Char Siu (Chinese BBQ) Recipe

Love the sweet and smoky flavors of classic Char Siu, but prefer chicken or beef over pork? You're in luck! This Char Siu-inspired recipe brings the signature Cantonese BBQ marinade — with its glossy, caramelized finish — to juicy chicken thighs or tender slices of beef. It’s perfect for home cooks looking for an easy, flavorful way to enjoy this iconic dish using more accessible or preferred proteins.

Ingredient

For the Char Siu & Marinade

Cooking Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a large bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the Char Siu Marinade: honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, white pepper, and red food coloring (if using).
2. Reserve about ½ cup of this marinade in a separate small bowl. This will be used later for the basting glaze.

Step 2: Marinate the Meat

1. Add the chicken thighs or beef strips to the large bowl with the main marinade. Toss well to ensure all pieces are thoroughly coated.
2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight (up to 24 hours) for the best flavor penetration.

Step 3: Roast the Char Siu

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup, and place a wire rack on top of the foil. This allows air to circulate around the meat and helps with even cooking and charring.
2. Remove the marinated meat from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
3. Place the marinated chicken or beef strips in a single layer on the wire rack, ensuring there's some space between pieces. Discard any remaining marinade from the bowl that touched the raw meat.

Step 4: Bake and Baste

1. Roast the meat for 15 minutes.
2. While the meat is roasting, prepare your glaze: In the small bowl with the reserved marinade, stir in the additional 1-2 tablespoons of honey and 1-2 tablespoons of water until well combined.
3. After 15 minutes, flip the meat. Brush generously with the prepared glaze.
4. Return to the oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes (for chicken, or 15-20 minutes for beef), flipping and basting every 5-7 minutes, until the meat is cooked through, beautifully caramelized, and slightly charred at the edges. For chicken, ensure internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Beef doneness depends on preference.

• Note: Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of your meat and your oven. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. If it's browning too quickly, lower the temperature slightly.

1. Once cooked, remove the Char Siu from the oven and let it rest on the wire rack for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.
2. Slice the Char Siu against the grain into thin pieces.
3. Serve warm, traditionally with steamed rice, noodles, or as a filling for sandwiches or buns. You can drizzle any remaining glaze from the roasting pan over the sliced meat.

Extra Tips for Delicious Char Siu

• Meat Cut: Chicken thighs are generally more forgiving and stay juicier. For beef, flank steak or sirloin work well, but slice them thinly after cooking and against the grain for tenderness.
• Color: The red food coloring is purely for aesthetics to achieve the classic look. It doesn't affect the flavor. You can omit it or use natural alternatives like beet powder if preferred.
• Caramelization: Don't be afraid of a little charring on the edges; that's part of the authentic Char Siu experience and adds to the flavor.
• Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more water. If too thin, you can simmer the reserved glaze briefly in a small saucepan until it thickens slightly before basting.
• Storage: Leftover Char Siu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a pan.

Nutritional Value 

Benefits 

• ✅ Protein-Rich: Both chicken thighs and beef provide essential nutrients and high-quality protein for energy and muscle maintenance.
• ✅ Faster Cooking Option: Chicken cooks more quickly than traditional pork, making it ideal for weeknight meals.
• ✅ Customizable Marinade: Adjust the sweetness, spice, or saltiness to suit your flavor profile — honey, hoisin, garlic, and five spice do the magic.
• ✅ Healthier Homemade Version: Lower in sodium and sugar than store-bought BBQ meats, and you control the ingredients.
• ✅ Versatile Serving Options: Serve over jasmine rice, tuck into bao buns, roll into wraps, or layer in noodle bowls.