Char Siu pork skewers are a mouthwatering fusion of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that bring a taste of Chinese barbecue straight to your grill or stovetop. Inspired by the classic Cantonese roasted pork, this version turns the dish into a fun and shareable meal by threading the marinated meat onto skewers, perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or summer cookouts.
The magic of Char Siu lies in its marinade. It’s a bold, red-hued blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, Chinese five spice, honey or brown sugar, and a touch of rice wine or Shaoxing wine. Traditional versions sometimes include red fermented bean curd for authenticity and color, but at home, a bit of red food coloring can give you that familiar look. The pork – often shoulder or tenderloin, is sliced into strips or chunks and left to marinate for several hours or overnight to soak up all that flavor.
When it comes to cooking, skewers make everything easier and more fun. Thread the marinated pork onto soaked wooden or metal skewers, then grill, broil, or pan-sear them until slightly charred and caramelized. The sugars in the marinade help create that glossy, sticky coating, while the high heat brings out the savory depth and aroma of the spices.
Char Siu pork skewers are incredibly versatile. Serve them with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal, or tuck them into bao buns or lettuce wraps for a more casual approach. You can also offer a little extra marinade (cooked separately) as a dipping sauce to enhance the flavor even more.
These skewers are great for entertaining, since they can be prepped ahead and cooked quickly. They’re colorful, aromatic, and full of flavor, guaranteed to be a hit at the table. Whether you’re already a fan of traditional Char Siu or trying it for the first time, the skewer version offers a fun twist on a classic dish that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Chinese five spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 inch ginger grated
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, minced garlic, and grated ginger to make the marinade.
- Add the sliced pork to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated pork slices onto the soaked bamboo skewers.
- Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the pork skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side, basting with any remaining marinade, until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Serve the Char Siu Pork Skewers with steamed rice and your favorite grilled vegetables.
- Enjoy the flavorful and tender grilled pork skewers!