Chinese Barbecue Pork Chops(Char Siu)

Chinese roast pork can be served by itself as an appetizer, simply served sliced and served with fresh vegetables and rice or as an ingredient in stir fries, steamed buns, dumplings, fried rice, sandwiches, and soups.

Char Siu is traditionally barbequed but this recipe, pork chops are marinated with Chinese five spice powder, a blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Szechuan pepper and fennel seeds, then roasted. They can also be barbequed on your outdoor grill. Red food coloring is traditionally used to give the pork a reddish color, but is totally optional.

serves: 4

Country: China

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1 cup gf soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons five spice powder

1 teaspoon dry chilli flakes
3 cloves garlic mashed
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
1/4 cup white grape juice

2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
few drops red food color (optional)

4 1” pork loin chops

Place pork chops in a medium zip lock bag or large deep baking dish with high sides. Combine all of the marinade ingredients and pour over the meat, smooshing it around to coat meat well. Marinate the meat in the refrigerator, covered, for at least 2 hours or overnight turning occasionally.

Remove the meat from the marinade, Sear on both sides in a skillet on medium high then place in a baking dish, covered with marinade and roast in a 350°F degree oven for 40 minutes. Turn the chops after 20 minutes.

Remove from the oven, cover with foil and let rest 10 minutes; meanwhile boil the marinade to concentrate sauce and serve with meat. Serve with vegetables and rice.