Chinese Char Siu
Chinese Char Siu, or BBQ Pork, is a classic Cantonese dish featuring tender pork marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then roasted to a sticky, caramelized perfection. Its signature flavor comes from a blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, five-spice powder, and often a touch of red fermented bean curd or food coloring for its iconic reddish hue. It's a staple in Cantonese cuisine, commonly found in BBQ shops, dim sum restaurants, and as a filling for buns or rice dishes.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Char Siu is a high-protein dish, providing a substantial amount of protein per serving, but it is also relatively high in fat and sugar due to its fatty pork cuts (like pork shoulder or belly) and sweet marinade. A typical 3-ounce (85g) serving can range from 250 to 350 calories, with significant amounts of iron, zinc, and B vitamins from the pork.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 12 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Phosphorus | 220 mg |
| Iron | 2.1 mg |
| Zinc | 4.5 mg |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.7 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.3 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 7.5 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.8 mcg |
Per 1 cup, sliced (140 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Char Siu is a symbol of celebration and prosperity in Chinese culture, often featured at festivals and family gatherings. Its unique preparation method, which involves roasting the meat in a special oven (sometimes with wood chips for smoke), creates a distinctive 'charred' exterior that contrasts beautifully with its juicy interior, making it a beloved example of the balance between sweet, savory, and smoky flavors in Chinese BBQ.
