Char Siu is a popular Chinese dish that is loved by many around the world. It is a sweet and savory barbecue pork dish that is often served as a side dish or as a main course in Chinese cuisine. Char Siu is a Cantonese term, which translates to “fork roast” in English. This dish is made by marinating pork in a sweet and savory sauce and then roasting it until it is cooked to perfection.
History of Char Siu
Char Siu has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 3rd century BC in China. The original recipe for Char Siu was created during the Han Dynasty by the Chinese imperial kitchen. At that time, Char Siu was made with wild boar meat that was seasoned with honey and soy sauce. The dish became so popular that it was eventually made with pork instead of wild boar.
Over the centuries, Char Siu has evolved and spread throughout China and other parts of the world. It has become a staple dish in Cantonese cuisine, and many people now enjoy it as a favorite Chinese takeaway dish.
Ingredients of Char Siu
The ingredients used to make Char Siu can vary depending on the recipe and the cook’s personal preferences. However, there are some common ingredients that are typically used in most Char Siu recipes. The main ingredients used to make Char Siu are pork, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, sugar, and Chinese five-spice powder.
To make Char Siu, the pork is usually cut into thin slices and then marinated in the sauce for several hours to absorb the flavors. Once the pork is marinated, it is then roasted until it is cooked to perfection.
How to Make Char Siu
Making Char Siu is not as complicated as it may seem. With the right ingredients and recipe, you can easily make this delicious dish at home. Here is a simple recipe for making Char Siu:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of pork shoulder or belly
- 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, sugar, Chinese five-spice powder, and vegetable oil. Mix well.
- Cut the pork into thin slices and then add them to the marinade. Mix well until the pork is coated in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Once the pork has marinated, remove it from the bowl and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the pork in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until it is cooked through.
- Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Health Benefits of Char Siu
Char Siu is a delicious and flavorful dish that is also quite healthy. It is a great source of protein and contains a good amount of essential vitamins and minerals. Pork is also rich in thiamine, niacin, and vitamin B6, which are essential for healthy brain function and metabolism.
Additionally, Char Siu contains antioxidants that can help to protect your body against cell damage and disease. The marinade used to make Char Siu contains ingredients like soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder, which all have health benefits.
Conclusion
Char Siu is a delicious Chinese dish that has become popular around the world. This sweet and savory barbecue pork dish is loved for its unique flavor and tender texture. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or as a main course with rice or noodles.
If you are looking to try something new or want to impress your friends and family with a delicious Chinese dish, then Char Siu is definitely worth trying. With the right ingredients and recipe, you can easily make this delicious dish at home.
So next time you’re at a Chinese restaurant or looking for a new recipe to try, consider Char Siu. It’s a dish that has stood the test of time and continues to be loved by people all around the world.
