Spoiler alert: Hubby loved it! 😄
I’ve been craving char siu for a while now. It’s one of those dishes I always enjoy during our visits to Singapore. But since our children have been visiting us lately, our travel plans were put on hold—and so was my next bite of char siu!
That craving led me to a fun idea: Why not try making it myself?
After browsing recipes online, I landed on a version from Simply Recipes that felt right—straightforward, pantry-friendly, and stress-free. I followed the instructions to the letter (for once!) and here’s how it went:
🛒 Ingredients
I used what I had on hand—specifically chicken breast, though chicken thighs are often preferred for their flavor and tenderness.
• 2/3 kilo chicken breast deboned
• 2 tbsp minced & mashed garlic
• 1/4 tsp Chinese five spice powder
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1½ tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tsp sesame oil
🍳 Method
1. Make the marinade:
In a bowl, mix together garlic, five spice powder, honey, hoisin, soy sauce, ketchup, and sesame oil. Reserve about 3 tablespoons of this for glazing later.
2. Marinate the chicken:
Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and let it rest for at least 30 minutes—or overnight for best flavor.
Tip: Overnight marination really makes a difference!
3. Grill the chicken:
I used a stovetop cast-iron grill pan on medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6–10 minutes, turning occasionally.
To check for doneness, pierce the thickest part—the juices should run clear.
4. Baste with glaze:
During the final 2 minutes of grilling, brush on the reserved marinade to give the chicken that glossy, flavorful finish.
5. Let it rest & serve:
Rest the grilled chicken for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving. This keeps it juicy!
🍽️ What to Serve with Chicken Char Siu?
Many suggest coleslaw or potato salad as classic sides. I went for something light and refreshing—a cucumber-tomato salad tossed in a honey-mustard vinaigrette.
💬 Final Verdict?
Did hubby like it?
Absolutely!
My homemade chicken char siu passed with flying colors. 🎉
📝 Notes for Next Time:
• I might try it with chicken thighs for more juiciness.
• Leftovers? Perfect for sandwiches or rice bowls!