Do you know what to serve with char siu pork? If you've ever enjoyed the sweet and savory flavors of char siu pork at a Chinese restaurant, you know how delicious this dish can be. Whether you're grilling up pork belly, pork loin, pork tenderloin, or any other cut of pork. The secret to achieving the best results lies in the flavorful char siu marinade and the cooking process. But what about the perfect side dishes to complement this Cantonese cuisine classic? Let's dive into a world of delectable options for serving with your homemade char siu pork. I gathered a collection of side dish recipes that go well with your char siu pork. Read on!
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The star of the show: Char siu pork
Before we delve into the world of side dishes, let's quickly revisit what makes char siu pork so special. Char siu pork, also known as Chinese barbecue pork, is a popular and flavorful Cantonese dish. It features tender, marinated, and roasted pork. The pork used for char siu is typically boneless and can come from various cuts, such as boneless pork shoulder, pork loin, pork butt, or pork belly. The meat is marinated in marinade ingredients, including a blend of hoisin sauce(optional), raw honey(or brown sugar), Chinese five-spice powder, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, etc. You can use red fermented bean curd to add a natural red color to the pork; you can get the bean curd in any Asian market. Alternatively, some individuals use red food coloring to achieve that classic "vibrant Chinatown-style char siu."
Once marinated, you can roast or charcoal grill the pork until it develops a slightly caramelized and charred exterior while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. You can also make a homemade version of air fry char siu pork and turn it into a quicker and more convenient dinner! Char siu pork's sweet and savory flavor makes it a favorite in Cantonese cuisine and a popular item on the menus of many Chinese restaurants.
Rice dishes
Char siu pork is known for its sweet and savory flavors. Pairing it with fluffy rice helps balance the richness of the pork. As a staple in Chinese cuisine, white rice provides a neutral base that perfectly complements the rich flavors of char siu pork. Opt for jasmine rice for a fragrant touch. There are also a few rice dish choices that provide a pleasing contrast in texture to the tender and slightly crispy char siu pork.
Forbidden rice, also known as Chinese black rice. The striking black or purplish color of forbidden rice sets it apart from other types of rice. The taste of black rice can be described as a delightful mix of nutty, earthy, and slightly sweet flavors. Their unique flavor makes them a perfect side dish.:)
Chicken fried rice is a classic dish that goes along with lots of food. The combination of tender pieces of chicken, aromatic vegetables, and the rice itself, all seasoned with soy sauce and other seasonings, creates a delicious flavor.
Gochujang fried rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish. It is for those who appreciate a little heat and a lot of flavor in their meals.
Cilantro lime brown rice prepared in an Instant Pot has a delightful and refreshing flavor. The Instant Pot produces perfectly cooked brown rice with a tender texture. Cilantro lime brown rice is a popular and flavorful option. Especially for those looking to add a burst of freshness and zing to their rice dishes.
Blackstone fried rice is characterized by its use of a Blackstone griddle (hibachi) or flat-top grill. It imparts a unique cooking style and flavor to the dish.
Rice cooker coconut rice is a delicious and easy-to-make dish cooked in a rice cooker using coconut milk, water, and rice. It is a popular dish in many Asian countries. It is popular for its creamy, fragrant, and slightly sweet flavor.
Noodle dishes
Shrimp mei fun is an excellent side dish for meat due to its contrasting texture and light and refreshing nature. They create a visual appeal and balanced meal.
Lo mein is a staple in many Asian cuisines. It typically consists of soft noodles. Which contrast nicely with the often tender and juicy texture of the cooked char siu pork.
Pad see ew is a popular Thai stir-fried noodle dish known for its distinctive and delicious flavor. It is a comforting and satisfying noodle dish that appeals to different people.
Vegan garlic chili noodles are popular among those who enjoy bold and spicy flavors in their meals and prefer plant-based options.
Plain chow mein, often referred to simply as "chow mein." It is a popular Chinese stir-fried noodle dish known for its simplicity and versatility. It's a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Garlic fried noodles, or garlic noodles, are delicious and savory noodles with a prominent garlic flavor.
Vegetable dishes
Serving stir-fried vegetables along with char siu pork is the best way to enjoy your meal. Chinese shredded potato is a great option. It's a popular side dish for its simplicity and deliciousness.
Air fryer Brussels sprouts make a nutritious addition to the char siu pork meal.
Broccoli and mushroom stir-fry is a delicious dish made by quickly cooking broccoli florets and mushrooms in a hot wok with a savory stir-fry sauce.
A refreshing cucumber salad with a sesame dressing adds a crisp contrast to the rich char siu pork.
You can quickly stir-fry baby bok choy with garlic and light soy sauce.
Asian green beans make a good side dish with char siu pork due to their complementary flavors and textural contrast. The vibrant green color of Asian green beans adds visual appeal to the plate when served with char siu pork, making the meal more appetizing.
Char siu pork can be rich and flavorful, and an Asian salad provides a refreshing and light contrast. The crispness of fresh vegetables and the tangy dressing can balance the meat's richness.
Stir-fried pea shoots are quick and easy to prepare, making them a convenient side dish to complement char siu pork. Pea shoots have a delicate, sweet, and slightly nutty flavor you can not resist.
Asian chopped salads are popular for their fresh and crunchy texture, which contrasts nicely with the tenderness of pork.
Stir-fry eggplant with tofu is a flavorful and nutritious dish commonly found in various Asian cuisines. It combines tender pieces of eggplant and tofu that are stir-fried together with a savory sauce.
Slow cooker balsamic carrots are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the rich and tangy flavor of balsamic vinegar.
Soup and pickle dishes
Chinese chicken and sweetcorn soup is a beloved dish known for its comforting and mild flavors. Chinese chicken and sweetcorn soup is typically smooth and creamy. While char siu pork often has a tender yet slightly chewy texture. The textural contrast adds interest to the meal, making it more enjoyable.
Chinese seaweed egg drop soup is a classic Chinese soup. It is popular for its simplicity and delicate flavors.
Egg drop soup is also known as "egg flower soup" in Chinese cuisine. It is a simple and popular soup characterized by its silky texture and delicate flavor. It is a staple in many Chinese restaurants and is often enjoyed as a comforting appetizer.
Due to its marinade and cooking method, Char siu pork is often rich, savory, and slightly sweet. Pickled daikon radish provides a refreshing contrast with its tangy, slightly sour, and crisp texture. This contrast balances the flavors of the meal wonderfully. If you want to try something new, it is a great way to serve char siu together with pickled daikon radish.
Leftover Char Siu ideas
Char siu pork is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own, in sandwiches, fried rice, or as a topping for noodles. Furthermore, you can use leftover char siu pork as a filling for pork buns("Char Siu Bao"). They are fluffy steamed buns stuffed with char siu, perfect for a quick, tasty snack.
What to serve with char siu pork: final thoughts
You can pair the rich, sweet, and savory flavors of char siu pork with sides that not only balance but enhance its taste. Remember, the key is to balance flavors, textures, and colors to create a harmonious meal. Now you know how to serve with char siu pork, go ahead and experiment with different side dishes. Enjoy every bite of your char siu pork alongside the perfect accompaniments. I am happy to hear from you about your favorite side dish to serve with this classic char siu recipe. Feel free to leave your comments below.:)
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