Why is Chinese barbecue pork red?

Char siu pork gets its red color thanks to the marinade used to cook it. An authentic char siu recipe is made with fermented red bean curds (Nam yue). The red bean curds don’t have a lot of flavor, so it’s easy to prepare this recipe without it.

What is the Chinese red sauce called?

Sweet and Sour Sauce is as easy as bringing a few ingredients including pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce to a boil before adding a cornstarch slurry to the mixture to thicken it. The classic red color from sweet and sour sauce comes from red food coloring (which is completely optional).

What makes Chinese pork pink?

You may be wondering why the pork in a takeout Pork Fried Rice is red in color. The reason for that is that the pork used in the rice is actually char siu, a kind of Chinese BBQ pork with a sweet flavor and shiny, brick red crust on the outside.

How does char siu get its red color?

It is eaten with rice, or used as an ingredient for noodle dishes or stir fries, or as a filling for chasiu baau. Five-spice powder is the primary spice, honey or other sweeteners are used as a glaze, and the characteristic red color comes from the red yeast rice when made traditionally.

Is hoisin sauce the same as char siu sauce?

Char Siu Sauce Like American barbecue sauces, its composition can vary, but will typically involve a mixture of hoisin sauce, honey or sweetener, and Chinese five spice powder.

What is Chinese BBQ sauce made of?

Like the Chinese barbecue sauce called char siu, this marinade includes Chinese spice powder, soy sauce, sherry, and garlic and imparts a reddish color to the food; honey, chili sauce, and ginger round out the recipe, bringing a little sweetness and spice to the marinade.

How do you make Chinese BBQ sauce with pork?

Cut the pork into long strips or chunks about 2 to 3 inches thick. Don’t trim any excess fat, as it will render off and add flavor. Combine the sugar, salt, Chinese five spice powder, white pepper, sesame oil, wine, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, molasses, food coloring (if using), and garlic in a bowl to make the marinade (i.e. the BBQ sauce).

What meat can be marinated in Chinese marinade?

If you understand the basics behind a Chinese marinade, you can use this for any meat, and it will result in tasty, tender meat dishes, guaranteed. There are a few things you should understand. I use this basic marinade for chicken, pork, beef and even turkey. Other ingredients can be added to suit your taste.

How to cook Chinese red marinade on the grill?

Either set some of the Chinese red marinade aside before adding the meat, or once the meat is on the grill, boil the marinade for at least one minute. This is to be sure it is free of any contaminates since it was in contact with raw meat or chicken.