There’s a delightful scent that fills my kitchen when I prepare Instant Pot Char Siu, a dish that transports me straight to bustling street markets in Hong Kong. The sweet and savory combination of honey, soy sauce, and five-spice powder creates an irresistible aroma that can’t be beat. After a long week filled with the mundane, the joy of digging into this tender, flavorful Chinese BBQ roast pork is simply unparalleled.
One day, I ate some Char Siu at a neighbor’s house, mesmerized by its luscious, glossy exterior. I knew I had to recreate that magic at home, but with my busy schedule, I needed a solution—something that wouldn’t leave me slaving away for hours. That’s when I discovered the incredible time-saving potential of the Instant Pot, allowing me to whip up this crowd-pleaser without sacrificing flavor or tenderness.
So grab your apron and let’s dive into this easy, flavorful recipe that’s sure to impress and satisfy your craving for homemade goodness!
Why is this Instant Pot Char Siu a must-try?
Irresistible aroma: The blend of honey, soy sauce, and spices fills your kitchen with an enticing scent that’s hard to resist.
Quick cooking: With the Instant Pot, you can achieve tender, juicy pork in just under 3 hours, allowing you to enjoy homemade flavors without the long wait.
Flavor explosion: Each bite is loaded with the rich, savory taste of Chinese BBQ, guaranteed to impress family and friends alike.
Versatile serving: Perfect for dinner, lunch, or even meal prep, this dish adapts wonderfully to any occasion.
** Healthy indulgence:** Packed with protein, it satisfies your cravings and keeps you fueled throughout the day. Dive into this delightful recipe and explore more pressure cooker recipes to expand your culinary repertoire!
Instant Pot Char Siu Ingredients
• Let’s gather everything you need for this delectable dish!
For the Marinade
- Honey – Adds a natural sweetness and helps create that beautiful glaze.
- Soy Sauce – Delivers umami richness to the marinade and enhances the flavor of the pork.
- Shiaoxing Wine – Traditional cooking wine that brings depth; can be substituted with sake or dry white wine.
- Hoisin Sauce – Provides a sweet, tangy dimension, perfect for that BBQ flavor profile.
- Sesame Oil – A little goes a long way in imparting nutty richness.
- Garlic Cloves – Fresh garlic adds an aromatic kick; feel free to adjust according to your taste.
- Red Fermented Tofu (optional) – Brings a unique taste and vibrant color, enhancing the dish’s character.
- Chinese Five-Spice Powder – The key player for that distinct aromatic flavor that defines Char Siu.
For the Pork
- Boneless Pork Butt – The recommended cut, known for its tenderness and rich flavor when cooked.
For the Glaze
- Soy Sauce – A second round for glazing, ensuring that lovely shiny finish.
- Honey – Helps to caramelize the top, creating an enticingly sweet flavor.
Now that you have everything ready, let’s continue creating this Instant Pot Char Siu that will become a beloved centerpiece in your home!
How to Make Instant Pot Char Siu
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, Shiaoxing wine, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, red fermented tofu (if using), and five-spice powder. Stir until well blended.
- Marinate Pork: Add the pork butt to the bowl, ensuring it’s fully coated with the marinade. Cover it and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavors.
- Prepare Instant Pot: Pour the remaining marinade into the Instant Pot and insert the trivet. Place the marinated pork on top of the trivet, allowing it to cook evenly.
- Pressure Cook: Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. The pork will become incredibly tender!
- Release Pressure: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, perform a quick release to remove any remaining pressure before carefully removing the pork.
- Preheat Oven: While the pork rests, preheat your oven to 450ºF. This will get the glaze nice and bubbly!
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a rack on top. Transfer the pork to the rack to achieve even cooking and a crispy exterior.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce and honey. Use a brush to generously coat the pork with your glaze mixture, ensuring each surface is covered.
- Oven Roast: Roast the pork in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes. Carefully flip it over, add more glaze, and roast for an additional 4 minutes until the edges caramelize beautifully.
- Slice and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute for that perfect bite!
Optional: Serve with steamed rice and your favorite veggies for a complete meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Instant Pot Char Siu
- Fridge: Store leftover Instant Pot Char Siu in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the pork tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its flavor.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen Char Siu in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350ºF for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Enjoy its deliciousness once again!
- Serving Suggestions: Serve cold slices on a salad or heat them up for a warm sandwich with your favorite toppings.
Make Ahead Options
These Instant Pot Char Siu are perfect for meal prep, ensuring you can enjoy flavorful Chinese BBQ even on the busiest of weeknights! You can marinate the pork up to 24 hours in advance; simply combine all marinade ingredients and coat the pork before refrigerating. This allows the flavors to intensify. If you wish to prep even further, you can cook the pork, cool it down, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before finishing it in the oven. When you’re ready to serve, just preheat the oven, glaze, and roast the pork as instructed. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have restaurant-quality results with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Instant Pot Char Siu
- Marination Time Matters: The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavor will be. Aim for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best!
- Cut Correctly: Choose a uniform size for your pork butt. This ensures even cooking and prevents any dry or chewy bites.
- Pressure Release: Allow natural pressure release before quick releasing any remaining pressure. This helps maintain the juiciness of your pork.
- Glaze Generously: Don’t be shy with the glaze! A thicker layer caramelizes better in the oven, creating that signature shiny finish.
- Watch the Oven: Keep an eye on the pork while it roasts. Ovens can vary, and you want that beautiful caramelization without burning.
- Slicing Technique: Let the pork rest before slicing to keep those delicious juices locked in. Perfect for a succulent Instant Pot Char Siu experience!
Instant Pot Char Siu Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and tantalize your taste buds with different twists!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute soy sauce with tamari for a delicious gluten-free alternative without losing flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 teaspoons of Sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the marinade for an exciting heat boost.
- Citrus Twist: Incorporate the zest of 1 orange or lime into the marinade for a refreshing citrusy flavor burst.
- Smoky Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the marinade for a delightful smoky touch.
- Honey Alternatives: Swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweet profile that still caramelizes beautifully.
- Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions into the marinade, giving an aromatic layer to the pork.
- BBQ Glaze: Use your favorite barbecue sauce instead of the soy-honey glaze for an entirely different, yet equally delicious finish.
- Pineapple Sweetness: Include crushed pineapple (drained) in the marinade for a unique tropical sweetness and juicy texture.
Get ready to savor your customized version of Instant Pot Char Siu!
What to Serve with Instant Pot Char Siu?
Imagine a hearty meal that captures the essence of cozy family dinners and bustling markets, where sweet and savory dance on your palate.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Provides a perfect, fluffy base to soak up the delicious sauce, balancing the flavors beautifully.
- Sautéed Bok Choy: This fresh and slightly crunchy vegetable adds a delightful contrast and a vibrant green touch to your meal.
- Egg Fried Rice: A fulfilling option, bringing together your leftover rice and veggies, it complements the rich Char Siu perfectly.
- Crusty Baguette: For a delightful twist, serve with crusty bread to mop up the glaze—every last drop is surely worth saving!
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing side that counteracts the sweetness of the pork, its crunch is a pleasant surprise on the plate.
- Chinese Pickled Vegetables: These tangy bites add a burst of flavor, perfectly cutting through the richness of the Char Siu.
- Chilled Green Tea: This subtle, refreshing drink is an excellent match, cleansing the palate between flavorful bites.
- Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, the sweetness of ripe mango paired with creamy coconut rice offers a tropical finish that delights the senses.
Instant Pot Char Siu Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best pork butt for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for a boneless pork butt that has good marbling, as this will ensure tenderness and flavor. Aim for a piece that feels slightly firm to the touch, without any dark spots or excessive liquid in the packaging, which often indicates it’s not very fresh.
How should I store leftover Instant Pot Char Siu?
To store, place the leftover pork in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best consumed within 3 days for optimal tenderness and flavor. Ensure the pork is cooled to room temperature before sealing it up to prevent moisture build-up, which could affect its texture.
Can I freeze Instant Pot Char Siu, and how?
Yes! To freeze, wrap the pork tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag or aluminum foil. This should be done within 2 hours of cooking to maintain quality. It can survive in the freezer for up to 3 months without losing its delicious flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
What should I do if my pork turns out dry?
Very good question! If your pork turns out dry, it might be due to overcooking. For the best results, always ensure you’re following the cooking time and allow for the natural release of pressure. To rescue dry pork, consider shredding it and mixing it with some additional soy sauce or broth to moisten it before serving.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Yes! If you’re serving this to someone with dietary restrictions, remember that the recipe contains soy sauce, which is high in sodium and not suitable for those with soy allergies. You can use tamari as a gluten-free option. Additionally, if you want to reduce sugar intake, consider using a low-sugar alternative or reducing the amount of honey in the recipe. Always check labels if you’re concerned about allergies, especially with the fermented tofu. Enjoy this comforting dish responsibly!
Mouthwatering Instant Pot Char Siu: Effortless Chinese BBQ Magic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, Shiaoxing wine, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, red fermented tofu (if using), and five-spice powder. Stir until well blended.
- Add the pork butt to the bowl, ensuring it's fully coated with the marinade. Cover it and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavors.
- Pour the remaining marinade into the Instant Pot and insert the trivet. Place the marinated pork on top of the trivet.
- Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release to remove any remaining pressure.
- While the pork rests, preheat your oven to 450ºF.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a rack on top. Transfer the pork to the rack.
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce and honey. Use a brush to coat the pork with your glaze mixture.
- Roast the pork in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes, then flip it over, add more glaze, and roast for an additional 4 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing.