Irresistible Char Siu Sauce: The Secret to Authentic Chinese BBQ

Elevate your dishes with this mouthwatering char siu sauce – perfect for creating Chinese-style barbecue, or as a delicious dip or spread!

Char siu, meaning “fork-roasted,” is a Cantonese-style of barbecued pork that’s beloved across China and beyond. While char siu refers to the final dish, the magic starts with this incredible sauce. Our recipe combines classic ingredients like hoisin, honey, soy sauce, sherry, and Chinese five spice powder to create that unmistakable flavor and glossy finish that char siu is famous for.

This versatile sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet and salty, with a complex depth from fermented soy in the hoisin and a tantalizing warmth from the five spice powder. Each component plays a crucial role: anise, fennel, cinnamon, cloves, and Sichuan peppercorns come together to create an aromatic symphony that’ll transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Hong Kong.

While some recipes call for food coloring to achieve that iconic red hue, we prefer to let the natural ingredients shine. The result? A rich, earthy red that’s both appetizing and authentic. Trust us, your taste buds (and your Instagram feed) will thank you!

This sauce isn’t just for pork – it’s a culinary chameleon! Use it as a marinade for pork belly, ribs, or loin to create your own Chinese BBQ masterpiece. Or think outside the box and use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, a glaze for roasted vegetables, or even as a spread on your next sandwich. The possibilities are as endless as they are delicious!

Char Siu Sauce Recipe | The Ultimate Chinese BBQ Sauce

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons dry sherry
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, sherry, and five spice powder. Whisk the ingredients together until they’re fully incorporated and you have a smooth, glossy sauce. Your char siu sauce is now ready to use! For best results, let the flavors meld together for at least 30 minutes before using, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.