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Char Siu

Nov 30, 20242 min read

Char Siu (叉烧), literally meaning “fork-roasted,” is a type of Cantonese-style barbecued pork that is a staple of Hong Kong Food and Cantonese Cuisine. Known for its distinctive reddish color, sweet flavor, and tender texture, char siu is one of the most popular types of Roast Meats in Hong Kong.

Characteristics

  • Reddish-colored exterior
  • Sweet and savory flavor profile
  • Tender, slightly fatty meat
  • Often made from pork belly or pork loin

Preparation

  1. Marination: The pork is marinated in a mixture that typically includes:

    • Five-spice powder
    • Hoisin sauce
    • Soy sauce
    • Red fermented bean curd (gives the characteristic red color)
    • Honey or maltose (for sweetness and shine)

  2. Roasting: The marinated pork is skewered with a long fork and roasted in a covered oven or over a fire. During cooking, the meat is continuously basted with the marinade to build up layers of flavor and create a glossy exterior.

  3. Resting and Slicing: After roasting, the meat is allowed to rest before being sliced for serving.

Serving Styles

Char siu is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

  1. On its own as a main dish, often served with steamed rice
  2. As a filling in Char Siu Bao (barbecue pork buns)
  3. Topping for noodle soups
  4. In fried rice or stir-fried dishes
  5. As part of a mixed roast meat platter

Cultural Significance

Char siu is more than just a dish; it’s an integral part of Hong Kong’s culinary identity. Its presence in local cuisine ranges from humble street food to high-end restaurant offerings. The ability to prepare good char siu is often seen as a mark of a skilled Cantonese chef.

Where to Find

You can find char siu throughout Hong Kong:

  1. Specialized siu mei shops
  2. Cantonese restaurants
  3. Dim sum restaurants (often as filling for char siu bao)

Some establishments known for excellent char siu include:

  • Joy Hing: A local favorite known for its tender, flavorful char siu
  • Kam’s Roast Goose: Despite the name, also famous for its char siu
  • Sun Kwai Heung: A traditional roast meat shop with high-quality char siu

Char siu is a must-try dish for anyone exploring Hong Kong Food. Its sweet-savory flavor and tender texture exemplify the delicious complexity of Cantonese cuisine.

Related: Roast Meats, Hong Kong Food, Cantonese Cuisine, Char Siu Bao, Siu Yuk

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