description Char Siu Overview
Char siu is a traditional Cantonese roasted pork dish characterized by its sweet and savory flavor profile and distinctive bright red exterior. The meat is typically marinated in a mixture of honey, five-spice powder, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and fermented red bean curd before being skewered and cooked over a fire or in an oven. It is a staple of Cantonese cuisine, commonly served sliced with rice, noodles, or inside steamed buns.
insights Ranking position
Char Siu ranks #44 of 174 in the Cured Meat ranking, behind Fuet de Vic, ahead of Saucisse de Morteau.
help Char Siu FAQ
Why is char siu usually red around the outside?
Traditional recipes may obtain a reddish color from fermented red bean curd, while many restaurant versions use red food coloring. The glaze also darkens as maltose, honey, or sugar caramelizes during roasting.
Which cut of pork works best for making char siu?
Pork shoulder is widely used because its fat keeps the meat moist under high heat. Pork belly produces a richer result, while leaner loin can dry out more easily.
Is char siu the same thing as Chinese barbecue pork?
Char siu is the Cantonese preparation commonly sold in English-speaking countries as Chinese barbecue pork. Its name refers to roasting seasoned strips of meat on forks or skewers, and its glaze commonly includes soy sauce, sugar or honey, and five-spice.
What Cantonese dishes use leftover char siu?
It is commonly chopped for char siu bao, folded into fried rice, or served over rice with its roasting juices. It also appears in noodle dishes and alongside other siu mei meats such as roast duck and crispy pork.
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