Chinese-Style Grilled Pork Tenderloin: A Unique Twist on BBQ

Editor: Diksha Yadav on Oct 18,2024

When it comes to BBQ, the first things that come to mind are slow-roasted brisket, stuffed ribs, or burgers sizzling over a roaring fire, but there's a whole world of flavours beyond those traditional dishes, especially when looking east to China Chinese style BBQ pork (char siu) has been a staple of Cantonese cuisine for centuries, and for good reason: delicious, versatile, and relatively easy to make so why not bring a different twist to your next grilling session which is mouth-watering Do it and bring Chinese-style pork chops?

Not only does this dish offer a stark contrast to the usual BBQ flavours, but the tender pork is known for its rich flavours and flavours that also incorporate the art of grilling and the savoury sweetness that defines Chinese BBQ pork, combining the perfect cut for this dish. It absorbs the marinade like a sponge, grills beautifully over high heat, remains moist on the inside and caramelizes the outside.

In this blog post, we'll explore the world of Chinese-style BBQ pork, focusing on the iconic grilled char siu using pork tenderloin. You'll learn how to make a delicious marinade, discover how to make it properly and discover why this recipe might be the go-to for anyone looking for a new roast pork idea.

Why Pork Tenderloin?

Before we dive into how to cook the marinade, let's talk about why pork chops are an excellent choice for BBQ, especially Chinese-style BBQ.

1. Lean and Tender: Pork chops are one of the leanest cuts of pork, making them a healthier alternative to fatty cuts. Despite its thinness, it is surprisingly tender, especially when cooked to perfection. This cut works well for grilling because it cooks faster and more evenly.

2. Perfect for Marinades: With a very mild flavour, ground pork acts as a seamless blanket, soaking up whatever marinade you decide to use. For this dish, a Chinese-style BBQ marinade works wonders, infusing pork with deep flavour.

3. Multiple Grill Options: Pork cooks well on direct and indirect heat, allowing you flexibility in how you want to prepare it. You can burn it first to soak up the water and then finish it off for cooking at the wrong temperature as well, or opt for the slow smoking option.

The Magic of Chinese-Style BBQ Pork (Char Siu)

At the core of this recipe is the marinade. In Cantonese cuisine, char siu (meaning "braised copper") is traditionally made from pork shoulder or pork belly, which is slow-cooked until Char siu's signature juicy, caramelized flavour comes out of things sweet, salty and lots of umami in a balanced mixture. Here's what makes it stand out.

The main ingredients in Char Siu Marinade:

  • Hoisin Sauce: Made with roasted soybeans, garlic and spices, this sweet and savoury sauce adds a deep umami flavour that forms the base of the marinade
  • Soy Sauce: You have to have that salty, sweet thing.
  • Honey or Maltose: This gives the pork a distinctive flavour and helps to create a bright caramel texture.
  • Chinese Five-Spice Powder: Tara makes a blend of fennel, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns and fennel seeds to intensify the flavour
  • Shaoxing Wine: This Chinese rice wine adds extra depth and helps tenderize the meat.
  • Garlic and Ginger: This aromatic sauce brings a sharp freshness to balance the savoury flavours.

Together, these ingredients form a marinade that coats the pork, ensuring that every bite is flavourful. Once stuffed into the pork, it is timed over high heat to create that perfect char, then cooked to perfection.

Recipe: Chinese Style Pork Tenderloin

chinese-style BBQ pork sprinkled with sesame juicy, black sweet soy sauce and cucumber

 

Now, let's go through the step-by-step recipe for this Chinese-style BBQ pork tenderloin.

Ingredients:

  • Two pork tenderloin (about 1-1.5 pounds each).
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably light soy sauce).
  • Three tablespoons of honey (or maltose for a more traditional addition).
  • Two tablespoons Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry as a substitute).
  • One tablespoon of oyster sauce
  • Two tablespoons of Chinese five-spice powder
  • Two tablespoons minced garlic
  • One tablespoon of insect ginger
  • One tablespoon of sesame seeds
  • One tablespoon vegetable oil (for grill)

Instructions:

  • Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, Chinese five spice powder, garlic and ginger. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
  • Marinate the Pork: Place the pork tenderloin in a large Ziploc bag or shallow container. Pour the marinade over the pork, making sure to coat it evenly. Cover the inside of the bag with plastic wrap or cover the container with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavourful it will be.
  • Prepare the Grill: When ready to grill, remove the pork from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 400°F) and brush the grate with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
  • Grill pork: Place the pork tenderloin directly on the grill and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until you get a nice char. Turn the heat to medium (or move the pork to an excellent spot on the grill) and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally. Cook until internal temperature reaches 145°F and the centre is slightly pink liquid.
  • Rest and Slice: Remove the pork from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Rest is essential because it allows the water to redistribute throughout the meat. Once inhaled, slice the pork into thin slices.
  • Serve: Serve Chinese-style pork chops with jasmine rice, roasted vegetables, or even a fresh salad. The sweet, smoky flavour of the pork combines wonderfully with a sharp cucumber salad or roasted vegetables to cut through the flavours.

Why This Dish is a Game-Changer?

What sets Chinese-style pork chops apart from other BBQ pork dishes is the combination of traditional Chinese flavours and modern grilling techniques, and here's why you should try it.

1. An Aromatic Fusion: This dish is the perfect example of East and West and combines the rich, complex flavours of Chinese-style BBQ pork with the smoky charred goodness of a classic BBQ grill that serves pork affluent, juicy meat comes in, with a nice exterior Caramelized.

2. Faster Cooking Time: Pork chops cook faster, especially when roasted. You get all the satisfaction of slow-cooking BBQ pork but in a fraction of the time.

3. Perfect for a Gathering: whether you're hosting a winter BBQ or looking for something special to impress guests, this pork chop is an exciting combination of the hot flavours of the marinade-loving crowd, the delightful crackers, and the glistening pork. Do this. The dish is impressive and delicious. They do it

4. Versatility: Although this recipe is designed to be grilled, it can also be adapted for an oven or stovetop grill pan if grilling outside is not an option. No matter how you cook it, the marinade ensures that the pork remains juicy and flavourful.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for another grilled pork idea, the Chinese-style BBQ pork tenderloin is a must-try. It's a unique take on BBQ that's easy to prepare and offers bold, satisfying flavours. The sweetness of the marinade combined with the rich umami notes creates a balance that will make your taste buds dance. Plus, it's a healthy alternative to greasy BBQ cuts without compromising flavour. By adding Chinese-style BBQ pork to your collection of grill supplies, you not only expand your taste buds, but you also add another interesting twist to your tastes ho of common use.

So, fire up the grill and treat yourself to a genuinely unique Chinese-style pork BBQ experience. You won't be disappointed!


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