The kids were craving Chinese Char Siu Pork for dinner tonight! Chinese BBQ Pork is really delicious and easy to make. So flavorful and tastes just like Chinese takeout! This recipe is perfect for dinner!
Ingredients:
- 2 lb pork shoulder
- 5 garlic cloves
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp shaoxing wine
- 3 tbsp honey
- grated ginger
- 1 tsp Chinese five spice powder
Chinese Char Siu Pork is one of those dishes I love to make because it brings the vibrant flavors of Chinese cuisine right to my dinner table without the need to order takeout. One thing I’ve found especially useful is using an air fryer to cook the pork shoulder strips. It's a great way to get a nice caramelized exterior with less mess and faster cooking time compared to traditional oven roasting. To prepare, I start by mincing plenty of garlic and mixing it with 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons of shaoxing wine, 3 tablespoons honey, freshly grated ginger, and a teaspoon of Chinese five-spice powder. This marinade gives the pork that signature sweet and savory Char Siu flavor. After slicing the pork shoulder into strips and seasoning it lightly with salt, I coat each piece thoroughly with the sauce and let it marinate for at least a few hours—overnight if possible for the best flavor infusion. When ready to cook, I spray the air fryer basket with a little PAM or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. The pork strips go in at 400°F (about 200°C), cooking for 20 minutes before flipping, then cooking for another 20 minutes. This method ensures the pork is tender inside with slightly charred edges, just like from a Chinese BBQ. Serving suggestions? I love pairing this Char Siu pork with steamed white rice or fried rice and fresh stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Sometimes, I add sliced green onions or sesame seeds on top for extra color and crunch. Overall, this recipe is approachable for anyone wanting to try making Chinese BBQ pork at home. The air fryer technique saves time and cleanup, and the combination of garlic, five-spice, and honey never disappoints in delivering that classic Char Siu taste. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious homemade takeout favorite right from your own kitchen!

I'm craving some too you know 😂😂😂