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Char Siu, Chinese BBQ Pork (Braised method)

A quick way to make Chinese barbecue pork or char siu. Braised on the stove top in 安umami filled sauce
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: barbecue pork, char siu, Rice Bowl

Ingredients

~1-1.25 pound pork belly without skin, or pork neck or cheek meat cut into strips (3)

Marinade/Sauce

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 2 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoon Hoisin sauce for a less sweet version, sub oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine
  • 1/2 -1 tsp 5-spice powder

Opional seasonings:

  • 2 slices fresh ginger, about quarter-sized Fry for a minute before adding pork
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly smashed Fry for a minute before adding pork
  • 1-2 tbsp apple, orange or pineapple juice added to the marinade

To cook:

  • 2 tablespoon oil
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

Method:

  • 1. Heat wok on medium heat. When the wok is hot enough, pour 2 tbsp vegetable oil into the wok. Add 2 slices og fresh ginger and a clove of garlic, fry for a minute before adding pork.
  • 2. Place the pork belly strips into the wok and brown both sides for about 3-4 minutes. Add the rest of the sauce ingredients into the wok. Stir and ensure the pork strips are coated well with the sauce.
  • 3. Turn the heat to low and gently simmer for 40 minutes or until pork is tender. Turn the pork every 10 minutes to ensure both sides are evenly cooked.
  • 4. By 30 minutes, the sauce will be reduced by half and start turning sticky. Once the pork belly is tender to touch, remove from the wok. Then pour the sauce into a clean bowl and reserve that to dress your steamed rice. Leave a tbsp of sauce/oil in the wok.
  • 5. Heat the wok on medium heat and return the pork belly back into the wok. Sear the meat on both sides for about 2-3 minutes each side until they are charred to your liking.
  • 6. Remove and glaze with honey. Then, slice the pork belly. Serve with warm steamed rice, noodles or bao.