If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold, savory flavors and melts in your mouth, this Chinese BBQ Pork Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe captures the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami notes with a touch of spice, all wrapped up in tender, juicy pork cubes that caramelize beautifully in the oven. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to Asian-inspired dishes, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites for entertaining or a satisfying weeknight dinner. Let me walk you through everything you need to make this flavorful sensation from start to finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key for an authentic and delicious Chinese BBQ Pork Recipe. Don’t worry, the list is straightforward, and each component plays a special role—from giving depth to the marinade to that perfect caramelized finish.
- 2 lb boneless pork shoulder or butt, cut into 1-inch cubes: This cut provides the perfect balance of fat and tenderness for juicy, flavorful meat.
- ½ cup hoisin sauce: Adds sweetness and a rich, complex tang that is signature to Chinese BBQ.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Brings the essential salty and savory backbone to the marinade.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Lends a deep, savory umami boost enhancing overall flavor complexity.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses a lovely pungent aroma and slight bite.
- ½ tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes: Delivers a gentle heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Reinforces garlic flavor and helps the marinade cling well to the pork.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and earthiness.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sprinkled before baking, it gives the pork that irresistible caramelized crust.
- 3 green onions, sliced, for garnish: Fresh and bright, they add a nice crunch and color contrast on top.
How to Make Chinese BBQ Pork Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
Start by cutting your pork shoulder into 1-inch cubes. This size is perfect because it allows for even cooking and helps the marinade soak deeply into every bite. Set the pork aside while you move on to mixing the marinade.
Step 2: Mix the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and black pepper. This mixture will meld sweet, salty, spicy, and savory notes that make Chinese BBQ pork so delightful.
Step 3: Marinate the Pork
Add the cubed pork into the marinade and toss well to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This slow marination is crucial—it infuses the pork with intense flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
Step 4: Preheat Your Oven
When you’re ready to cook, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This step makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking during baking.
Step 5: Arrange and Sugar Coat
Spread the marinated pork and all the leftover sauce in a single layer on your baking sheet. Then sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the pork pieces. This sugar layer will caramelize beautifully, creating that iconic sticky crust.
Step 6: Bake the Pork
Place the pork in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The pork should be tender and juicy, infused with all the marinade’s amazing flavors.
Step 7: Optional Broil for Crispiness
If you love a bit of char and crunch, switch your oven to broil. Broil the pork for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, keeping a close eye to avoid burning. This step enhances the caramelized crust and adds wonderful texture contrast.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pork from the oven and garnish with freshly sliced green onions. Serve it hot alongside your favorites like sticky rice or steamed vegetables to complete your authentic Chinese BBQ Pork Recipe experience.
How to Serve Chinese BBQ Pork Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly sliced green onions are a must—they add brightness and a subtle oniony crunch that balances the rich pork beautifully. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds if you want an extra layer of nutty flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
This Chinese BBQ Pork Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine or sticky rice, which soaks up the delicious juices perfectly. Lightly sautéed bok choy, garlic green beans, or a crisp Asian cucumber salad offer fresh, crisp contrast to the tender pork.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Turn your Chinese BBQ Pork into bao buns for a fun handheld meal or toss it with noodles and fresh herbs for a vibrant stir-fry. You can also slice the pork thinly and serve it as a protein-packed addition to a flavorful fried rice bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pork will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a delicious next-day lunch or quick dinner component.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked pork in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing. This is perfect for meal prep or whenever you want to enjoy Chinese BBQ pork without the wait.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the pork gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Microwave reheating works too—just cover it loosely to hold in moisture and avoid drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of pork for this recipe?
Boneless pork shoulder or butt is ideal because it has enough fat to stay juicy and tender. However, you can try pork loin for a leaner option, though it may be less tender and could dry out faster during cooking.
How spicy is this Chinese BBQ Pork Recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that enhances flavor without overwhelming the dish. If you prefer more spice, feel free to increase the amount or add a dash of chili garlic sauce to the marinade.
Can I grill the pork instead of baking?
Absolutely! Grilling imparts a lovely smoky flavor and char. Just thread the marinated cubes onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat, turning often until cooked through—about 10-12 minutes.
Is it necessary to marinate for 8 hours?
Marinating overnight is best because it allows the flavors to penetrate deeply and tenderize the meat. If you’re short on time, aim for at least 2-3 hours, but expect slightly less depth of flavor.
What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?
Hoisin sauce is unique, but if you don’t have it, try mixing soy sauce with a touch of honey and Chinese five-spice powder for a similar sweet and savory effect.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese BBQ Pork Recipe is as rewarding to make as it is to eat. Its rich layers of flavor and tender, caramelized pork pieces make every bite a joy. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe soon—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds and sharing in your newfound cooking triumph.
Print
Chinese BBQ Pork Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Chinese BBQ Pork recipe features tender pork shoulder marinated in a savory, slightly spicy hoisin-based sauce, baked to perfection and optionally broiled for a caramelized crust. Perfect for a flavorful and authentic Chinese-inspired meal, served with sticky rice or your favorite side dishes.
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 lb boneless pork shoulder or butt, cut into 1-inch cubes
Marinade
- ½ cup hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Garnish
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: Cut the pork shoulder into approximately 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and better absorption of the marinade. Set the cubed pork aside while you prepare the marinade.
- Mix the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and black pepper. This mixture will impart rich, savory, and slightly spicy flavors to the pork.
- Marinate the Pork: Add the cubed pork to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Arrange and Sugar Coat: Spread the marinated pork and all the sauce evenly on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the top of the pork to help create a caramelized crust during baking.
- Bake the Pork: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), ensuring the meat is cooked and tender.
- Optional Broil for Crispiness: For a more pronounced char and a crispy crust, switch the oven to broil. Broil the pork for 3 to 4 minutes on each side (6 to 8 minutes total) until nicely caramelized, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pork from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot alongside sticky rice or your choice of sides for an authentic Chinese BBQ experience.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the pork overnight to allow the spices to fully infuse the meat.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Broiling is optional but recommended if you want a crispy caramelized crust.
- Serve with steamed sticky rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
