barbecued pork with honey sauce

Honey-Glazed Char Siu: A Culinary Guide

Honey-glazed char siu, a beloved Cantonese delicacy, tantalizes with its sticky sweetness and smoky aroma. Mastering this dish at home is simpler than you think—follow this guide to achieve restaurant-quality results.

Start with 500g pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch strips. For the marinade, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon rice wine, 1 teaspoon five-spice powder, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of red food coloring (for authentic color). Marinate the pork for at least 4 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Thread the marinated pork onto skewers, place on a foil-lined baking sheet, and roast for 20 minutes. Baste with the remaining marinade, then continue roasting for 10–15 minutes, flipping once, until caramelized and slightly charred at the edges. For a glossy finish, brush with extra honey during the last 5 minutes.

Let the char siu rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve steamed rice or noodles, drizzled with the sticky glaze. This versatile dish also works as a filling for buns or stir-fries. Experiment with marinade ingredients—like adding oyster sauce or Sriracha—to suit your taste. Enjoy this homemade classic that never fails to impress!