Marianne Martinez
Char siu, or Chinese BBQ pork, is a classic, well-loved Cantonese dish. It is traditionally cooked in an oven, but using an air fryer can cut the cooking time by more than half, making it a quick and convenient option. The air fryer will keep the meat juicy and tender, and give it a beautiful shiny red finish. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the pork and the type of air fryer used, but it generally takes around 12 to 16 minutes to cook char siu in an air fryer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Chinese BBQ Pork |
| Cut of Pork | Pork shoulder, butt, belly, loin or tenderloin |
| Thickness of Pork | 1-inch, 2-3 inches or 2 cm/3/4 inch thick slices |
| Marinade Time | 12 hours or up to 48 hours |
| Marinade Ingredients | Dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, grated garlic cloves, honey, Chinese five spice, white pepper powder, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, red fermented bean curd, red yeast rice, maltose, water |
| Glaze Ingredients | Honey, water, maltose |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 400°F (205°C) |
| Cooking Time | 12-16 minutes, 12-14 minutes, 20 minutes or 30 minutes |
| Internal Temperature | 145°F |
| Resting Time | 10 minutes |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Char siu pork marinade ingredients and preparation
Char siu is a Cantonese dish of Chinese BBQ pork that is marinated in a sweet and salty sauce, then basted with a sticky glaze before being cooked. The pork is usually cut into strips or chunks about 2 to 3 inches thick, and the fat is left on to render off and add flavour. The iconic red colour of the dish is traditionally achieved by adding red fermented bean curd to the marinade, but red food colouring can also be used.
The marinade for char siu pork is made by combining sugar, salt, Chinese five-spice powder, white pepper, sesame oil, wine, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, molasses, food colouring (if using), and garlic. It is important to use good quality oyster sauce and hoisin sauce. The traditional recipe uses maltose, a super-thick syrup made from rice and malt, to create a beautiful glossy look. Maltose can be replaced with honey, although the coating will not stick as well. To make the marinade, simply mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.
Once the marinade is prepared, reserve about 2-3 tablespoons of it and set it aside in the fridge for later use as a baste. Place the pork and the remaining marinade in a container or ziplock bag. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
After marinating, the pork is ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C/400°F and baste the meat with the reserved marinade and honey mixture. Spray the air fryer racks with a little oil, then cook the meat for 12-16 minutes, flipping and basting the meat halfway through. For the final 2-3 minutes, flip the pork again and cook until the desired level of char is achieved at the edges.
Air Fryer Pizza Rolls: Quick, Easy, and Delicious!
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Air fryer temperature and cooking time
The ideal temperature and cooking time for char siu in an air fryer will depend on the type of air fryer you use, the thickness of the pork, and your personal preference for the level of char.
Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 400°F (200°C or 205°C). One source suggests a lower temperature of 300°F for the final stage of cooking.
Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the pork. Most recipes recommend cutting the pork into strips or chunks about 1 to 2 inches thick. Thicker pieces will need a longer cooking time but aim to keep the cooking time as short as possible to avoid drying out the meat.
One recipe suggests cooking the pork for 6 minutes, then flipping the meat and cooking for another 6 minutes. At this point, the pork should have some charred bits. Baste the pork with a honey glaze, then cook for a final 6 minutes. Another recipe recommends cooking the pork for 3 minutes, then basting and flipping the meat, and cooking for another 3 minutes. A third recipe recommends cooking in 5 to 6 minute intervals, basting the meat a few times, for a total cooking time of 12 to 16 minutes. A final recipe suggests a cooking time of 20 to 30 minutes, flipping the meat and applying a second coat of glaze halfway through.
The pork is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Remove the meat from the air fryer and cover it with foil. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing, to let the juices redistribute.
Converting Natural Gas Deep Fryers to Propane: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to get the iconic red colour
The iconic red colour of Char Siu is traditionally achieved with red fermented bean curd, which adds a touch of flavour to the dish. This speciality ingredient can be challenging to find, however, and some modern recipes substitute it with red food colouring to achieve the same red hue.
To locate red fermented bean curd, you may need to visit an Asian or specialty grocery store. It is typically found in the dark corners of the store. In addition to red fermented bean curd, you can also use red fermented tofu, which contains red yeast, to achieve the red colour. Red rice lees is another natural option for imparting the red colour, although it may be difficult to source.
If you opt for red food colouring, you can add it to the marinade to stain the pork red. This method is often used in Chinese barbecue shops to achieve the signature red colour of Char Siu. The food colouring does not impact the flavour and is a convenient alternative if you cannot source red fermented bean curd or prefer not to use it.
For a natural alternative to red food colouring, you can try staining the meat with beet juice. This option will slightly alter the flavour profile, but it provides a similar red hue without the use of artificial colouring.
Additionally, the red colour of Char Siu was traditionally achieved by cooking the meat slowly over an open fire, which created a red smoke ring around the meat. This method, combined with the use of natural ingredients like red fermented bean curd or beet juice, can enhance the red colour of the dish without relying heavily on artificial food colouring.
Air-Frying Tuna Steaks: How Long Does It Take?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Glaze ingredients and preparation
Char siu is a type of Cantonese Chinese BBQ pork. The pork is marinated in a sweet and salty sauce, then basted with a sticky glaze before cooking. The glaze is made with the marinade of the pork, maltose, and a splash of water. Maltose is a super-thick syrup commonly used in traditional Chinese cooking. It is made from rice and malt and can be found on Amazon or at a Chinese market. Honey can be used as a substitute for maltose.
To make the glaze, mix together honey and water. The amount of honey and water used varies depending on the recipe. One source recommends using equal parts of honey and water, about 1 tablespoon each, while another suggests using 2 tablespoons of the sauce marinade with honey and water mixed in. The honey marinade will be used to baste the pork while it cooks.
Before glazing, the pork should be marinated overnight or for up to 2-3 days. The longer the pork is left to marinate, the more the flavour will penetrate the meat. The pork should be cut into strips or chunks about 2-3 inches thick. It is important to ensure that the pork is not overlapping and that there is space around each piece so that they cook evenly.
Air-Frying Empanadas: How Long Does It Take?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to store and reheat leftovers
Char siu, a Chinese BBQ pork dish, is best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer. However, leftovers can be stored and reheated to be savoured later.
Storing Leftovers
When storing char siu, it is essential to let the meat cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent bacterial growth and maintains the quality of the meat. Store the leftovers in the refrigerator, where they will keep well for 3-4 days.
For longer-term storage, consider freezing the char siu. Cut the meat into portions, wrap them securely in freezer bags or containers, and label them with the date. Frozen char siu can be stored for up to 2 months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator when needed.
Reheating Leftovers
The key to reheating char siu is to ensure it retains its moisture and flavour while being heated through. Here are some recommended methods:
- Wok or Pan: Slice the char siu thinly and heat some oil in the wok or pan. Add the meat along with a bit of sauce, hoisin sauce, or marinade. Toss and stir-fry until warmed through. You can also add other ingredients like vegetables, pineapple, or green onions to create a more substantial dish.
- Microwave: If you're short on time, the microwave is a convenient option. Place the sliced char siu in a microwave-safe container, add a small amount of sauce or marinade to prevent dryness, cover, and heat in short intervals until warmed through.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 150-160°C. Place the char siu slices on a baking tray, drizzle with a bit of sauce or marinade, and cover with foil to retain moisture. Reheat for about 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure it doesn't dry out.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Char Siu
Char siu is versatile and can be used in various dishes. Here are some ideas to transform your leftovers:
- Slice it thinly and serve it cold with mustard, sesame seeds, and a side of greens like bok choy.
- Make fried rice by stir-frying rice with char siu slices, eggs, and vegetables.
- Add it to noodle soups or wonton soup for a heartier meal.
- Create a Somen salad by topping cold noodles with sliced char siu and your choice of vegetables.
- Use it as a filling for burritos or baozi (steamed buns).
- For a quick snack, pair it with crackers and kewpie mayonnaise, or spread it on toast.
Remember, when reheating and using leftovers, ensure the meat is heated thoroughly, and practice good food safety habits. Enjoy your char siu creations!
Air-Fryer Turkey Breast: A Quick, Easy Holiday Treat
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It takes 12 to 16 minutes to cook Char Siu in an air fryer. However, the cook time may vary depending on the type of air fryer and the thickness of the pork.
First, marinate the pork in a mixture of char siu sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, grated garlic cloves, honey, Chinese five spice, and white pepper powder. Then, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C). Place the marinated pork in the air fryer, ensuring there is enough space around each piece. Air fry for 3 minutes, then baste and flip the pork. Let it air fry for another 3 minutes. Finally, baste and flip the pork again and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the pork is cooked.
The most popular cuts of pork for Char Siu are pork collar butt, pork shoulder, or pork belly. These cuts have a good ratio of fat to meat, which keeps the Char Siu juicy and tender.
