| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 2 hours | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 536 | 21g | 7g | 58g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 25g | 2g | 35g | 1.5g |
Happy to introduce one of my all-time favorite recipes that are deeply rooted in my Texas heritage with an exciting Asian twist, the Char Siu (BBQ Pork) Himbabaos. It is a delightfully tasty recipe that combines the comforting and savory profiles of barbeque pork with the refreshingly light texture of Bao, topped with a colorful and vibrant blend of fruits. As eclectic as this combination sounds, wait until you taste the euphoria of flavors in every bite.
A Symphony of Flavours
What sets this dish apart from classic Char Siu recipes is the interesting mingling of flavors. By adding a healthy assortment of finely chopped fruits into the mix, the dish transmutes into a playful and adventurous delight. The fruits also bring a healthy note to the dish, making it high in dietary fiber and rich in essential vitamins and minerals.
My Texas Twist
Having grown up in Texas, the use of BBQ pork, a staple in the Southern culinary scene, is a nod to my roots, while the addition of other elements like honey, ginger, and Chinese five-spice powder add the modern twist I love. The healthy sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions give it a distinctly textured bite. The fusion of these flavors and textures creates an exciting taste experience that I believe, beautifully represents modern Southern cuisine.
For the best culinary experience, I suggest pairing Char Siu (BBQ Pork) Himbabaos with a nice slaw salad or even some crunchy fried greens for added contrast. If you’re looking to create a complete Asian inspired dinner, serving the BBQ pork with a Vietnamese noodle salad can be an excellent option too.
Nutritional Perks
Apart from being delectably flavorful, this recipe has several health benefits. The boneless pork shoulder used in the dish provides a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. The various fruits incorporated give a boost of vitamin C, while the tears of coriander leaves add a dose of Vitamin A and C, along with reducing the risk of indigestion.
So, when you tuck into a Char Siu (BBQ Pork) Himbabaos, you’re not just delighting your taste buds with the scrumptious flavors but also nourishing your body with the goodness of essential nutrients.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of boneless pork shoulder
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup of chicken broth
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 2 tablespoons of cooking rice wine
- 1 tablespoon of Chinese five spice powder
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of finely grated ginger
- 1 pack (around 12 pieces) of store-bought Bao buns
- 2 cups of finely chopped fruits (like pineapples, peaches, or mandarins)
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water
- 1/4 cup of sesame seeds
- 6 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of fresh coriander leaves
Method
Step One
Start off by preparing the Char Siu marinade for the pork. In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce, 1/4 cup of chicken broth, 1/4 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of rice cooking wine, 1 tablespoon of Chinese five spice powder, finely chopped garlic cloves, and finely grated ginger. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
Step Two
Cut the 2 pounds of boneless pork shoulder into long strips, of about 2 inches width each. Place the pork pieces into the prepared marinade and ensure that each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and allow the pork to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, the longer the better.
Step Three
Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and place a wire rack over it. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated pork strips on the wire rack and roast in the preheated oven for around 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway and basting with the remaining marinade.
Step Four
While the pork is roasting, prepare a fruit sauce by mixing 2 cups of finely chopped fruits of your choice with the cornstarch-water mixture in a saucepan. Simmer on medium heat until the sauce thickens. Set aside to cool.
Step Five
Once the pork is cooked and charred on the edges, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin pieces. Set aside.
Step Six
Heat your Bao buns as per the pack instructions. Once heated, cut the buns open but not all the way through. Sprinkle the inside of the bun with a generous amount of sesame seeds.
Step Seven
Assemble your Himbabaos by placing few slices of the cooked pork into each Bao bun, then layer with the cooled fruit sauce, thinly sliced green onions, and fresh coriander leaves. Serve immediately while still warm.
