Char Siu Chicken Marinade: A Flavorful Recipe for Perfectly Grilled Chicken

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Char Siu Chicken Marinade is a delightful blend of flavors that transports your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Hong Kong. This iconic dish, known for its sweet and savory profile, has a rich history rooted in Chinese barbecue traditions. The term “Char Siu” translates to “fork roasted,” referring to the method of cooking marinated meat over an open flame, which imparts a unique smoky flavor that is simply irresistible.

People adore Char Siu Chicken Marinade not only for its mouthwatering taste but also for its tender, juicy texture that results from the marination process. The combination of soy sauce, honey, five-spice powder, and other aromatic ingredients creates a symphony of flavors that can elevate any meal. Whether served with steamed rice, in a stir-fry, or as a filling for bao buns, this marinade is incredibly versatile and convenient, making it a favorite among home cooks and food enthusiasts alike. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy yet delicious recipe that captures the essence of traditional Chinese cuisine!

Char Siu Chicken Marinade this Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds)
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon five-spice powder
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring (optional, for color)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)

Preparing the Marinade

  1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, Chinese rice wine, honey, and sesame oil. Whisk together until well blended.
  2. Add the five-spice powder, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the mixture. Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  3. If you desire a vibrant red color typical of Char Siu, add the red food coloring to the marinade. Mix well to ensure the color is evenly distributed.

Marinating the Chicken

  1. Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
  2. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated. If using a bag, seal it tightly and massage the marinade into the chicken.
  3. Refrigerate the marinating chicken for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.

Preparing for Cooking

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you prefer grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly and let excess marinade drip off.
  3. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Reserve the marinade for basting during cooking.

Cooking the Chicken

  1. For oven cooking: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  2. For grilling: Place the chicken thighs directly on the grill. Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, basting with the reserved marinade every few minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  3. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, you can brush the chicken with additional marinade for extra flavor and a glossy finish.

Resting and Serving

  1. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven or grill and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender chicken.
  2. Slice the chicken into strips or serve whole, garnished with chopped green onions for a fresh touch.
  3. Char Siu Chicken can be served with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or in a bao bun for a delicious meal.

Storing Leftovers

  1. If you have any leftover Char Siu Chicken, allow it to cool completely before storing.
  2. Place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  3. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  4. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Tips for Perfect Char Siu Chicken

  • For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
  • Adjust the sweetness of the marinade by adding more or less honey according to your taste preference.
  • Experiment Char Siu Chicken Marinade

    Conclusion:

    In summary, the Char Siu Chicken Marinade is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their culinary repertoire with a burst of flavor and a touch of authenticity. This marinade not only infuses the chicken with a delightful sweetness and savory depth but also creates a beautifully caramelized exterior that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. For serving suggestions, consider pairing your Char Siu Chicken with steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even a fresh cucumber salad to balance the richness of the dish. You can also experiment with variations by adding different spices or adjusting the sweetness to suit your taste. For a fun twist, try using the marinade on pork or tofu for a delicious alternative. We encourage you to try this Char Siu Chicken Marinade and share your experience with us! Whether you stick to the classic recipe or make it your own, we would love to hear how it turned out. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag us on social media, as we can’t wait to see your delicious creations! Happy cooking! Print
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    Char Siu Chicken Marinade: A Flavorful Recipe for Perfectly Grilled Chicken

    • Author: Maria
    • Total Time: 280 minutes
    • Yield: 4 servings 1x
    Print Recipe

    Description

    This Char Siu Chicken features marinated chicken thighs that are sweet, savory, and infused with a blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and spices. Baked or grilled to perfection, it’s a delicious dish served with rice or in bao buns, making it a versatile addition to any meal.

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds)
    • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
    • 1/4 cup soy sauce
    • 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry)
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    • 1 tablespoon five-spice powder
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
    • 1 tablespoon red food coloring (optional, for color)
    • 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)

    Instructions

    1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, Chinese rice wine, honey, and sesame oil. Whisk together until well blended.
    2. Add the five-spice powder, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the mixture. Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
    3. If you desire a vibrant red color typical of Char Siu, add the red food coloring to the marinade. Mix well to ensure the color is evenly distributed.
    4. Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
    5. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated. If using a bag, seal it tightly and massage the marinade into the chicken.
    6. Refrigerate the marinating chicken for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.
    7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you prefer grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
    8. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly and let excess marinade drip off.
    9. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Reserve the marinade for basting during cooking.
    10. For oven cooking: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
    11. For grilling: Place the chicken thighs directly on the grill. Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, basting with the reserved marinade every few minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
    12. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, you can brush the chicken with additional marinade for extra flavor and a glossy finish.
    13. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven or grill and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender chicken.
    14. Slice the chicken into strips or serve whole, garnished with chopped green onions for a fresh touch.
    15. Char Siu Chicken can be served with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or in a bao bun for a delicious meal.
    16. If you have any leftover Char Siu Chicken, allow it to cool completely before storing.
    17. Place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
    18. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
    19. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.

    Notes

    • For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
    • Adjust the sweetness of the marinade by adding more or less honey according to your taste preference.
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 30 minutes

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