Char Siu Pork
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp shaoxing wine
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- 1½ tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg white
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp white pepper
- ½ tsp five spice powder
- 8 red food coloring, optional, for classic color
- Optional Side: Chinese broccoli
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, shaoxing wine, sesame oil, honey, garlic, sugar, hoisin sauce, salt, white pepper, five spice powder, and red food coloring if using.
- Add the pork shoulder to the bowl and coat well. Marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the marinated pork in the air fryer basket. Brush with some of the leftover marinade and air fry for 14 minutes, flipping and brushing once halfway through.
- Let the pork rest for a few minutes, then thinly slice.
- Serve over a bowl of rice. Optionally pair with Chinese broccoli.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Table of Contents
Why My Air Fryer Char Siu Pork IS So Easy
Char Siu Pork has always been one of those dishes that feels like a treat. It’s sticky, savory, and just a little sweet, with that deep red glaze that catches the light in all the best ways. The best part is you don’t need a giant oven or a fancy setup to make it at home. This version comes together in the air fryer with minimal mess. The pork stays juicy on the inside, caramelizes beautifully on the outside, and is perfect over a bowl of rice. If pork isn’t your thing, the same flavors work just as well with my Char Siu Chicken recipe.
How To Get That Signature Char Siu Flavor
The marinade is what makes this recipe irresistible. Honey and sugar bring sweetness, soy sauce and hoisin add depth, garlic and five-spice lend aromatic warmth, and sesame oil adds a subtle nutty note. A splash of Shaoxing wine rounds out the flavor, making it taste like it came from a Cantonese BBQ shop. If you’re after that nostalgic red hue, a few drops of food coloring will give it without altering the taste.
Ingredients for Char Siu Pork
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork shoulder
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon shaoxing wine
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon five spice powder
- 8 drops red food coloring, optional
- Steamed Chinese Broccoli, optional
How to Make Char Siu Pork
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, shaoxing wine, sesame oil, honey, garlic, sugar, hoisin sauce, salt, white pepper, five spice powder, and food coloring if using.
Add pork shoulder and coat well. Marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Place pork in the basket, brush with marinade, and cook for 14 minutes, flipping and brushing once halfway.
Let rest a few minutes before slicing thin. Serve over rice with Chinese broccoli if desired.
Tips and Variations
Marinating overnight yields the deepest flavor. For extra glaze, brush with reserved marinade in the last few minutes of cooking. Swap pork for chicken thighs or tofu for an easy variation.
Why I Keep Coming Back to This Char Siu Pork
This is my go-to when I want to serve something that looks restaurant-worthy but requires almost no effort. The ingredients are pantry staples, the air fryer handles the cooking, and the results are consistently juicy and flavorful. The marinade works on chicken, tofu, or ribs, but pork shoulder is the classic choice. It turns out tender, caramelized, and impossible to stop eating.
How to Serve Char Siu Pork
Slice thin and serve over steamed rice with a side of Chinese broccoli for a traditional presentation, or tuck it into steamed buns for a street-food style snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake this instead of using an air fryer?
Yes! Convection bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, basting and flipping halfway.
Do I have to use food coloring?
No, it’s purely for the classic Char Siu look! The flavor stays the same without it.
How long will it keep?
Stored in the fridge, it lasts up to 4 days. Reheat gently to keep it juicy.
Can I freeze Char Siu Pork?
Yes! Slice after cooking, freeze in portions, and thaw before reheating. You can alternatively place the raw marinated pork in a bag and let thaw before cooking as instructed.
More Recipes to Try
• Try my Char Siu Chicken for another easy take on Char Siu.
• Make my Braised Pork Belly for melt-in-your-mouth comfort.
• For a quick stir-fry, my Beef Yaki Udon is always a hit.
