If you love the sweet, sticky, caramelized flavor of Chinese takeout–style BBQ pork, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for this easy homemade version. This Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu) is tender and juicy on the inside, with a beautifully glossy, caramelized crust on the outside. It’s bursting with bold Asian flavors and can be cooked in the oven or on the grill—no special equipment needed!
Whether you serve it as an appetizer, pair it with rice and veggies, or slice it thin for noodles and fried rice, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen.
Skip the Takeout & Make Char Siu at Home
We’ve all been there—scrolling through menus, craving our favorite takeout dishes… and realizing we’ve already hit our takeout limit for the month. That’s where this recipe steps in!
Homemade Char Siu is surprisingly easy to make, and the results are even better than the BBQ pork you get from your local Chinese spot. Juicy pork soaks overnight in a flavorful hoisin-based marinade, then roasts to sticky, sweet perfection.
The best part is that the pork is cut into cubes before cooking. This helps it marinate faster, cook quicker, and develop that irresistible caramelized coating.
Serve it as a main dish with rice and veggies or slice it thin for meal prep—it stays delicious even the next day.
⭐ What Is Char Siu?
Char Siu is a classic Cantonese roasted pork dish known for its deep red color, glossy finish, and sweet-savory flavor. Traditionally, the pork is marinated whole, roasted, then thinly sliced. The edges get beautifully charred while the inside stays tender and juicy.
This version keeps all the amazing flavor but simplifies the process by cutting the pork beforehand. Smaller pieces marinate faster, cook evenly, and caramelize beautifully in the oven.
It’s not a traditional version—but it is incredibly delicious and always a family favorite!
⭐ Featured Reader Review
“I was short on time and only marinated for an hour and a half… still turned out amazing! I cut 1/4” slices and the meat was tender and delish. Where has this been all my life?!” – Eve
Ingredients You’ll Need
These pantry-friendly Asian sauces come together to create that classic sweet, savory, umami-packed Char Siu flavor:
- Boneless pork shoulder or pork butt
- Hoisin sauce
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Garlic (minced)
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Granulated sugar (sprinkled on top for caramelization)
- Green onions (for garnish)
Best Cut of Pork for Char Siu
For the juiciest results, use pork shoulder or pork butt.
These cuts are fattier than pork loin or tenderloin, which means:
- More flavor
- More moisture
- Better caramelization
- Less risk of drying out
They stay tender even after high-heat roasting or broiling.
How to Make Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)
For the best flavor, marinate the pork overnight. The longer it rests, the deeper the flavor.
1. Prep the Pork
Cut the pork into 1-inch cubes. Smaller pieces cook faster and soak up the marinade beautifully.
2. Make the Marinade
Whisk together:
- Hoisin sauce
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Garlic
- Red pepper flakes
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
3. Marinate Overnight
Toss the pork in the marinade until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
4. Roast
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a 9×13 pan with foil or parchment.
Spread the pork evenly on the sheet and sprinkle the tops with granulated sugar—this helps form the signature caramelized crust.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pork reaches 145°F internally.
5. Optional: Add Char
For that takeout-style charred finish, broil each side for 3–4 minutes after baking, or grill the pieces for a few minutes on each side.
This extra step adds incredible flavor and texture!
How to Serve Chinese BBQ Pork
This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it with:
- Sticky white rice
- Steamed vegetables
- Fried rice
- Chow mein
- Dumplings
- Bok choy
- Asian-inspired salads
Or enjoy it as an appetizer with sliced green onions on top.
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day!
- Fridge: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Up to 3 months
Reheat in a skillet, microwave, or air fryer.
Chinese BBQ Pork Recipe (Char Siu)
Yield: 4–6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Additional Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless pork shoulder or butt
- ½ cup hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cut pork into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk hoisin, soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Add the pork, tossing to coat. Cover and marinate for 8 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
- Spread the pork in a single layer on the sheet and sprinkle evenly with granulated sugar.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until pork reaches 145°F internally.
- For extra char, broil each side for 3–4 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions and serve with sticky rice.