Imagine the sizzle and pop as a piece of marinated pork hits the hot grill, the aroma of spices mingling with the smoky scent of charcoal. Picture the caramelization of the meat’s surface as it cooks, transforming into a tantalizingly crispy exterior that encases tender, juicy pork. This is the allure of Roasted Chinese Pork Barbecue, a dish that captivates taste buds and hearts alike. Today, we’re going to embark on a culinary journey exploring this beloved dish.
The Story Behind Roasted Chinese Pork Barbecue
Roasted Chinese Pork Barbecue, also known as Char Siu, has a rich history that dates back centuries. It’s a testament to the ingenuity of Chinese cooks who turned simple ingredients into a dish that’s now celebrated worldwide. The secret lies in the marinade, a blend of spices and sauces that gives the pork its distinctive flavor and color. But the magic doesn’t stop there. The cooking process, involving roasting over high heat, results in a beautiful balance of textures: a slightly charred exterior and succulent interior.
Roasted Chinese Pork Barbecue
Equipment
- oven
- 1 skillet
Ingredients
- 3/4 tablespoon sugar
- 21/2 tablespoons honey divided
- 11/2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- 11/2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Chinese Five Spice powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pork tenderloin about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds
Instructions
- To prepare the marinade, add sugar, 11⁄2 tablespoons honey, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, Chinese Five Spice powder, and oils into a skillet. Let simmer for 30 seconds. Remove from heat. Set aside.
- Once marinade is cool, add pork and marinade into a re-sealable bag. Make sure to seal tightly. Using your hands, gently mix pork and marinade until evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- When pork is ready to be cooked, remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking until it reaches room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 350 °F. Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Take out pork from marinade bag and place on the baking sheet. If neede, fold the thin end of the pork underneath the rest of the pork so that the tenderloin is even in thickness. For the remaining marinade in the Ziploc, add the rest of the honey and set aside for later.
- Place pork in oven and cook for about 12 minutes, then dab tenderloin with the marinade to create a thick, glossy glaze once cooked. Roast for another 12 minutes or until cooked through. The pork is cooked once its internal temperature reaches about 145 to 160 °F.
- Switch oven to broiler. Brush marinade all over the pork. Broil pork for about 2 minutes or until slightly crisp. Dab pork with the remaining marinade about every minute while broiling. The more times it is done, the thicker the glaze.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Video
Notes
For the best results, opt for boneless pork shoulder or pork butt. These cuts contain a good amount of marbling, ensuring the meat remains moist and tender during the roasting process. You can ask your butcher to trim off excess fat and cut the pork into manageable pieces for easier cooking and serving.
Mastering the Art of Roasted Chinese Pork Barbecue
Creating the perfect Roasted Chinese Pork Barbecue is an art that requires patience, precision, and passion. It’s a culinary journey that takes you through selecting the right cut of meat, marinating it to perfection, and finally, roasting it to achieve that irresistible combination of a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Let’s delve deeper into each of these steps and uncover some tips to help you master this dish at home.
Tip 1: Selecting the Right Cut
The first step in your Roasted Chinese Pork Barbecue journey is choosing the right cut of pork. This choice can significantly impact the final result of your barbecue. The ideal cut for this dish is pork shoulder or pork belly. These cuts have a good balance of fat and lean meat, which ensures a moist and flavorful result.
Pork shoulder, also known as Boston butt, has a beautiful marbling of fat throughout, which melts during cooking, infusing the meat with flavor and keeping it moist. On the other hand, pork belly offers layers of meat and fat, resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture when cooked.
Remember, the quality of the meat matters too. Try to source your pork from a trusted butcher who can guide you to the best cuts.
Tip 2: Marinating Matters
The marinade is the soul of Roasted Chinese Pork Barbecue. It’s a symphony of flavors that seeps into the pork, imparting it with a distinctive taste that’s both savory and slightly sweet.
It’s crucial to let the pork marinate for at least a few hours to allow the flavors to start penetrating the meat. However, for the best flavor, marinate it overnight. This extended marination time allows the flavors to permeate deep into the meat, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
When marinating, ensure all the pork pieces are well-coated and submerged in the marinade. You can also score the meat to allow the marinade to penetrate more deeply.
Tip 3: Perfecting the Roasting Process
Roasting is where the magic happens. It’s a transformative process that turns the marinated pork into a mouthwatering dish with a crispy, slightly charred exterior and a tender, juicy interior.
The high heat of roasting caramelizes the sugars in the marinade, creating a beautiful, appetizing color and adding a layer of flavor. The key here is to roast at a high temperature initially to seal in the juices and then lower the heat to cook the pork thoroughly.
Remember to baste the pork with the marinade during roasting. This not only keeps it moist but also adds more flavor as the marinade caramelizes on the surface of the meat.
Also, don’t forget to let the pork rest after roasting. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier barbecue.
Mastering the art of Roasted Chinese Pork Barbecue may seem daunting at first, but with these tips and a bit of practice, you’ll be well on your way to creating a dish that’s sure to impress. So, don your apron, fire up the grill, and let the aroma of Roasted Chinese Pork Barbecue fill your home!
Serving Suggestions
Roasted Chinese pork barbecue, also known as Char Siu, is a dish that’s rich in flavor, with its sweet and savory glaze, tender meat, and smoky undertones. It’s a dish that can stand on its own, but when paired with the right accompaniments, it can transform into an unforgettable meal. Let’s delve into some serving suggestions that can elevate your roasted Chinese pork barbecue experience.
Side Dishes
The side dishes you choose should complement the robust flavors of the Char Siu without overpowering them. Here are some options that strike that balance beautifully:
- Steamed Rice: A simple bowl of steamed rice can be the perfect partner for your roasted Chinese pork barbecue. The mild, slightly sweet flavor of the rice provides a wonderful contrast to the savory-sweet glaze of the Char Siu. Plus, the fluffy texture of the rice helps to absorb the sauce, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.
- Pickled Vegetables: The rich, intense flavors of Char Siu can be balanced out by the tangy crunch of pickled vegetables. Whether it’s pickled cucumbers, radishes, or cabbage, these tangy treats can cleanse the palate and add a refreshing note to your meal.
- Stir-Fried Greens: Stir-fried greens like bok choy, Chinese broccoli, or spinach can add a nutritious and flavorful element to your meal. The slight bitterness of the greens complements the sweetness of the Char Siu, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
Drinks
Choosing the right drink to accompany your meal can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are a couple of suggestions:
- Oolong Tea: Oolong tea, with its floral notes and slight bitterness, can be a great companion to roasted Chinese pork barbecue. The tea’s astringency can cut through the richness of the meat, making it a refreshing palate cleanser.
- Chinese Beer: If you prefer something stronger, a cold Chinese beer like Tsingtao or Harbin can be an excellent choice. The crisp, light flavor of the beer can balance out the strong flavors of the Char Siu, creating a harmonious dining experience.
Dessert
To round off your meal, consider serving a light, fruity dessert. Lychee sorbet or mango pudding can provide a sweet, refreshing end to your meal, balancing the savory flavors of the Char Siu.
Remember, these are just suggestions. Feel free to experiment with different combinations and find what works best for you. After all, the joy of cooking lies in the freedom to create and customize according to your preferences. Enjoy your culinary journey with roasted Chinese pork barbecue!
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, you can use other cuts like pork loin or tenderloin, but they may not be as juicy due to their lower fat content.
Can I cook the pork on a stovetop instead of roasting?
While roasting is traditional, you can also cook the pork on a stovetop. Just ensure it’s cooked thoroughly and has a nice char on the outside.
How long can I store leftover Roasted Chinese Pork Barbecue?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Roasted Chinese Pork Barbecue is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary experience that engages all your senses. From the preparation to the cooking and finally, the eating, each step is a celebration of Chinese culinary traditions. With these tips and suggestions, you’re ready to embark on your own Roasted Chinese Pork Barbecue adventure. Happy cooking!