Cantonese-Style Char Siu Pork Belly: Sweet and Smoky Delight

Introduction

Cantonese-Style Char Siu Pork Belly: Sweet and Smoky Delight

Indulge in the delectable flavors of Cantonese cuisine with this iconic dish – Char Siu Pork Belly. This recipe combines the sweetness of honey, the umami of soy sauce, and the smoky aroma of char siu marinade to create a mouthwatering experience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a taste of authentic Chinese cooking, this Char Siu Pork Belly recipe is sure to impress your taste buds. Let’s delve into the ingredients and directions to whip up this culinary delight in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

To create this tantalizing Cantonese-style Char Siu Pork Belly dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly, skin removed
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
– 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Directions

1. Marinate the Pork Belly:
– In a bowl, combine the garlic, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, sesame oil, and Shaoxing wine. Mix well to form a marinade.
– Score the pork belly with a sharp knife and season with salt and pepper. Place the pork belly in a resealable bag or container and pour the marinade over it. Ensure the pork is evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

2. Preheat the Oven:
– Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the marinated pork belly from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.

3. Roast the Pork Belly:
– Place the marinated pork belly on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Reserve the marinade for basting. Roast in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, basting the pork with the marinade every 15 minutes.

4. Char the Pork:
– After the initial roasting, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and continue to cook the pork belly for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until charred and caramelized.

5. Rest and Serve:
– Remove the char siu pork belly from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy the succulent, sweet, and smoky flavors of this Cantonese-style Char Siu Pork Belly.

This Cantonese-Style Char Siu Pork Belly recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes, making it a delightful addition to any dining occasion. Embrace the essence of traditional Chinese flavors with this simple yet impressive dish that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

FAQ about Cantonese-Style Char Siu Pork Belly

What is Cantonese-style Char Siu Pork Belly?

Cantonese-style Char Siu Pork Belly is a popular Chinese dish featuring marinated pork belly that’s roasted until it has a sweet and smoky flavor.

How is Char Siu Pork Belly traditionally prepared?

Typically, pork belly is marinated in a mixture of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, and other seasonings. It is then roasted or barbecued until it develops a caramelized and slightly charred exterior.

What gives Char Siu Pork Belly its signature sweet and smoky taste?

The marinade ingredients, especially the combination of hoisin sauce, honey, and soy sauce, contribute to the dish’s sweet and savory flavor profile. The smoky taste comes from the roasting or barbecuing process.