Easy Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)

Name: Easy Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) - 15 Minute
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1.5 lb pork shoulder (or pork butt), cut into thick strips; 3 tbsp char siu sauce; 1 tsp Chinese five spice powder; 1/2 tsp ground white pepper; 1 inch piece ginger, peeled and sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp honey, for basting

Easy char siu is a quick Chinese BBQ pork recipe using pork shoulder strips marinated in char siu sauce, five spice, and honey, cooked to tender perfection in just 15 minutes. The honey basting creates a caramelized exterior while the ginger and garlic infuse deep savory flavor.

⚡Air Fryer

🌍Chinese 🏷️Char siu 🏷️Chinese bbq pork 🏷️Pork Pork shoulder

🏷️

🏷️Air fryer recipe

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TikTok

Total

25 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$16–$26

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

1.5 lb pork shoulder (or pork butt), cut into thick strips
3 tbsp char siu sauce
1 tsp Chinese five spice powder
1/2 tsp ground white pepper
1 inch piece ginger, peeled and sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp honey, for basting

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Instructions

1
Cut the pork shoulder into thick, even strips.
2
Mince the garlic and peel and slice the ginger.
3
In a large bowl, combine the pork strips with the minced garlic, sliced ginger, char siu sauce, Chinese five spice powder, and ground white pepper.
4
Mix thoroughly with your hands until the pork is evenly coated in the marinade.
5
For best results, transfer the pork to a sealable bag and marinate overnight. If you're short on time, a few hours is also fine.
6
Place the marinated pork in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
7
Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes.
8
During the cooking process, open the air fryer every 2-3 minutes to baste the pork with honey and flip it to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
9
Once cooked through and nicely charred, remove the pork from the air fryer. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
10
Serve the sliced char siu over rice with your favorite vegetables.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Cut pork shoulder into uniform thick strips (¾–1 inch) so all pieces cook evenly in 15 minutes.
Baste with honey in the last 3–5 minutes of cooking to avoid burning and create a caramelized glaze.
Let cooked pork rest for 3–5 minutes before serving to retain juices.
For deeper color and flavor, sear the marinated pork strips in a hot pan or under the broiler before finishing on the stovetop.

Substitutions

Pork shoulder → pork tenderloin or pork loin (reduce cooking time to 10–12 minutes)
Char siu sauce → soy sauce + oyster sauce + rice vinegar (1:1:½ ratio)
Chinese five spice → ground star anise + cinnamon + cloves (⅓ tsp each)
Honey → brown sugar or hoisin sauce (adjust to taste)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftover char siu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or stock to restore moisture.

Common Questions

What cut of pork is best for char siu?

Pork shoulder (also called pork butt) is ideal because it's tender and absorbs the marinade well. Cut it into thick strips so it cooks evenly in 15 minutes.

Can I marinate the pork ahead of time?

Yes. Marinate the pork for 30 minutes to 4 hours in the refrigerator before cooking for deeper flavor. Bring to room temperature 10 minutes before cooking.

How do I know when the pork is done?

The pork is done when it reaches 145°F internally and the exterior is caramelized and slightly charred. At 15 minutes over medium-high heat, check with a meat thermometer.