Char Siu, also known as Chinese barbecue pork, is a delicious and flavorful dish with sweet and savory roasted pork. Here's a basic recipe for making Char Siu:

Ingredients:

For Char Siu Marinade:

• 1 lb pork shoulder or pork belly, cut into long strips or chunks
• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or maltose
• 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1-2 drops red food coloring (optional, for the traditional red color)

For Glaze (optional):

• 1 tablespoon honey or maltose mixed with 1 tablespoon hot water

Instructions:

Prepare the Marinade:

• In a bowl, mix together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey or maltose, Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, oyster sauce, sesame oil, five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red food coloring (if using).

Marinate the Pork:

• Place the pork strips or chunks in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish.
• Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. Marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Roast the Char Siu:

• Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
• Place a wire rack on the baking sheet and arrange the marinated pork on the rack.
• Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, or until the pork is cooked through and has a nice char.

Glaze (Optional):

• Mix honey or maltose with hot water to create a glaze.
• Brush the glaze over the char siu during the last 10 minutes of roasting for added sweetness and shine.

Rest and Slice:

• Remove the char siu from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
• Slice the char siu into thin pieces.

Serve:

• Serve the Char Siu slices over rice, noodles, or in sandwiches. It's also commonly used in various Chinese dishes.