Chinese BBQ Pork with 3 Flavorful Sides

Chinese BBQ Pork with 3 Flavorful Sides

Chinese BBQ pork, known as Char Siu, is a beloved dish with bold flavors—sweet, savory, sticky, and smoky. It’s a centerpiece in Chinese cuisine, often seen hanging in the windows of Chinatown restaurants. But this dish is surprisingly simple to make at home, and even more satisfying when paired with the right sides.

In this guide, we’ll walk through a traditional Char Siu recipe and pair it with three tasty sides:

Garlic Stir-Fried Bok Choy

Fragrant Egg Fried Rice

Quick Pickled Cucumbers with Sesame

Each dish complements the richness of Char Siu with a balance of freshness, aroma, and texture.

Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe

Ingredients:

2 lbs boneless pork shoulder or pork belly

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)

1 teaspoon five-spice powder

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for traditional look)

Instructions:

Prepare the Marinade:

In a bowl, mix hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, five-spice powder, brown sugar, garlic, and food coloring (if using).

Marinate the Pork:

Cut pork into long strips about 2 inches wide. Coat well in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, ideally overnight.

Roast the Pork:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lay pork strips on the rack and roast for 25 minutes.

Baste and Broil:

Brush pork with reserved marinade. Turn and roast for another 15–20 minutes or until slightly charred at the edges. Baste again and broil for 2–3 minutes if you want more caramelization.

Rest and Slice:

Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with sides or over rice.

Side 1: Garlic Stir-Fried Bok Choy

This light, crisp green veggie is a perfect contrast to Char Siu's richness.

Ingredients:

1 lb baby bok choy, halved or quartered

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon soy sauce

Salt to taste

A splash of water

Instructions:

Prep the Bok Choy:

Wash thoroughly and trim ends. If using large bok choy, slice into manageable pieces.

Stir-Fry:

Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir-fry for 10 seconds.

Cook the Greens:

Add bok choy and a splash of water. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until wilted but still crisp. Season with soy sauce and salt to taste.

Serve Immediately:

Plate as a bed for the pork or on the side for a fresh, garlicky crunch.

Side 2: Fragrant Egg Fried Rice

Egg fried rice is comforting and full of toasty flavor, tying together the whole meal.

Ingredients:

3 cups cooked day-old jasmine rice

2 eggs, beaten

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/2 cup chopped scallions

1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Rice:

Break up any clumps in your day-old rice so it fries evenly.

Scramble the Eggs:

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pan. Add eggs and scramble lightly until just set. Remove from pan.

Stir-Fry Rice:

Add remaining oil to the pan. Add scallions and optional vegetables. Stir-fry for 2 minutes, then add the rice.

Flavor and Mix:

Toss in the scrambled eggs, soy sauce, sesame oil, and season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for another 3–5 minutes until everything is heated and aromatic.

Serve Hot:

Pair it under or beside the sliced pork for a complete meal.

Side 3: Quick Pickled Cucumbers with Sesame

This crunchy, tangy side cuts through the BBQ pork’s richness beautifully.

Ingredients:

2 small cucumbers, thinly sliced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

1 teaspoon chopped fresh chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

Salt the Cucumbers:

Toss cucumber slices with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Drain and lightly squeeze.

Make the Pickle Dressing:

Combine vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and chili (if using).

Toss and Chill:

Add dressing to cucumbers and mix well. Top with sesame seeds. Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Plating: Serve slices of Char Siu over a bed of fried rice with bok choy and pickled cucumbers on the side. Drizzle extra sauce from roasting over the pork for shine and flavor.

Garnish: Add chopped scallions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top.

Portion: For a family-style meal, lay everything out in separate dishes so guests can serve themselves.

Make It a Meal: Drink Pairings and Dessert

To complete your Chinese BBQ pork feast:

Drink Pairings: Jasmine tea, iced oolong, or a light lager complements the sweet-savory pork.

Dessert Idea: Finish with chilled lychees or mango pudding for a refreshing, fruity ending.

Char Siu is a rewarding dish for any home cook looking to explore Chinese flavors. Its bold taste is balanced perfectly by sides that bring freshness, fragrance, and crunch. Garlic bok choy adds earthy vibrance, fried rice brings comfort and aroma, while the pickled cucumbers cleanse the palate with each bite. 

Helpful Reading 

 Low Histamine Bread Recipes 

https://www.amazon.com/Low-Histamine-Bread-Recipes-Loaves-Sensitive-ebook/dp/B0F2SNZKDR/

The Dahlia Microfarm: Starting a Profitable Backyard Flower Business 

https://www.amazon.com/Dahlia-Microfarm-Starting-Profitable-Vegetables-ebook/dp/B0F4XYPR3Z/

Lavender for Weddings and Events: Grow and Create DIY Bouquets, Decor and More 

https://www.amazon.com/Lavender-Weddings-Events-Bouquets-Flowers-ebook/dp/B0F4YSH9M3/