Char Siu Pork

Make this amazing Cantonese Char Siu Pork recipe in your oven or air fryer! It’s a traditional recipe made with my delicious homemade Char Siu sauce or an amazing ready-made sauce.

For this Char Siu pork shoulder recipe , I ask you to make twice the sauce as you will need to marinate the pork. I like my Char Siu saucy–just like me–so I will show you how to cook the extra sauce to get a lovely glaze or dip you can use with the cooked char siu.

What Is Char Siu Pork?

If you’ve been to any kind of American Chinese buffet, you’ve probably had Char Siu Pork . It’s a Cantonese barbecue pork recipe that’s typically sweet and spicy and great with some rice or grilled vegetables.

Char Siu is a combination of sweet and spicy flavors. With the slight charred after bite, it will remind you of your favorite Chinese BBQ. The marinade resonates with each bite, so it’s absolutely worth the wait.

Why Is Chinese Pork Red?

In Chinese culture, many foods include red food coloring. This is because red is a sign of success or a favorable color.

Without the red food coloring, the dish isn’t naturally red. So, don’t be surprised if the homemade sauce that you make isn’t bright red like some of the Char Siu you’ve seen in the past.

What Kind Of Pork Should I Use?

There are a ton of different cuts of pork. It can be hard to know which kind to choose for the recipe you’re cooking. For this Char Siu Pork recipe , you’ll want to use pork shoulder. It has a higher fat content, which makes it extra flavorful and perfect for the air fryer.

Air Fried Char Siu Pork

I find the air fryer to be just about perfect for fattier cuts of meat. The air fryer both renders and crisps up fat. It’s kind of a paradox because on the one hand it gets rid of some of the fat–but oh the fat it leaves behind! A juicy pork shoulder air fryer recipe that’s to die for.

How To Make Air Fried Pork Char Siu

• Pierce. Poke small holes in the outside of the pork shoulder.
• Sauce. Make the sauce for marinade and serving.
• Marinate. Let the pork shoulder sit in the refrigerator for 24 hours before cooking.
• Cook. Roast in the air fryer , flipping halfway through.
• Rest. Let the pork rest before cutting it to preserve all of the yummy juices.
• Temp. Check the meat with a meat thermometer for proper internal temperature.
• Brush. Drizzle the cooked sauce on the pork immediately before serving.
• Slice. Cut the pork into bite-sized pieces and serve.

How To Make Char Siu Sauce

If you’re short on time or ingredients to make your own sauce, feel free to use this Lee Kum Kee Char Siu Sauce . It is higher in sugar than my own blend –but OH, SO DELICIOUS– so if you’re watching your carbs, try the recipe below.

For this sauce, you will place sauce ingredients in the microwave and cook on high for 45-60 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds. You are doing this to thicken the sauce a little. Since it has honey in it, be careful to not overcook otherwise you will have Char Siu toffee (ask me how I know).

• Ingredients for the Char Siu Sauce : Honey Dark soy sauce Sugar Or Other Sweetener Equivalent Shaoxing Wine hoisin sauce Minced Garlic Minced Ginger Chinese Five Spice

How To Make Char Siu Roast Pork In The Oven

I get it, not everyone has an air fryer. Or maybe your air fryer is occupied making a side dish to serve with this yummy Char-siu pork . No matter the reason, this recipe will still turn out amazing in the oven. Here’s how to do it:

• Slice. Cut the pork tenderloin into 4-5 pieces and place in a gallon ziplock bag.
• Add. Pour in half of the char siu sauce (either the homemade version or the Lee Kum Kee Char Siu Sauce ) and zip up the back securely.
• Coat. Knead the sauce into the tenderloin and put in the fridge for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours.
• Warm. Preheat oven.
• Line. Cover a baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top of it.
• Place. Put the tenderloin pieces on top of the foil and dab on the remaining sauce on each side of the meat.
• Bake. Cook and flip the pork halfway through.
• Sauce. Dab on to the meat and flip it over, dab on this side as well.
• Finish. Bake for the remainder of the time and temp the meat for safety.

How To Serve Char-Siu

Traditionally, this Char Siu Pork is served with sticky jasmine rice and steamed broccoli. However, you can also serve it with ramen, in soup, or inside of wontons for a surprisingly delicious appetizer .

Want More DeliciousAir Fryer Recipes?

• Cheesy Potatoes
• Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
• Maple Pecan Bars
• Sesame Ginger Broccoli
• Air Fryer Pork Chops
• Air Fryer Green Beans

No matter how you prepare this Char Siu Pork , I promise you’re going to love it. It’s simple, family-friendly, and totally delicious. If you love this recipe as much as I do, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Pinterest to make again soon.

Air Fryer Char Siu Pork | Chinese Roast Pork

Ingredients

• ▢ 4 tablespoons ( 4 tablespoons ) Honey
• ▢ 2 tablespoons ( 2 tablespoons ) dark soy sauce
• ▢ 1 tablespoons ( 1 tablespoons ) Sugar Or Other Sweetener Equivalent
• ▢ 1 tablespoons ( 1 tablespoons ) Shaoxing Wine
• ▢ 1 tablespoons ( 1 tablespoons ) hoisin sauce
• ▢ 2 teaspoon ( 2 teaspoon ) Minced Garlic
• ▢ 2 teaspoon ( 2 teaspoon ) Minced Ginger
• ▢ 1 teaspoon ( 1 teaspoon ) Chinese Five Spice
• ▢ 1 pound ( 453.59 g ) Boneless Pork Shoulder , or pork belly

Instructions

Air Fryer Instructions

• Using a fork, pierce the slices of pork well.
• Make the Sauce: Mix all ingredients for the sauce (except the pork shoulder) together in a small microwave-safe bowl.
• Place the pork slices in a ziplock bag or bowl, and pour in half the sauce. Mix well and let the pork marinate for at least 30 minutes, and up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
• Remove pork from the marinade and place in a single layer in your air fryer basket.
• Set the air fryer to 390F for 15 minutes, flipping and basting the pork half way through.
• While the Char siu is cooking, place the reserved half of the sauce in the microwave and cook on high for 45-60 seconds stirring every 15 seconds. You are doing this to thicken the sauce a little. Since it has honey in it, be careful to not overcook otherwise you will have char siu toffee (ask me how I know).
• Using a meat thermometer, ensure your pork has reached an internal temperature of 145F.
• Remove the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes.
• Brush with the thickened, cooked sauce and serve.

Oven Instructions

• Cut the pork tenderloin into 4-5 evenly sized pieces and place in gallon ziplock bag
• Pour in half of the char siu sauce and zip up the back securely
• Knead the sauce into the tenderloin and put in the fridge for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours
• Heat oven to 375 F
• Line a baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top of it
• Place the tenderloin pieces on top of the foil and dab on the remaining sauce on each side of the meat
• Bake for 25 minutes on one side
• Cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 145 degrees
• Dab on to the meat and flip it over, dab on this side as well. Don’t try to spread it, just dab it so it goes on thicker
• Put the meat back in and cook for another 20-25 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 165 degrees

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Originally published February 22, 2018

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Air Fryer Char Siu Pork | Chinese Roast Pork

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons Honey
• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoons Sugar Or Other Sweetener Equivalent
• 1 tablespoons Shaoxing Wine
• 1 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 teaspoon Minced Garlic
• 2 teaspoon Minced Ginger
• 1 teaspoon Chinese Five Spice
• 1 pound Boneless Pork Shoulder or pork belly

Instructions

Air Fryer Instructions

• Using a fork, pierce the slices of pork well.
• Make the Sauce: Mix all ingredients for the sauce (except the pork shoulder) together in a small microwave-safe bowl.
• Place the pork slices in a ziplock bag or bowl, and pour in half the sauce. Mix well and let the pork marinate for at least 30 minutes, and up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
• Remove pork from the marinade and place in a single layer in your air fryer basket.
• Set the air fryer to 390F for 15 minutes, flipping and basting the pork half way through.
• While the Char siu is cooking, place the reserved half of the sauce in the microwave and cook on high for 45-60 seconds stirring every 15 seconds. You are doing this to thicken the sauce a little. Since it has honey in it, be careful to not overcook otherwise you will have char siu toffee (ask me how I know).
• Using a meat thermometer, ensure your pork has reached an internal temperature of 145F.
• Remove the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes.
• Brush with the thickened, cooked sauce and serve.

Oven Instructions

• Cut the pork tenderloin into 4-5 evenly sized pieces and place in gallon ziplock bag
• Pour in half of the char siu sauce and zip up the back securely
• Knead the sauce into the tenderloin and put in the fridge for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours
• Heat oven to 375 F
• Line a baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top of it
• Place the tenderloin pieces on top of the foil and dab on the remaining sauce on each side of the meat
• Bake for 25 minutes on one side
• Cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 145 degrees
• Dab on to the meat and flip it over, dab on this side as well. Don’t try to spread it, just dab it so it goes on thicker
• Put the meat back in and cook for another 20-25 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 165 degrees

Air Fryer Char Siu Pork | Chinese Roast Pork https://twosleevers.com/air-fried-char-siu-pork-chinese-roast-pork-recipe/

Homemade Pork Wontons are a Chinese dumpling made with ground pork, scallions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and wonton wrappers. It’s quick and works well for a family-style appetizer, snack, or easy dinner, since the wontons cook fast once they’re wrapped. Unlike deep-fried takeout wontons, this version uses a simple boil method (with a stepped-boil technique) for tender, perfectly cooked wontons without the mess of frying.

This pork wonton recipe may not be the lowest carb thing you’ll eat, but once in a while, they are delicious. It’s actually fun to make them, especially if you force convince your kids to help.

It’s one of those activities where your hands are busy but you can chat with each other, and find out what’s been going on at school. My son helped me make these, which made him curious to try them as well.

There’s nothing better than a little bonding in the kitchen at the end of a busy day.

Why You’ll Love This Asian Flavor Bomb

• Fast. Make this wonton recipe in under 30 minutes with only a few simple ingredients.
• Easy. Simple enough everyone can help out in the kitchen.
• Versatile. Fill with your favorite ingredients. Make them high in protein or vegetarian . The choice is yours!
• Family friendly. Customize them so that everyone will have a wonton that they will reach for again and again.

What Is The Difference Between Wontons And Dumplings?

Dumplings and Wontons are very similar.

• Wontons - What are wontons? A dough that is always filled with a variety of meats and vegetables.
• Dumplings - What are dumplings? A dough that is sometimes filled with meat and vegetables. Sometimes they are just balls of dough steamed and unfilled.

Do You Cook Wonton Filling First?

No, you will not want to cook your homemade pork wonton filling first. Since there is a small amount of meat filling in this wonton recipe, they cook very quickly.

I have a tried and true method to ensure the filling is safely cooked in the instructions below.

Do You Boil Or Fry Wontons?

That all depends on what kind of wontons you’re making. Many varieties call for boiling, frying, or even steaming to cook.

The Chinese dumplings that many refer to as wontons are generally boiled (like with this recipe) or steamed.

However, there is a variety of wontons that are filled and deep-fried and served as an appetizer with many Asian fusion meals.

What Is Wonton Filling Made Of?

• 1 Pound Ground Pork - The main filling, providing a juicy, flavorful, and tender base for the wontons. Its fat content helps keep the filling moist.
• 1/2 Cup Green Scallions - Add freshness, mild onion flavor, and a bit of crunch that balances the richness of the pork.
• 2 TBSP Minced Ginger - Brings warmth and a slightly spicy, aromatic note that cuts through the richness of the meat.
• 4 Cloves Garlic - Adds savory depth and umami, enhancing the overall flavor of the filling.
• 1 TBSP Soy Sauce - Provides saltiness, umami, and a savory backbone to the mixture. It also helps balance the flavors of the aromatics and pork.
• 1 TBSP Rice Vinegar - Adds a touch of acidity to brighten the filling and balance the fatty pork.
• 1 TBSP Cornstarch - Helps bind the filling together and lock in juices, making the texture more cohesive and tender when cooked.
• 2 tsp Sesame Oil - Adds a nutty, toasty aroma and flavor that elevates the filling and gives it a distinctly Asian character.
• 1/2 tsp Sugar or Other Sweetener Equivalent - Balances the saltiness and acidity, rounding out the flavor profile with a subtle sweetness.
• 1 tsp Salt - Enhances and sharpens all the flavors in the filling.
• 48 Wonton Wrappers - The delicate dough that encases the pork filling, becoming tender yet slightly chewy once boiled, steamed, or fried.

How Do You Make Pork Wontons From Scratch?

1. Mix all ingredients except the wonton wrappers together.
2. Let the mixture rest for a few minutes.
3. Place the meat mixture on each wrapper and shape it into a triangle.
4. Press the edges of the wrapper firmly to seal.
5. Cover with a damp paper towel.
6. Put 2 cups of water into a pan and place 6-8 wontons in at a time.
7. When the water comes to a boil, add 1 cup of water to it and let it come to a boil.
8. Add another cup of water and let this come to a boil. Once this second cup of water boils, the wontons are ready.
9. Take the homemade pork wontons out very gently with a strainer and serve hot with some good quality soy sauce.

Variations

Love pork wontons so much that you want to try more variations of this Chinese wonton recipe ? Make one of these suggestions below. Make sure you chop up any of the proteins finely so that they cook thoroughly and are easier to bite.

• Chicken - Use one pound of ground chicken instead of ground pork.
• Crab - This variation isn’t really Chinese, and you’ll want to deep fry them. For these, use a mixture of softened cream cheese and crab meat, with nothing else added to the filling.
• Shrimp - Use finely diced shrimp.
• Pork Shrimp - Use 1/2 pound ground pork and 1/2 pound fresh shrimp.
• Vegetable - Use shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and minced mushrooms.

What To Serve With Them

These pork wontons can either be the main course , appetizer , or s ide dish , depending on how you wish to serve them.

Here are some of my favorite dishes to serve alongside this pork wonton recipe:

• Instant Pot Rice
• Dan Dan Chicken
• Szechuan Pork Soup

How Long Do Wontons Last?

Cooked wontons can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze cooked wontons for up to 2-3 months. It’s best to cool the cooked wontons before storing them in an airtight container or plastic wrap.

It’s important to use your best judgment when it comes to food safety. If your wontons have an unusual smell, appearance, or texture, it’s best to discard them.

Can You Freeze Pork Wontons?

Pork wontons freeze very well. Use some of my tips and tricks below so you can enjoy them anytime. Freeze them flat on a cookie sheet in the freezer and then add them to a zip-top bag .

How To Reheat Frozen Pork Wontons

1. Place water in the inner liner of the Instant Pot .
2. Oil the steamer rack and place the steamer rack in the Instant Pot .
3. Pile the frozen wontons on the steamer racks.
4. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot at high pressure for 5 minutes.
5. When the cook time is complete, release pressure naturally for 5 minutes and then release all remaining pressure.

To fold pork wontons (beginner-friendly), place a small spoonful of ground pork wonton filling in the center of a wrapper, wet the edges with water, then fold into a triangle and press out any air so it seals. Next, bring the two corners of the triangle together and pinch to make the classic “nurse cap” shape. Don’t overfill, because that’s the #1 reason wontons burst. The key to how to seal wontons so they don’t open is a snug seal with no trapped air and clean, dry wrapper edges before you moisten and pinch.

If your pork wontons fall apart when boiling, it’s usually because the water is at a rolling boil (too rough for delicate wrappers), the wontons weren’t sealed well, or they were overfilled and burst. Cook wontons at a gentle simmer, in batches so they don’t bang into each other, and make sure you seal the edges with water while pressing out trapped air. Also, check that the wrappers haven’t dried out. Dry, cracking edges won’t seal, which is a common reason homemade wontons open up in the pot.

To know pork wontons are cooked without opening them, watch for the wrapper to turn slightly translucent and for the wontons to float and look plump, then give them an extra 1–2 minutes at a gentle simmer (not a hard boil) to ensure the ground pork wonton filling is cooked through. As a practical rule, once they float, total cook time is usually about 3–5 minutes, depending on wrapper thickness and size. If you’re unsure, test one sacrificial wonton with a thermometer (it should reach 160°F) and then use that timing for the rest.

Want MoreChinese Recipes?

• Low Carb Wontons - all the flavor without the carbs.
• Chicken Congee - delicious rice comfort dish.
• Low Carb Hot and Sour Soup - packed with flavor.
• Char Siu Pork - Chinese BBQ pork recipe.
• Ginger Scallion Fish - Fish made in the Instant Pot .

This Pork wonton recipe is so simple and the perfect family bonding experience in the kitchen. If you love this recipe, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Pin to make it again later.

Wonton Recipe | Homemade Pork Wontons

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 pound ( 453.59 g ) ground pork
• ▢ 1/2 cup ( 50 g ) Chopped Green Scallions , sliced
• ▢ 2 tablespoons ( 2 tablespoons ) Minced Ginger , grated
• ▢ 4 cloves ( 4 cloves ) Garlic , crushed
• ▢ 1 tablespoon ( 1 tablespoon ) Soy Sauce
• ▢ 1 tablespoon ( 1 tablespoon ) Rice Vinegar
• ▢ 1 tablespoon ( 1 tablespoon ) Cornstarch
• ▢ 2 teaspoons ( 2 teaspoons ) Sesame Oil
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon ( 0.5 teaspoon ) Sugar Or Other Sweetener Equivalent
• ▢ 1 teaspoon ( 1 teaspoon ) Kosher Salt
• ▢ 48 ( 48 ) wonton wrappers

Instructions

• Mix all ingredients except the wonton wrappers together and let rest for a few minutes for the flavors to meld.
• Place 1 teaspoon of the meat mixture on each wrapper and shape into a triangle.
• Press firmly on the sides of the triangle to seal, and then press around the meat filling to seal inside.
• Cover with damp paper towel and form all 48 wontons using all the wrappers in this fashion.
• When you’re ready to cook the wontons, put 2 cups of water into a pan and place 6-8 wontons in at a time.
• When the water comes to a boil, add 1 cup of water to it and let it come to a boil.
• Add another cup of water and let this come to a boil. Once this second cup of water boils, the wonts are ready. Take them out very gently with a strainer and serve hot with some good quality soy sauce.

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Nutrition

Don’t forget to check out my otherBest-selling Instant Pot Cookbooks!

Indian Instant Pot , Keto Instant Pot, Instant Pot Fast and Easy , Healthy Instant Pot & Vegetarian Instant Pot .