For this Char Siu pork shoulder recipe, I ask you to make twice the sauce as you will need to marinate the pork. I like my Char Siu saucy–just like me–so I will show you how to cook the extra sauce to get a lovely glaze or dip you can use with the cooked char siu.
What Is Char Siu Pork?
If you’ve been to any kind of American Chinese buffet, you’ve probably had Char Siu Pork. It’s a Cantonese barbecue pork recipe that’s typically sweet and spicy and great with some rice or grilled vegetables. Char Siu is a combination of sweet and spicy flavors. With the slight charred after bite, it will remind you of your favorite Chinese BBQ. The marinade resonates with each bite, so it’s absolutely worth the wait.
Why Is Chinese Pork Red?
In Chinese culture, many foods include red food coloring. This is because red is a sign of success or a favorable color. Without the red food coloring, the dish isn’t naturally red. So, don’t be surprised if the homemade sauce that you make isn’t bright red like some of the Char Siu you’ve seen in the past.
What Kind Of Pork Should I Use?
There are a ton of different cuts of pork. It can be hard to know which kind to choose for the recipe you’re cooking. For this Char Siu Pork recipe, you’ll want to use pork shoulder. It has a higher fat content, which makes it extra flavorful and perfect for the air fryer.
Air Fried Char Siu Pork
I find the air fryer to be just about perfect for fattier cuts of meat. The air fryer both renders and crisps up fat. It’s kind of a paradox because on the one hand it gets rid of some of the fat–but oh the fat it leaves behind! A juicy pork shoulder air fryer recipe that’s to die for.
How To Make Air Fried Pork Char Siu
Pierce. Poke small holes in the outside of the pork shoulder.Sauce. Make the sauce for marinade and serving.Marinate. Let the pork shoulder sit in the refrigerator for 24 hours before cooking.Cook. Roast in the air fryer, flipping halfway through.Rest. Let the pork rest before cutting it to preserve all of the yummy juices.Temp. Check the meat with a meat thermometer for proper internal temperature.Brush. Drizzle the cooked sauce on the pork immediately before serving.Slice. Cut the pork into bite-sized pieces and serve.
How To Make Char Siu Sauce
If you’re short on time or ingredients to make your own sauce, feel free to use this Lee Kum Kee Char Siu Sauce. It is higher in sugar than my own blend –but OH, SO DELICIOUS– so if you’re watching your carbs, try the recipe below. For this sauce, you will place sauce ingredients in the microwave and cook on high for 45-60 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds. You are doing this to thicken the sauce a little. Since it has honey in it, be careful to not overcook otherwise you will have Char Siu toffee (ask me how I know).
Ingredients for the Char Siu Sauce: HoneyDark soy sauceSugar Or Other Sweetener EquivalentShaoxing Winehoisin sauceMinced GarlicMinced GingerChinese Five Spice
How To Make Char Siu Roast Pork In The Oven
I get it, not everyone has an air fryer. Or maybe your air fryer is occupied making a side dish to serve with this yummy Char-siu pork. No matter the reason, this recipe will still turn out amazing in the oven. Here’s how to do it:
Slice. Cut the pork tenderloin into 4-5 pieces and place in a gallon ziplock bag.Add. Pour in half of the char siu sauce (either the homemade version or the Lee Kum Kee Char Siu Sauce) and zip up the back securely. Coat. Knead the sauce into the tenderloin and put in the fridge for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours.Warm. Preheat oven.Line. Cover a baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top of it.Place. Put the tenderloin pieces on top of the foil and dab on the remaining sauce on each side of the meat.Bake. Cook and flip the pork halfway through.Sauce. Dab on to the meat and flip it over, dab on this side as well.Finish. Bake for the remainder of the time and temp the meat for safety.
How To Serve Char-Siu
Traditionally, this Char Siu Pork is served with sticky jasmine rice and steamed broccoli. However, you can also serve it with ramen, in soup, or inside of wontons for a surprisingly delicious appetizer.
Want More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes?
Cheesy PotatoesCauliflower Buffalo WingsMaple Pecan BarsSesame Ginger BroccoliAir Fryer Pork ChopsAir Fryer Green Beans
No matter how you prepare this Char Siu Pork, I promise you’re going to love it. It’s simple, family-friendly, and totally delicious. If you love this recipe as much as I do, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Pinterest to make again soon. Originally published February 22, 2018
