Cantonese-Style Char Siu Pork Skewers with Honey Glaze
Juicy pork skewers marinated in a sweet and savory honey glaze, roasted to a caramelized finish that showcases classic Cantonese barbecue flavors. This chinese-inspired pork ready in about 50 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- a few drops red food coloring (optional)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 8 wooden or metal skewers
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, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 2 minced garlic cloves, and a few drops of red food coloring if using; whisk until smooth.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb of 1-inch cubed pork shoulder to the marinade; toss to coat thoroughly and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C); thread the marinated pork cubes onto 8 skewers, leaving a bit of space between pieces.
- Step 4: Place skewers on a wire rack set over a baking sheet; brush with 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
- Step 5: Roast for 15 minutes, then turn the skewers and baste with remaining marinade; continue roasting for another 10-12 minutes until pork is cooked through and glaze is sticky and caramelized.
- Step 6: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with steamed rice and sliced cucumbers for a classic Cantonese barbecue experience.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cantonese-Style Char Siu Pork Skewers with Honey Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Skewers with Honey Glaze?
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 Skewers with Honey Glaze?
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 Skewers with Honey Glaze 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 Skewers with Honey Glaze?
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.
