This Easy Chinese BBQ Pork is a delicious treat that’s perfect for beginners! With tender, juicy meat marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, you’ll love every bite.
I enjoy making this dish on weekends when I have some extra time. The best part? Your kitchen will smell amazing while it cooks! You might even have some friends asking for a taste. 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder or Butt: This cuts well for BBQ pork; it’s tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for alternatives, pork loin works, but tends to be leaner. You could also use chicken thighs for a lighter version.
Hoisin Sauce: It’s essential for that sweet, rich flavor. If you’re out, mix soy sauce, peanut butter, and a bit of sugar as a quick substitute.
Shaoxing Wine: Adds depth to the marinade. Dry sherry is a good stand-in. For non-alcoholic options, try apple juice or chicken broth, although the flavor will vary.
Red Fermented Bean Curd: This ingredient helps achieve an authentic color and flavor in the dish. If unavailable, it can be omitted but may slightly change the taste and color.
How Do I Get the Best Marinade for My BBQ Pork?
The marinade is key to tasty BBQ pork! Mix hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and the rest until the sugar dissolves well. Make sure every pork piece is coated; this ensures every bite is flavorful.
- Marinate for at least 4 hours, with overnight being the best.
- Seal it well in a bag or dish to lock in flavors.
What’s the Best Way to Roast and Broil the Pork?
Roasting followed by broiling gives a lovely char. Start at 400°F (200°C) for roasting; this cooks the meat evenly. Then switch to the broiler for that nice caramelized finish.
- Watch closely while broiling; it tends to cook quickly.
- If you can, use a wire rack. This allows hot air to circulate for even cooking.
With these tips, you’ll be set to make a delicious Easy Chinese BBQ Pork dish that impresses! Enjoy! 🍽️
Easy Chinese BBQ Pork Recipe for Beginners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) pork shoulder or pork butt, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
For the Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 teaspoons red fermented bean curd (optional, for authentic color and flavor)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (for additional color and slight tang)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For Serving:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Steamed white rice (to serve)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of active preparation and cooking time, plus at least 4 hours for marinating the pork. For best results, marinate overnight! Your delicious BBQ pork will be ready to enjoy this time tomorrow!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, red fermented bean curd (if you’re using it), sugar, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Stir well to ensure the sugar dissolves completely. This aromatic mixture will infuse your pork with flavor!
2. Marinate the Pork:
Place your sliced pork shoulder into a large ziplock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, making sure every piece is coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and pop it into the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 4 hours, but if you have time, letting it sit overnight will enhance the flavor even more.
3. Preheat the Oven:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top. This will help the pork cook evenly and get that nice char!
4. Arrange the Pork Slices:
Take the marinated pork slices out of the fridge and lay them out on the wire rack. Allow any excess marinade to drip off into the tray below. Don’t forget to reserve the marinade for later!
5. Roast the Pork:
Put the tray in the oven and roast the pork for about 20 minutes. The pork should be cooked through and starting to brown at this stage.
6. Baste and Caramelize:
After 20 minutes, take the tray out and brush the pork with the reserved marinade. Now, set your oven to the broil or grill setting. Broil the pork for another 5 to 8 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn. You want it beautifully charred and caramelized!
7. Rest and Slice:
Once done, take the pork out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute. After resting, slice the pork into bite-sized pieces, if not already done.
8. Serve:
Garnish the BBQ pork with thinly sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Serve it hot over steamed white rice and enjoy every flavorful bite!
Happy cooking! Your homemade Easy Chinese BBQ Pork will be tender, flavorful, and beautifully caramelized—and your friends and family will definitely be impressed!
FAQ for Easy Chinese BBQ Pork Recipe
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Yes! While pork shoulder or butt is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, you can use pork loin or chicken thighs as substitutes. Just remember that cooking times may vary based on the cut.
Is the Marinade Necessary for Flavor?
Absolutely! The marinade is crucial for infusing the pork with rich flavors. For best results, let it marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal for maximum taste.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat the pork in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade and marinate the pork a day in advance. Just roast the pork the next day when you’re ready to serve, making meal prep even easier!
