Cantonese-Style Char Siu Pork Shoulder Roast
Juicy pork shoulder marinated in a sweet-savory char siu sauce, roasted to caramelized perfection with a glossy red glaze. This chinese-inspired pork (gluten-free option) ready in about 60 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch strips 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 400 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, cut into 2-inch strips pork shoulder
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 cube, mashed (optional for color) red fermented tofu
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp sherry or rice wine
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp hoisin sauce, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder, 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 tbsp sherry or rice wine, and 1 mashed red fermented tofu cube if using. Stir until smooth.
- Step 2: Add 2 lbs pork shoulder cut into 2-inch strips into the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Step 4: Arrange marinated pork strips on the rack. Roast for 25 minutes, then baste with 1 tbsp vegetable oil mixed with leftover marinade.
- Step 5: Continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes, basting every 10 minutes, until pork is caramelized and cooked through with a glossy exterior.
- Step 6: Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving with steamed rice or buns.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Cantonese-Style Char Siu Pork Shoulder Roast take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Shoulder Roast?
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 Shoulder Roast?
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 Shoulder Roast 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.
Is Cantonese-Style Char Siu Pork Shoulder Roast gluten-free option?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
