I always thought Char Sui Pork was intimidating to put together. There are so many flavors, I thought it HAD to be complicated with like 20 ingredients and a long roasting time… But after doing some research, I learned that’s far from the truth! This easy air fryer Char Sui recipe only takes 20 minutes of cooking time!
Tender succulent Char Sui pork is incredibly easy to put together. The magic is in the marinade, which only includes 7 ingredients! As if things aren’t simple enough, cooking in the air fryer cuts the time from baking in the oven and creates a beautifully caramelized char on the outside!
Are you drooling yet?!
Pro-Tips for the BEST Air Fryer Char Sui
- Ideal Pork Cut to Use: For this easy Char Sui recipe, we’re using pork shoulder. It comes out tender and absolutely delicious! However, you can also swap it out for pork belly. Just remember to remove the skin from the meat so the Char Sui will be completely tender all around!
- Getting Deep Rich Flavors: As I mentioned, the magic is in the marinade! All the pork to soak up all that goodness for AT LEAST 5 hours, ideally overnight. The longer you let it marinate, the deeper the flavors will be!
- Keeping Your Char Sui Juicy: This easy Char Sui recipe will make your house smell AMAZING! The hardest part will be taking it out of the air fryer and waiting 10 minutes before cutting it… BUT YOU HAVE TO WAIT! Allowing it to rest for a few minutes ensures the meat juices remain in the pork and not your cutting board!
- Make the Most Out of Your Marinade: This marinade is sweet, sticky, and PACKED with flavor! You don’t want it to go to waste! Remember to brush your Char Sui with marinade halfway through cooking. Then, you can also simmer the sauce for about 15 minutes with about ¼ of water to create a delicious dipping sauce on the side!
What to Serve with Char Sui Pork
This air fryer char sui is SO good, it pairs so well with steamed rice or veggies! Here are a few quick and easy sides:
- Bok Choy with Garlic Sauce
- Miso Roasted Cauliflower
- Spinach Garlic Stir Fry
- Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice
- Asian Garlic Noodles
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Air Fryer Char Sui
Ingredients
- 5 garlic cloves smashed
- 1 tablespoon ginger sliced
- 5 tablespoons Char Siu Chinese Barbecue Sauce*
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
- ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon 5 spice seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 1 pound pork shoulder cut in 6-inch wide & 2-inches thick pieces
Instructions
- In a Ziplock bag or airtight container, combine all of the ingredients, except the pork, until well mixed.
- Add in the pork then massage the marinade into the pork for 1-2 minutes. Marinate in the fridge for at least 5 hours, up to overnight.
- Preheat air fryer to 360° F.
- Brush the air fryer rack with a little oil to prevent sticking. Add in the pork then cook for 20 minutes, flipping and brushing on more of the marinade halfway through.
- Remove pork from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to keep the meat juicy. Serve with vegetables and hot steamy rice or noodles. Enjoy!
Notes
- Pork: Various cuts of pork can be used to make char sui. For leaner meat, you can use pork loin, however, the more common cut used is pork shoulder / pork butt. If you like extra fatty char sui, you can use pork belly.
- Char Siu Chinese Barbecue Sauce: I use the Lee Kum Kee brand that can be easily found at local Asian markets. I got mine from my local Ranch 99.
- Dark Soy Sauce: Dark soy sauce is used for the rich deep color it gives food and can be easily found at local Asian markets. If you omit it, keep in mind that your meat will be lighter in color.
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and provided for informational purposes. Nutrition may vary based on product availability, methods of preparation, origin, and freshness of ingredients, etc. For the most accurate nutritional information, use your preferred nutrition calculator, actual ingredients, and quantities used for the recipe. Please consult with your physician or registered dietitian if more precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
HEY, I'M MIKHA!
...A fellow food lover who loves cooking up a delicious storm in the kitchen - and of course eating! These quick & easy Asian recipes will help you transform simple ingredients into a drool-worthy meal made with love, for the people you love - no matter your skill level & without spending all day in the kitchen.
Now come on - Grab a seat & let's eat!
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