Char Siu Pork is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of side dishes.
This Chinese-style BBQ meat is slow-roasted with a sweet and savory sauce, creating a crispy outer layer that’s bursting with flavor.
But what should you serve with it? The options are endless, from classic white rice to stir-fried vegetables and noodles.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best side dishes to complement your Char Siu Pork and take your meal to the next level.
So, get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests with these mouth-watering pairings.
What To Serve With Char Siu Pork?
When it comes to serving Char Siu Pork, there are many options to choose from. One classic pairing is white rice, which soaks up all the delicious flavors from the sauce.
If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, try serving your Char Siu Pork with pineapple fried rice. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the savory flavors of the pork, creating a perfect balance of taste.
For a healthier option, sautéed spinach or cucumber salad are great choices. These side dishes add a refreshing and light touch to your meal while still providing a burst of flavor.
If you’re feeling more indulgent, try pairing your Char Siu Pork with chili oil noodles or bao buns. These dishes are sure to satisfy any cravings for something spicy and savory.
Other popular side dishes include Chinese broccoli, garlic-roasted cauliflower, and sautéed broccoli. These vegetables add a healthy and nutritious touch to your meal while still complementing the rich flavors of the pork.
Classic Pairings: White Rice And Steamed Vegetables
One classic and timeless pairing for Char Siu Pork is white rice and steamed vegetables. This option is perfect for those who want to keep it simple and traditional. The white rice serves as a neutral base that allows the flavors of the pork to shine through, while the steamed vegetables provide a healthy and nutritious addition to the meal.
To prepare steamed vegetables, simply chop up your favorite vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, or green beans, and steam them until they are tender but still slightly crisp. You can also add some garlic or ginger for extra flavor.
When serving with white rice, make sure to spoon some of the delicious sauce from the pork over the rice for added flavor. This classic pairing is not only delicious but also easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Noodle Dishes: Lo Mein, Chow Mein, And More
When it comes to noodle dishes, there are many options to choose from to pair with your Char Siu Pork. Two popular options are Lo Mein and Chow Mein.
Lo Mein noodles are thicker and softer, typically sold fresh in the refrigerated section. Lo Mein dishes usually have a thickened gravy-like sauce that can be soaked up by the noodles for maximum flavor. On the other hand, Chow Mein noodles are thinner and have a firmer texture, sold both fresh and dried. Chow Mein dishes are stir-fried and typically more dry, although there are exceptions.
One famous Chow Mein dish is Cantonese Chow Mein or Soy Sauce Supreme Noodles, while Hong Kong Style Chow Mein is fried for an extra crunch. If you don’t have Chow Mein noodles on hand, Ramen noodles can be a great substitute in a pinch.
In addition to Lo Mein and Chow Mein, there are other noodle dishes that can pair well with Char Siu Pork. For example, Egg Noodles with Sesame Sauce is a classic Chinese dish that features thin egg noodles tossed in a savory sesame sauce. Dan Dan Noodles is another popular option that features spicy ground pork on top of thick wheat noodles.
No matter which noodle dish you choose, be sure to pair it with some fresh vegetables like bok choy or bean sprouts to add some crunch and nutrition to your meal.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: Bok Choy, Broccoli, And Snow Peas
If you’re looking for a vegetable side dish that will complement the flavors of your Char Siu Pork, consider stir-fried vegetables. Bok choy, broccoli, and snow peas are all great options that are easy to prepare and packed with nutrients.
Bok choy is a type of Chinese cabbage that has a mild flavor and a crisp texture. When stir-fried, it becomes tender and slightly sweet. To prepare bok choy for stir-frying, simply trim off the ends and separate the leaves. Heat some oil in a wok or skillet, add garlic and ginger, then toss in the bok choy and stir-fry until tender.
Broccoli is another great option for stir-frying. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, and has a slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the Char Siu Pork sauce. To prepare broccoli for stir-frying, cut it into small florets and blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until they’re tender but still crisp. Drain the broccoli and then stir-fry it with garlic and ginger until it’s lightly browned.
Snow peas are a type of pea pod that are flat and edible. They have a sweet flavor and a crunchy texture that makes them perfect for stir-frying. To prepare snow peas for stir-frying, trim off the ends and remove any strings. Heat some oil in a wok or skillet, add garlic and ginger, then toss in the snow peas and stir-fry for a few minutes until they’re tender but still crisp.
To bring all these vegetables together, you can add some soy sauce or hoisin sauce to the stir-fry to give it some extra flavor. This side dish is not only delicious but also healthy, making it a great addition to any meal.
Dim Sum Delights: Steamed Buns And Egg Rolls
When it comes to serving Char Siu Pork, it’s hard to resist the allure of dim sum. Dim sum is a traditional Cantonese cuisine that consists of small, bite-sized dishes that are perfect for sharing. One of the most popular dim sum dishes is steamed buns, also known as bao buns. These fluffy, pillowy buns are filled with savory meat or vegetable filling and are a staple in any dim sum spread.
Another popular dim sum dish is egg rolls. These crispy and crunchy rolls are filled with a mixture of vegetables and meat and are perfect for dipping into sweet and sour sauce.
Steamed buns and egg rolls are great side dishes to serve with Char Siu Pork. The soft and fluffy texture of the steamed buns complements the tender and juicy pork, while the crispy texture of the egg rolls adds a satisfying crunch to the meal.
But why stop at just steamed buns and egg rolls? Dim sum offers a wide variety of dishes that pair perfectly with Char Siu Pork. From shrimp dumplings to spring rolls, there’s no shortage of delicious options to choose from.
Making your own dim sum at home may seem daunting, but it’s actually quite easy with the right ingredients and tools. With a little practice, you can impress your friends and family with a homemade dim sum feast that’s sure to please everyone’s taste buds. So why not give it a try and add some dim sum delights to your Char Siu Pork meal?
Fusion Flavors: Char Siu Tacos And Rice Bowls
If you’re looking to switch things up and try a fusion twist on Char Siu Pork, consider making Char Siu Tacos or Rice Bowls. These dishes combine the flavors of Chinese and Mexican cuisines to create a unique and delicious meal.
To make Char Siu Tacos, start by frying cubed pork belly until it is golden and crunchy. Then, glaze the pork with a mixture of hoisin sauce, honey, sriracha, tamari, and five-spice. Serve the pork in warm corn tortillas with pickled daikon and carrots, jalapenos, cilantro, and a drizzle of mayonnaise-based Kitsune sauce.
For Char Siu Rice Bowls, start by cooking Calrose rice until it is tender. Then, top the rice with sliced Char Siu pork belly that has been glazed with the same mixture as the tacos. Add pickled red onion, cilantro, and a drizzle of Kitsune sauce for extra flavor.
These fusion dishes are sure to impress your guests and add some variety to your usual Char Siu Pork meal.
Beverage Pairings: Tea, Beer, And Wine Suggestions
When it comes to beverage pairings for Char Siu Pork, there are several options to consider.
Tea is a popular choice in Chinese cuisine, and a cup of oolong tea pairs well with the sweet and savory flavors of Char Siu Pork. The tea’s earthy notes and subtle sweetness complement the dish without overpowering it.
For beer lovers, a Belgian Dubbel or Tripel is an excellent choice. The beer’s malty sweetness and spicy notes complement the pork’s flavors while also cutting through the richness of the dish.
When it comes to wine, a Riesling Spätlese is a classic pairing for spicy or sweet and sour dishes. The wine’s residual sugar handles the spices while its acidity balances the other flavors. Another option is a Vouvray Chenin Blanc with residual sugar, which has a honeyed sweetness that pairs perfectly with the sweet buns and filling of Char Siu Pork.
