June 22, 2023

Char Siu Pulled Pork Recipe: Cantonese BBQ Meets American Comfort

Experience the perfect fusion of Cantonese barbecue and American comfort food with this Char Siu Pulled Pork recipe. Juicy, tender, and packed with a sweet and savory glaze, this dish is a must-try. Learn the history behind it, explore essential ingredients, and get creative with serving ideas. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a weekend cook, this dish will elevate your cooking game!

The Story Behind Char Siu Pulled Pork

Char Siu (叉燒), meaning “fork roasted,” is a staple of Cantonese cuisine. Traditionally, pork is marinated in a blend of soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, and Chinese five-spice before being roasted over an open flame. The result is a beautifully caramelized glaze with a balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors.

Historical Journey: Chinese immigrants brought char siu to the U.S. in the mid-20th century. Over time, American cooks adapted it using slow-cooking techniques, creating the tender, shredded version we now know as char siu pulled pork.
Cultural Fusion: This dish blends Cantonese tradition with the comforting style of American barbecue, making it an irresistible cross-cultural favorite.

Why Char Siu Pulled Pork is a Modern Favorite

Char siu pulled pork has gained popularity in recent years due to its versatility and bold flavor.

Fusion Cuisine Trend: It appeals to food lovers seeking global flavors and innovative dishes.
Social Media Influence: Vibrant, flavorful dishes like this one thrive on social media, inspiring home cooks to get creative.
Endless Versatility: Whether served in sandwiches, tacos, noodle bowls, or as a pizza topping, char siu pulled pork fits a variety of occasions—family dinners, meal prep, or weekend gatherings.

Essential Ingredients for Char Siu Pulled Pork

The key to this dish lies in the marinade and high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Pork Shoulder: Ideal for slow cooking, it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Hoisin Sauce: Adds depth and sweetness.
Soy Sauce (Low-Sodium Recommended): Provides essential umami while keeping saltiness in check.
Honey and Brown Sugar: Create the signature caramelized glaze.
Chinese Five-Spice Powder: A fragrant blend of cinnamon, star anise, fennel, clove, and Sichuan peppercorn for authentic flavor.
Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Add warmth and complexity to the marinade.

Chef’s Tip: Use local honey for a more robust flavor and to support local producers.

How to Make Char Siu Pulled Pork (Step-by-Step)

Marinate the Pork: Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl and coat the pork shoulder thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight for best results).
Slow-Cook to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the marinated pork in a covered dish and bake for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
Shred and Crisp: Shred the pork and, for a crispy finish, broil it for 5-7 minutes until the edges are golden and caramelized.
Serve and Enjoy: Pair with your favorite sides or get creative with serving ideas!

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Char Siu Pulled Pork

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of char siu pulled pork with this easy-to-follow recipe. Slow-cooked to perfection, this tender and flavorful dish is perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or as a standalone delight. Learn how to make this Cantonese-inspired delicacy that will impress your family and friends.

Course Meats

Prep Time 4

Cook Time 3

Servings 8

Author N. Jay Sorensen, MBA RDN

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless pork shoulder
1/2 cup hoisin sauce
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Buns or rolls for serving

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, Chinese five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper.
Place the pork shoulder in a large baking dish and pour the marinade over it. Turn the pork to coat it evenly with the marinade. Marinate for 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender.
Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Shred the pork using two forks or your hands, discarding any excess fat.
Serve the char siu pulled pork on buns or rolls, garnished with sliced green onions and additional hoisin sauce, if desired.

Notes

– This recipe yields approximately 6 to 8 servings, depending on portion sizes.

– Marinating the pork for at least 4 hours or overnight ensures maximum flavor.

– Leftover char siu pulled pork can be refrigerated and enjoyed for up to 3 days.

– Customize your serving options by adding your favorite toppings or sides.

Enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of this homemade char siu pulled pork recipe. Impress your guests with this versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways.

Nutritional Benefits of Char Siu Pulled Pork

This dish isn’t just tasty—it’s also packed with nutrients:

High in Protein: About 23 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving, great for muscle building and recovery.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Contains thiamine, niacin, and zinc, which support energy metabolism and immune health.
Healthy Adjustments:
- Trim excess fat for a leaner dish.
- Reduce added sugar in the marinade.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep salt levels in check.

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Char Siu Pulled Pork

Marinate for Flavor: Let the pork soak in the marinade for at least 4 hours; overnight is ideal for deeper flavor.
Slow-Cook with Care: Cover the dish while cooking to retain moisture and ensure the meat stays tender.
Crispy Finish: Broil the shredded pork briefly for crispy, caramelized edges that enhance texture.
Substitution Ideas: Try maple syrup instead of honey or use pineapple juice for a hint of tropical sweetness.

Creative Serving Ideas

Char siu pulled pork can be transformed into a variety of delicious meals:

Classic Sandwich: Serve on a soft bun with green onions and an extra drizzle of hoisin sauce.
Fusion Tacos: Fill corn tortillas with pulled pork, pickled red onions, and sliced jalapeños.
Asian-Inspired Pizza: Use the pork as a topping with red onions, bell peppers, and fresh cilantro.
Noodle Bowl: Add shredded pork to ramen or lo mein, paired with stir-fried vegetables.
Balanced Plate: Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice and sautéed greens like bok choy or broccoli.

Food Safety Tips

Marinate Safely: Always marinate in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.
Cook to the Right Temperature: Ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).
Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat to 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Conclusion: Try It Today!

Char siu pulled pork is a delicious celebration of culinary fusion—combining the best of Cantonese barbecue and American comfort food. Its tender texture, bold flavors, and versatility make it a dish you’ll want to cook again and again.

Try this recipe today and bring a taste of global flavor to your kitchen!