Char Sui Ribs Recipes

CHAR SIU (CHINESE BBQ PORK)

Steps:

• Cut pork with the grain into strips 1 1/2- to 2-inches long; put into a large resealable plastic bag.
• Stir soy sauce, honey, ketchup, brown sugar, rice wine, hoisin sauce, red food coloring or red bean curd (see Cook's Note), and Chinese five-spice powder together in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook and stir until just combined and slightly warm, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour the marinade into the bag with the pork, squeeze air from the bag, and seal. Turn bag a few times to coat all pork pieces in marinade.
• Marinate pork in refrigerator, 2 hours to overnight.
• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Remove pork from marinade and shake to remove excess liquid. Discard remaining marinade.
• Cook pork on preheated grill for 20 minutes. Put a small container of water onto the grill and continue cooking, turning the pork regularly, until cooked through, about 1 hour. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).

CHINESE BBQ PORK (CHAR SIU) RIBS RECIPE

Steps:

• Prep. Remove the membrane from the rack of ribs. Cut the rack in to individual ribs.
• Mix the marinade thoroughly in a bowl. Don't skip the booze. It helps penetrate, and even if you're a teetotaler, don't worry, there isn't any measurable alcohol in the meat. Yes, I know alcohol can dry meat out, but I just think it works well in this case. If you must skip it, substitute apple juice or water. You can substitute fresh ginger and garlic for powdered ginger and garlic if you wish.
• Marinate. Marinate the meat for 1 to 2 hours in a metal bowl or zipper bags. Discard the used marinade. It is contaminated with meat juice. Don't marinate in a plastic bowl if you use the food coloring. It might stain.
• Fire up. As much as we are fans of outdoor cooking, this meat also tastes great cooked in an indoor oven. Either way, heat your cooker or oven to about 225°F (107.2°C) in the indirect zone.
• Cook. If you are grilling, set up in a 2-zone or Indirect system. Make sure the meat is not directly over the flame on a grill. Indoors, put a pan of water with a rack on top of it under the meat. This is important or drippings will burn in the pan. Roast ribs for about 3 hours, loin strips for about 1 1/2 hours. If you grill, skip the smoking wood. I think it is cleaner and brighter sans lumber.
• Serve. Once completely cooked, slice the rack of ribs between the bones and serve.

CHINATOWN CHAR SIU BARBEQUE RIBS OR PORK

Steps:

• Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl and whisk thoroughly. Place the meat in a resealable plastic bag (you may need more than one), add the marinade, seal tightly, and toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
• Heat your cooker to 300°F. (You can also use an indoor oven. Just place the ribs on a wire grate over a pan or on a broiler pan.) If you are using a gas grill, turn off one or two burners and place the meat over the cool burners. If you are using a charcoal grill, set it up by banking the coals against one side for indirect cooking. Remove the ribs from the marinade and cook for about 1 hour; then paint the bone side of the ribs with a coat of the honey or char siu sauce. Cook for 10 minutes, underside up; then turn meat side up, paint with more honey or char siu sauce, and cook for another 10 minutes. Remove the ribs, let them sit for 5 minutes, cut them into individual ribs, and serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh chives.