Cantonese-Style Char Siu Pork Bites

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork shoulder marinated in a sweet and savory red char siu sauce, roasted until caramelized and juicy. This chinese-inspired pork ready in about 60 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, hoisin sauce, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.1 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 3 tbsp hoisin sauce, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder, 1 tbsp mashed red fermented bean curd (if using), 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1 tbsp rice wine.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb 1-inch cubed pork shoulder to the marinade. Toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
  4. Step 4: Arrange the marinated pork cubes on the wire rack, reserving the remaining marinade.
  5. Step 5: Roast pork for 20 minutes, then baste with reserved marinade, turning each piece. Continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes until pork is cooked through and edges are caramelized.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with steamed rice or as a flavorful appetizer.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cantonese-Style Char Siu Pork Bites take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cantonese-Style Char Siu Pork Bites?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep hoisin sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cantonese-Style Char Siu Pork Bites?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cantonese-Style Char Siu Pork Bites for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cantonese-Style Char Siu Pork Bites?

Chinese pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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