Are you a fan of Chinese BBQ pork, but find yourself with leftovers that need reheating?
Look no further! We’ve got you covered with some easy and delicious methods to bring your char siu back to life.
Whether you have a large amount to reheat or just a few strips, we have options for you. Plus, we’ll even give you some tips on how to make your own char siu from scratch.
So, let’s get started and bring that savory, mouth-watering flavor back to your plate.
How To Reheat Chinese BBQ Pork?
There are a few different methods you can use to reheat your Chinese BBQ pork, depending on how much you have and what equipment you have available.
If you have a large amount of pork to reheat, the oven method is ideal. Here’s how to do it:
1. Thaw the BBQ overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Preheat the oven to a low heat of about 250-300 degrees Fahrenheit. Too much heat will dry up the meat.
3. Prepare an oven-safe tray by spraying a little bit of oil or melted butter in it.
4. Evenly spread the pork in the tray and cover it with aluminum foil.
5. Place the tray in the oven and bake until warm. Always check the food temperature with a food thermometer as it is the only way you can be sure it is neither undercooked nor overcooked.
6. When ready, remove it from the oven and let it stand before serving.
If you only have a few strips of pork to reheat, you can use the same method but wrap them in foil and bake at 375 F for 10-15 minutes.
Reheating Large Quantities Of Char Siu
If you have a large quantity of Chinese BBQ pork to reheat, using a microwave or oven may not be the most efficient option. Instead, consider using a steamer to reheat the pork. Here’s how:
1. Thaw the BBQ overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Cut the pork into smaller, bite-sized pieces to ensure even reheating.
3. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil.
4. Place the steamer (bamboo or stainless steel) on top of the pot and arrange the pork in a single layer in the steamer.
5. Place a clean cloth on top of the pork to prevent any water from dripping on it.
6. Cover the steamer with a lid and steam until warm. Always check the food temperature with a food thermometer as it is the only way you can be sure it is neither undercooked nor overcooked.
7. When ready, remove it from the steamer and let it stand before serving.
Using a steamer is a great option for reheating large quantities of Chinese BBQ pork as it allows for even reheating without drying out the meat. Plus, it’s a healthier option as it doesn’t require any additional oils or fats.
Tips For Reheating Char Siu In The Oven
If you’re reheating your Chinese BBQ pork in the oven, here are some tips to ensure the best outcome:
1. Use a low temperature: It’s important to use a low temperature when reheating your pork in the oven. This will help prevent it from drying out and becoming tough. A temperature of 250-300 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal.
2. Cover with foil: Covering your pork with foil will help keep it moist while it reheats. Make sure to seal the foil tightly around the edges of the tray.
3. Use an oven-safe tray: Make sure to use an oven-safe tray that can withstand high temperatures. A glass or ceramic dish is a good option.
4. Check the temperature: Always use a food thermometer to check the temperature of your pork before serving. The internal temperature should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s safe to eat.
5. Let it rest: Once you’ve removed your pork from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious, tender Chinese BBQ pork that tastes just as good as when it was first cooked.
How To Reheat Char Siu In The Microwave
If you only have a small amount of Chinese BBQ pork to reheat, using the microwave can be a quick and convenient option. However, it’s important to reheat it properly to ensure that it doesn’t become tough or dry.
One popular method is to use a mug filled with water. Here’s how:
1. Take a microwave-safe mug and fill it with about 1 inch of water.
2. Place your pork on top of the mug.
3. Heat on high for one minute.
The water inside the mug acts like a steamer, heating the pork from below without making it gummy or hard. To check if your pork is ready to eat, you can touch it cautiously to see if it’s heated through. Alternatively, you can stick a fork into the meat and check if the fork prongs are warm or hot to the touch.
Another method for reheating Chinese BBQ pork in the microwave is to wrap it in a damp paper towel and heat for about 20 seconds until piping hot. If you’re reheating multiple pieces, you can place them on a microwave-safe plate with a small cup of water next to the plate. Microwave for about 1 minute until piping hot, adding slightly more time if necessary but not too much or your pork will dry out.
While using the microwave may not give you the same results as using an oven, these methods can still help you achieve a decent outcome when reheating Chinese BBQ pork quickly and easily.
Reheating Char Siu On The Stovetop
If you don’t have access to an oven or don’t want to use it, you can also reheat your Chinese BBQ pork on the stovetop. Here’s how:
1. Thaw the BBQ overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Cut the pork into small pieces or slices for even heating.
3. Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
4. Add a little bit of oil or butter to the pan.
5. Once the oil is hot, add the pork to the pan.
6. Stir and toss the pork occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.
7. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
8. When ready, remove it from the heat and let it stand before serving.
Remember to always check the food temperature with a food thermometer to ensure it is neither undercooked nor overcooked.
Reheating your Chinese BBQ pork on the stovetop is a quick and easy method for small amounts of pork. It’s perfect if you’re in a rush or don’t have access to an oven.
Making Your Own Char Siu From Scratch
Making your own char siu from scratch may seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple if you plan ahead and get organized. Here’s how to make your own char siu:
1. Mix the sauce and marinate one day before cooking: You will need half of the sauce to marinate the pork. To give the pork as much flavor as possible, make sure to marinate it overnight. The other half of the sauce will be cooked with maltose and stored in a jar to use for the glaze.
2. Roast (or grill) the pork: Set up your oven or heat up the grill. Brush the glaze over the pork multiple times while roasting (or grilling). To make the sauce stick better, use a brush to dab the glaze onto the pork. Cook until the pork reaches 165 degrees F (74 C) and is lightly charred on the surface. Rest the pork covered loosely with foil. Then brush on the final layer of glaze.
If you don’t have access to a grill or don’t feel comfortable using one, you can still make delicious char siu in your oven. Preheat your oven to ‘bake’ at 475 F (246 C) with a rack positioned in the upper third of the oven. Place the pork on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with foil to catch any drips. Roast until cooked through and caramelized on the outside, about 30-40 minutes.
When making char siu from scratch, it’s important to choose the right cut of meat. Pork shoulder is also commonly called Boston butt or pork butt, and is ideal for making char siu because it has a nice fat cap and good marbling throughout, which translates to richly flavored, super juicy BBQ pork.
If you’re unable to find maltose, you can substitute with honey or brown sugar for a similar effect. And if you want to up the heat level, you can add some ground Szechuan pepper to the marinade.
Making your own char siu from scratch may take some effort, but it’s well worth it for the delicious flavor and satisfaction of creating something from scratch.
