Siu can be served in numerous ways. It’s commonly sliced thin and served over steamed rice, with a side of stir-fried vegetables. It’s also delicious in noodles or congee. A popular variation is Char Siu Bao, where the tender pork is enclosed in a soft steamed bun.

Celebratory Significance of Char Siu

Char Siu holds special significance during Chinese New Year and other festivals. It symbolizes good fortune and abundance, and families prepare it in large quantities to share with loved ones, ensuring prosperity for the year ahead.

Versatility of Char Siu

Char Siu isn’t just limited to its roasted form; it can be incorporated into stir-fries, fried rice, or noodle dishes. Its versatility allows it to complement a variety of Chinese meals, adding a burst of flavor and a tender texture to any dish.

Health Considerations of Char Siu

While delicious, Char Siu can be high in calories due to the fat content in the pork belly. For a healthier version, consider using leaner cuts of pork or cutting back on honey in the marinade. Pairing Char Siu with vegetables or serving it in smaller portions can help balance out the richness.

Pairing Char Siu with Wine

The sweet and savory profile of Char Siu pairs excellently with wines like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel, which balance its richness. Alternatively, Chinese teas such as Oolong or Jasmine tea provide a refreshing counterpoint to the dish’s intense flavors.

Chinese Roast Pork in Street Food Culture

Char Siu has made its mark in Chinese street food culture, where vendors roast the pork on skewers or in small ovens. Often served with rice and vegetables, it remains a popular choice for a quick and flavorful meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Char Siu can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven, or microwave it. For a crispy texture, finish by broiling for a few minutes to crisp up the skin again.

Expert Tips for Perfect Char Siu

Achieving the perfect Char Siu requires attention to detail, from scoring the pork belly to ensuring an even coating of marinade. Basting the pork throughout the roasting process helps keep the meat moist, and using a rack for roasting allows the fat to drip off, resulting in a more flavorful and leaner roast.

Char Siu: A Family Tradition

Preparing Char Siu is more than just about cooking—it’s about tradition and family. In Chinese culture, making and sharing a meal like Char Siu brings people together. The process, from marinating to roasting, reflects values of care and togetherness in the kitchen.

Conclusion

Chinese Roast Pork, or Char Siu, is a beloved dish with a rich history, cherished for its sweet-savory flavor and tender texture. Its versatility allows it to shine in a variety of dishes, from a simple meal of rice to a delicacy in steamed buns. Whether served at family gatherings or festive occasions, Char Siu remains a timeless dish that connects generations through its delicious taste and the joy of sharing a meal.