Name: Malaysian-style Barbecue Pork Belly (Char Siu Pork) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 6 h 25 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 17 oz pork belly; For Marinade:; 2 tbsp garlic; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp cooking wine; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tsp five spice; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ cup sugar; 2 pcs preserved tofu

This Malaysian-style barbecue pork belly, also known as char siu pork, is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors. The marinade infuses the pork with rich tastes, making it tender and juicy after roasting. Perfect for a special dinner or a barbecue party, this dish will surely impress your guests.

Photos of Malaysian-style Barbecue Pork Belly (Char Siu Pork) Recipe

Some ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in every kitchen. For example, preserved tofu, oyster sauce, and five spice might require a trip to a specialty Asian market or the international aisle of your local supermarket. Make sure to check the labels and get authentic versions to achieve the best flavor.

Ingredients for Malaysian-Style Barbecue Pork Belly (Char Siu Pork)

Pork belly: The main ingredient, known for its rich layers of fat and meat.

Garlic: Adds a strong, aromatic flavor to the marinade.

Honey: Provides sweetness and helps in caramelizing the pork.

Cooking wine: Enhances the marinade with a slight tang and depth.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor to the dish.

Oyster sauce: Contributes a savory, slightly sweet flavor.

Five spice: A blend of spices that adds complexity to the marinade.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and earthy flavor.

Sugar: Balances the savory elements with sweetness.

Preserved tofu: A fermented ingredient that adds depth and umami to the marinade.

One reader, Kerrin Herbst says:

This Malaysian-style barbecue pork belly recipe is fantastic! The marinade infuses the meat with incredible flavor, and the pork turns out perfectly tender and juicy. It's a hit at every gathering. Highly recommend!

Kerrin Herbst

Techniques Required for Making Char Siu Pork

How to marinate pork: Combine the pork belly with all the marinade ingredients in a bowl and leave it to marinate for 6 to 8 hours. How to preheat the oven: Set the oven temperature to 375 degrees F and allow it to reach the desired temperature before placing the pork belly inside. How to roast pork belly: Place the marinated pork belly on a grill tray and roast it in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking.

How To Make Malaysian-style Barbecue Pork Belly (Char Siu Pork)

This flavorful Malaysian-style barbecue marinates the pork belly in honey, preserved tofu, and spices, then roasts it to a slice of tender and crisp meat.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Marinate Time: 6 hours

Total: 6 hours 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

17ozpork belly

For Marinade:

2tbspgarlic,crushed
1tbsphoney
1tbspcooking wine
2tbspsoy sauce
1tbspoyster sauce
1tspfive spice
½tspblack pepper
½cupsugar
2pcspreserved tofu,optional, available in local Asian supermarkets

Instructions

Place the pork in a bowl along with all the marinade ingredients. Combine and leave to marinate for 6 to 8 hours.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Place the pork belly on a grill tray.
Roast the pork belly in the oven for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 1734.13kcal
Fat: 141.51g
Saturated Fat: 49.43g
Monounsaturated Fat: 63.53g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 19.53g
Carbohydrates: 70.30g
Fiber: 3.66g
Sugar: 60.73g
Protein: 51.21g
Cholesterol: 173.50mg
Sodium: 1289.47mg
Calcium: 698.11mg
Potassium: 1066.25mg
Iron: 7.10mg
Vitamin A: 7.68µg
Vitamin C: 4.46mg

Crucial Technique for Perfect Malaysian-Style Barbecue Pork Belly

To achieve a beautifully caramelized exterior on your pork belly, baste it with the leftover marinade every 5 minutes during the last 10 minutes of roasting. This will enhance the flavor and give it a glossy finish.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Malaysian-Style Barbecue Pork Belly

Prepare the marinade in advance: Mix the marinade ingredients the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Use a ziplock bag: Marinate the pork belly in a ziplock bag for even coating and easy cleanup.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating the oven while you prepare the pork to reduce waiting time.

Line the grill tray: Use aluminum foil on the grill tray for quicker cleanup.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.

Substitute Ingredients For Malaysian-style Barbecue Pork Belly (Char Siu Pork) Recipe

pork belly - Substitute with pork shoulder: Pork shoulder has a similar fat content and texture, making it a good alternative for slow cooking and barbecuing.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor profile, though it may lack the fresh pungency of raw garlic.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup has a comparable sweetness and viscosity, making it a suitable alternative for marinades.
cooking wine - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can mimic the acidity and slight sweetness of cooking wine, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a similar umami flavor.
oyster sauce - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce has a similar sweet and savory profile, though it may be slightly thicker.
five spice - Substitute with ground cinnamon and star anise: A combination of ground cinnamon and star anise can replicate the warm, aromatic notes of five spice.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat and flavor, though it is slightly milder and less pungent.
sugar - Substitute with brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a similar sweetness with a hint of molasses, enhancing the depth of flavor.
preserved tofu - Substitute with miso paste: Miso paste provides a similar umami richness and fermented flavor, though it may be slightly saltier.

Presentation Tips for Char Siu Pork

Select the perfect cut: Choose a high-quality pork belly with an even distribution of fat and meat to ensure a succulent and flavorful dish.
Marinate meticulously: Combine garlic, honey, cooking wine, soy sauce, oyster sauce, five spice, black pepper, sugar, and preserved tofu to create a rich and aromatic marinade. Allow the pork belly to marinate for 6 to 8 hours to absorb all the flavors.
Preheat the oven precisely: Set your oven to 375 degrees F to ensure an even and thorough cooking process.
Prepare the grill tray: Place the marinated pork belly on a grill tray to allow the fat to render and the meat to caramelize beautifully.
Roast to perfection: Roast the pork belly in the oven for 20 minutes, turning halfway through to achieve an even char and a crispy exterior.
Rest the meat: Allow the pork belly to rest for a few minutes after roasting to let the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender bite.
Slice with precision: Cut the pork belly into even, bite-sized pieces to showcase the layers of meat and fat.
Plate artfully: Arrange the slices of pork belly on a sleek, white plate to highlight the rich, caramelized exterior.
Garnish elegantly: Add a touch of freshness with finely chopped spring onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to enhance the visual appeal and add a subtle crunch.
Serve with finesse: Accompany the pork belly with a small bowl of steamed jasmine rice and a side of pickled vegetables to balance the richness of the meat and provide a harmonious dining experience.

Essential Tools for Making Malaysian-Style Barbecue Pork Belly

Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine the pork belly with the marinade ingredients thoroughly.
Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring out the marinade ingredients like garlic, honey, cooking wine, soy sauce, oyster sauce, five spice, and black pepper.
Measuring cup: Used to measure the ½ cup of sugar precisely.
Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic quickly and efficiently.
Whisk: Useful for mixing the marinade ingredients together to ensure they are well combined.
Refrigerator: Necessary for marinating the pork belly for 6 to 8 hours.
Oven: Preheated to 375 degrees F to roast the pork belly.
Grill tray: To place the pork belly on while roasting in the oven, allowing for even cooking and fat drainage.
Tongs: Useful for turning the pork belly halfway through the roasting process.
Knife: For slicing the pork belly before serving.
Cutting board: A surface to slice the pork belly on after it has been roasted.

Storing and Freezing Char Siu Pork

Allow the char siu pork to cool completely before storing or freezing.
For short-term storage, place the cooled pork belly in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze the char siu pork:
- Slice the cooled pork belly into desired portions.
- Wrap each portion tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets remain.
- Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Store in the freezer for up to 2 months for optimal quality and flavor.
To reheat frozen char siu pork:
- Remove the desired portion from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the thawed pork belly on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the char siu pork in a steamer or microwave until warmed through.
Avoid refreezing thawed char siu pork to maintain its texture and quality.

How To Reheat Leftover Char Siu Pork

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wrap the leftover char siu pork in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the pork is heated through and the edges are slightly crispy. This method helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the pork while reheating.
For a quicker option, you can use a microwave. Place the pork belly on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the pork is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the pork to become tough and dry.
If you have a steamer, you can also use it to reheat the char siu pork. Place the pork in a steamer basket and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to keep the pork moist and tender.
For a crispy exterior, you can reheat the pork in a skillet or wok. Heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat and add the pork. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the pork is heated through and the edges are crispy.
If you have a grill, you can also use it to reheat the char siu pork. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and place the pork on the grates. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the pork is heated through and has nice grill marks.

Interesting Trivia About Char Siu Pork

A unique aspect of this Malaysian-style barbecue pork belly recipe is the use of preserved tofu in the marinade. This ingredient, also known as fermented bean curd, adds a distinct umami flavor and enhances the overall taste profile of the char siu pork.

Is Making Char Siu Pork at Home Cost-Effective?

The Malaysian-style barbecue pork belly recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredient, pork belly, is relatively affordable, and the marinade ingredients like soy sauce, honey, and garlic are common pantry items. For a household of 4, the approximate cost would be around $15-$20 USD. Given the rich flavors and satisfying nature of this dish, it offers excellent value for money. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Is Char Siu Pork Healthy or Unhealthy?

This Malaysian-style barbecue pork belly recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

Pork belly is high in saturated fat and calories, which can contribute to heart disease and obesity if consumed in excess.
The marinade contains a significant amount of sugar, honey, and oyster sauce, all of which are high in sugar and sodium.
The cooking method (roasting) does not allow for the excess fat to drain away from the meat, further increasing the fat content of the dish.

However, this dish can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Use a leaner cut of pork, such as pork loin or tenderloin, which has less saturated fat than pork belly.
Reduce the amount of sugar and honey in the marinade, or replace them with natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract.
Use low-sodium soy sauce and oyster sauce to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish.
Grill the pork instead of roasting it, allowing excess fat to drain away from the meat.
Serve the pork with a variety of colorful vegetables to increase the nutritional value of the meal and promote a balanced diet.
Limit portion sizes and enjoy this dish as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet.

Editor's Opinion on This Char Siu Pork Recipe

This Malaysian-style barbecue pork belly recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors with its aromatic marinade. The combination of garlic, honey, and five spice creates a rich, savory profile, while the preserved tofu adds a unique depth. Marinating the pork for 6 to 8 hours ensures the flavors penetrate deeply, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. Roasting at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes provides a nice caramelization, though extending the cooking time slightly could enhance the texture further. Overall, it's a delicious and well-rounded dish that captures the essence of Malaysian cuisine.

Enhance Your Malaysian-style Barbecue Pork Belly (Char Siu Pork) Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Coconut Rice: Coconut Rice: Infuse your meal with the tropical essence of coconut milk and fragrant jasmine rice. This creamy, aromatic side dish will perfectly complement the rich flavors of the char siu pork.

Pickled Vegetables: Pickled Vegetables: Add a tangy crunch to your plate with a medley of pickled carrots, daikon radish, and cucumbers. The acidity will cut through the richness of the pork belly, creating a delightful balance.

Mango Salad: Mango Salad: Brighten up your meal with a refreshing mango salad. Tossed with lime juice, chili, and fresh herbs, this vibrant dish adds a sweet and spicy contrast to the savory char siu pork.

Garlic Stir-Fried Greens: Garlic Stir-Fried Greens: Sauté bok choy, spinach, or kale with a generous amount of garlic and a splash of soy sauce. This simple yet flavorful side dish will enhance the overall dining experience.

Pineapple Fried Rice: Pineapple Fried Rice: Elevate your meal with a sweet and savory pineapple fried rice. The combination of pineapple chunks, shrimp, and cashews will add an exotic twist to your Malaysian-style barbecue pork belly feast.

Similar Recipes to Malaysian-Style Barbecue Pork Belly

Chinese Roast Duck: Dive into the rich flavors of Chinese Roast Duck. This dish features succulent duck meat marinated in a blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and aromatic spices. Roasted to perfection, it offers a crispy skin and tender, juicy interior.

Vietnamese Grilled Pork (Thit Nuong): Experience the vibrant taste of Vietnamese Grilled Pork (Thit Nuong). Marinated in a mixture of lemongrass, fish sauce, and brown sugar, this dish is grilled to achieve a smoky, caramelized finish. Perfectly paired with vermicelli noodles or rice.

Korean BBQ Short Ribs (Galbi): Savor the bold and savory flavors of Korean BBQ Short Ribs (Galbi). These beef ribs are marinated in a sweet and savory blend of soy sauce, garlic, pear, and sesame oil. Grilled to perfection, they offer a delightful combination of tenderness and char.

Thai Grilled Chicken (Gai Yang): Indulge in the aromatic and flavorful Thai Grilled Chicken (Gai Yang). Marinated in a mixture of coriander, garlic, fish sauce, and lime juice, this chicken is grilled to achieve a crispy skin and juicy interior. Serve with a side of papaya salad for a complete meal.

Ideal Appetizers and Desserts for a Char Siu Pork Meal

Appetizers:

Spicy Shrimp Skewers: Spicy Shrimp Skewers are a delightful way to kick off your meal. Marinate fresh shrimp in a blend of garlic, chili flakes, and lime juice to infuse them with a zesty flavor. Grill them to perfection, ensuring they have a slight char for that smoky taste. Serve with a side of cucumber salad to balance the heat and add a refreshing crunch. These skewers are not only visually appealing but also pack a punch of flavors that will leave your guests craving more.

Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed Mushrooms are a classic appetizer that never fails to impress. Choose large button mushrooms and fill them with a savory mixture of cream cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown. The creamy and herbaceous stuffing complements the earthy flavor of the mushrooms, making each bite a delightful experience. Garnish with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh parsley for an elegant touch.

Desserts:

Mango Sticky Rice: Imagine a delightful fusion of mango and sticky rice. This Thai-inspired dessert combines the creamy sweetness of ripe mangoes with the rich, chewy texture of coconut-infused sticky rice. A drizzle of coconut milk and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds elevate this dish to a whole new level. Perfectly balanced, it's a refreshing end to your Malaysian-style barbecue pork belly meal.

Pandan Chiffon Cake: Transport your taste buds to Southeast Asia with a Pandan Chiffon Cake. This light and airy cake is infused with the unique flavor of pandan leaves, giving it a vibrant green hue and a subtle, fragrant aroma. The cake's fluffy texture pairs wonderfully with a coconut cream frosting, making it an elegant and exotic dessert choice. Serve it with a cup of jasmine tea for a truly delightful experience.

Why trust this Malaysian-style Barbecue Pork Belly (Char Siu Pork) Recipe:

This recipe for Malaysian-style barbecue pork belly is a must-try for any food enthusiast. The combination of garlic, honey, and soy sauce in the marinade ensures a rich and flavorful experience. Marinating the pork belly for 6 to 8 hours allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy dish. Roasting at 375 degrees F ensures a perfect caramelized exterior. Trust this recipe for its authentic ingredients and straightforward instructions, promising a delicious outcome every time.

Want to share your experience making this Malaysian-style Barbecue Pork Belly (Char Siu Pork) dish or have any tips to enhance the recipe? Join the discussion in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

How long should I marinate the pork belly?

I recommend marinating the pork belly for 6 to 8 hours to really let the flavors soak in. If you have more time, you can even marinate it overnight for an even richer taste.

Can I use a different cut of pork instead of pork belly?

Yes, you can use other cuts like pork shoulder or pork butt. Just keep in mind that the texture and fat content will be different, which might slightly alter the final result.

What can I use if I don't have preserved tofu?

If you can't find preserved tofu, you can skip it or substitute it with a small amount of miso paste. It won't be exactly the same, but it will add a nice umami flavor.

Can I cook this on a barbecue grill instead of in the oven?

Absolutely! Cooking it on a barbecue grill will give it an authentic smoky flavor. Just make sure to keep an eye on it and turn it frequently to avoid burning.

How do I know when the pork belly is fully cooked?

The pork belly should be nicely caramelized and have an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees F. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can cut into it to check that it's cooked through and no longer pink inside.