Char Siu Pork (Chinese BBQ Pork)

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat the Pellet Smoker: Preheat your pellet smoker to 250°F (121°C)using fruitwood pellets for a mild and complementary smoky flavor.

2. 2

   Prepare the Pork: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder or butt, leaving a thin layer for flavor. Pat the meat dry with paper towels.

3. 3

   Create the Char Siu Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Chinese rice wine, brown sugar, sesame oil, Chinese five-spice powder, and minced garlic. This creates a flavorful Char Siu marinade.

4. 4

   Marinate the Pork: Place the pork in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the Char Siu marinade over the pork, ensuring it's well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for optimal flavor.

5. 5

   Place Pork on the Pellet Smoker: Remove the pork from the marinade and discard any excess liquid. Place the pork directly on the preheated smoker grates.

6. 6

   Smoke the Char Siu Pork: Smoke the pork at 250°F for approximately 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C). Baste the pork with additional marinade every hour during the smoking process.

7. 7

   Check for Doneness: Ensure the pork reaches the desired internal temperature and has a beautiful reddish-brown exterior, characteristic of Char Siu.

8. 8

   Rest the Char Siu Pork: Once done, remove the Char Siu pork from the pellet smoker and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result.

9. 9

   Slice and Garnish Slice the Char Siu pork into thin slices, and arrange them on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added freshness and texture.

10. 10

    Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Char Siu pork hot with steamed rice, noodles, or in buns for delicious Char Siu bao. The smoky flavor from the pellet smoker adds a unique twist to this classic Chinese barbecue dish.