Char Siu Pork (Chinese BBQ Pork)

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. pork shoulder or pork butt, boneless
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice-powder
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Wood pellets (fruitwood like apple for a mild smokiness)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Pellet Smoker:
   • Preheat your pellet smoker to 250°F (121°C)using fruitwood pellets for a mild and complementary smoky flavor.
2. Prepare the Pork:
   • Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder or butt, leaving a thin layer for flavor. Pat the meat dry with paper towels.
3. Create the Char Siu Marinade:
   • In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Chinese rice wine, brown sugar, sesame oil, Chinese five-spice powder, and minced garlic. This creates a flavorful Char Siu marinade.
4. Marinate the Pork:
   • Place the pork in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the Char Siu marinade over the pork, ensuring it's well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for optimal flavor.
5. Place Pork on the Pellet Smoker:
   • Remove the pork from the marinade and discard any excess liquid. Place the pork directly on the preheated smoker grates.
6. Smoke the Char Siu Pork:
   • Smoke the pork at 250°F for approximately 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C). Baste the pork with additional marinade every hour during the smoking process.
7. Check for Doneness:
   • Ensure the pork reaches the desired internal temperature and has a beautiful reddish-brown exterior, characteristic of Char Siu.
8. Rest the Char Siu Pork:
   • Once done, remove the Char Siu pork from the pellet smoker and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result.
9. Slice and Garnish
   • Slice the Char Siu pork into thin slices, and arrange them on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added freshness and texture.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Serve the Char Siu pork hot with steamed rice, noodles, or in buns for delicious Char Siu bao. The smoky flavor from the pellet smoker adds a unique twist to this classic Chinese barbecue dish.

This Blackstone Pellet Grill Char Siu Pork recipe combines traditional Chinese flavors with the rich and smoky essence from the pellet smoker, resulting in a delightful dish that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Enjoy the savory and sweet taste of homemade Char Siu with a hint of smokiness.