HOW TO PREPARE CHAR SIU.

“Char siu” refers to a popular way to flavor and prepare barbecued pork in Cantonese cuisine. The pork is typically marinated and then roasted until it’s tender and a little bit charred. Here’s a basic guide on how to prepare Char Siu at home:

Ingredients:
For the Char Siu:
1.5 to 2 pounds (700g to 1kg) of pork shoulder or pork belly
Honey for glazing
For the Marinade:
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon five-spice powder
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1-2 tablespoons bean curd or red food coloring (optional, for color)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Pork
Select a piece of pork shoulder or pork belly. Trim off any excess fat, and if using shoulder, cut it into long strips, about 2 inches wide.
Step 2: Mixing the Marinade
Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl and whisk together well.
(Optional) If you want a redder color to your char siu, you can add some red bean curd or red food coloring.
Step 3: Marinating the Pork
Place the pork in a sealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, turning the pork occasionally to ensure it marinates evenly.
Step 4: Preparing for Roasting
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting.
Place the pork on a roasting rack over a baking tray.
Step 5: Roasting the Pork
Roast the pork in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
While the pork is roasting, simmer the reserved marinade in a small saucepan until it thickens slightly to use for basting.
Baste the pork with the thickened marinade and honey every 10 minutes.
Rotate and flip the pork occasionally to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
Step 6: Resting and Slicing
Once the pork is cooked and has a nice char on the outside, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes.
After resting, slice the pork against the grain into thin slices.
Step 7: Serving
Serve the char siu with rice and vegetables, or use it as an ingredient in other dishes like fried rice or noodles.
Drizzle some leftover marinade or a sauce of your choice over the sliced pork if desired.
Enjoy your homemade char siu! Adjust the marinade to your liking, and feel free to experiment with different cuts of pork.