Char Siu (平底锅叉燒)
Making Char Siu, or Chinese BBQ Pork, in a skillet or frying pan is a fantastic alternative for those who don't have access to a grill or oven. This method allows you to achieve a deliciously caramelized exterior and tender, flavorful meat with the convenience of stovetop cooking. Here's a simple recipe to make Char Siu in a skillet.
Ingredients
For the Pork:
- 500 g pork tenderloin or pork belly sliced into thick strips
- For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- A pinch of salt
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, five-spice powder, minced garlic, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to create a smooth marinade.
Marinate the Pork:
- Place the pork strips in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
Pan Fry the Pork:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the marinated pork strips, reserving the leftover marinade for basting. Cook for 7-10 minutes on one side until it starts to caramelize.
Baste and Flip:
- Baste the pork with the reserved marinade, then flip the strips over. Continue to cook for another 7-10 minutes on the other side, basting occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and the outside is nicely caramelized.
Rest and Slice:
- Transfer the cooked Char Siu to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Slice the pork into bite-sized pieces.
Serve:
- Serve your skillet Char Siu hot with rice and vegetables, or let it cool and use it as a filling for buns or sandwiches.
