Name: Char Siu Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 400 min
Ingredients: 12 oz pork tenderloin; 2 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 2 tbsp hoisin sauce; 2 tbsp shaoxing wine; 1 tbsp brown sugar; ½ tsp Chinese five-spice powder; 3 cloves garlic (minced); a few drops of red food coloring (add as needed)

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Easy char siu pork tenderloin recipe, marinated in a lovely sweet and savory homemade red sauce, better than your favorite Chinese takeaway spot! Oven-roast or grill for juicy meat with perfect BBQ flavor.

Sliced Chinese char siu pork with a red barbecue crust served over white rice on a white plate.

What is char siu pork

Char siu pork is Cantonese-style barbecued pork that’s roasted until caramelized. Its red color comes from a marinade with fermented bean curd or red food coloring. Pork belly and pork shoulder are popular choices for their rich flavor and juicy texture.

Char siu marinade in a blue bowl with red barbecue pork ribs on a plate in the background.

💖 A note from Praew

This recipe uses my homemade char siu sauce, which comes together in minutes and tastes just like the real deal. It’s sticky, sweet, and savory with that classic red color and roasted finish you’d expect from traditional Chinese BBQ pork.

The great thing about the sauce is that it works with just about any protein. This recipe uses tenderloin, but any cut will work: pork belly, pork ribs, even chicken!

I always double the batch and marinate extra meat so we have something ready to grill or roast the next day. It’s perfect for meal prep and won’t take up much of your time!

After marinating, I like to grill the meat until it’s caramelized and slightly charred at the edges. But if you prefer, roasting it in the oven at a high heat works just as well. Either way, you’ll end up with juicy, flavorful BBQ-style meat that tastes like it came straight from a Chinese roast shop. — Praew ♡

Sliced Chinese BBQ pork tenderloin served with jasmine rice, showing the red caramelized edges and juicy center.

🍚 Ingredient tips and substitutes

Pork tenderloin Lean and cooks quickly. Other options are pork shoulder, pork belly, or pork ribs.
Light soy sauce Adds that savory saltiness and boosts the overall umami in the marinade.
Oyster sauce Thick, rich, and just a little sweet. This sauce gives the marinade that deep, glossy finish.
Hoisin sauce Brings in a sweet and tangy flavor with a hint of fermented depth.
Shaoxing wine A splash of this traditional Chinese rice wine adds complexity and a subtle aroma.
Brown sugar Helps balance out the salty elements and gives the meat that beautiful caramelized edge when cooked.
Chinese five-spice powder This warming spice blend (usually star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel) adds that unmistakable char siu flavor.
Garlic Use fresh garlic for the best taste.
Red food coloring (optional) Totally optional, but it adds that iconic red color. Skip it if you prefer to keep things all-natural.

👩‍🍳 How to make Chinese BBQ pork

Step 1: Make the sauce. In a bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients until the sugar is fully dissolved and everything is well combined.

Step 2: Marinate. Add the pork to the marinade, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the grill. When you’re ready to cook, remove the pork from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes while you preheat your grill or oven.

Step 4 (Grill method): Grill the pork over medium heat, turning occasionally and basting with leftover marinade, until the outside is caramelized and slightly charred and the inside is cooked through.

Step 4 (Oven method): Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the pork on the rack and roast for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway. Cooking time may vary!

Step 5: Serve. Let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it warm with rice, noodles, or steamed greens.

🥩 More Asian pork recipes to try

Give this homemade Chinese BBQ pork recipe a try next time you’re in the mood to grill or roast at home! Let me know how it turns out in the comments, and don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more!

Char Siu Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Juicy char siu pork tenderloin with a homemade sweet and savory red sauce. An easy recipe for flavorful Chinese BBQ pork at home.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Resting time 6

Total Time 6 40

Serving Size

Equipment

Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowl for the marinade
Whisk or spoon
Grill or oven
Tongs

Ingredients

Meat

▢ 12 oz pork tenderloin

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Make the marinade. Whisk together all the marinade ingredients in a bowl until the sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
Marinate the pork. Add the pork to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Bring to room temp. Take the pork out of the fridge about 20–30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off. Meanwhile, preheat your grill or oven.
Grill method: Grill the pork over medium heat, turning occasionally and basting with extra marinade, until nicely caramelized and cooked through.
Oven method: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with foil and set a wire rack on top. Place the pork on the rack and roast for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway. Cooking times may vary depending on thickness.
Serve. Let the pork rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Char Siu Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Amount per Serving

Calories

308

% Daily Value*

Fat

Saturated Fat

Trans Fat

0.1

Polyunsaturated Fat

Monounsaturated Fat

Cholesterol

111

Sodium

1602

Potassium

775

Carbohydrates

Fiber

Sugar

Protein

Vitamin A

Vitamin C

Calcium

Iron

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notes

Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and should be considered approximate.

❓Frequently asked questions

What to serve with char siu pork? Serve it with jasmine rice, sticky rice, or noodles. It also goes great with steamed bok choy, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), or a crisp cucumber salad. You can even chop it up and use it to make char siu fried rice.

How to store leftovers? Let the leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a pan or microwave until heated through. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.