The Asian Larder

Best Char Siu Sauce to Buy in the UK

Lee Kum Kee makes the char siu sauce most home cooks reach for in the UK, and it is stocked in most Chinese and Asian grocers, plus some large supermarkets. It is a ready mixed marinade, so there is no need to build the five-spice, hoisin and honey base from scratch.

It works as a marinade, a glaze, or stirred through a stir fry for a quick char siu flavour.

What char siu sauce is made from

What to check before buying

FAQ

Is char siu sauce the same as hoisin sauce?

No, though hoisin is one of the ingredients. Char siu sauce is a ready mixed marinade built on hoisin, soy, sugar and five spice.

How long should pork marinate in char siu sauce?

A few hours works, but overnight in the fridge gives a deeper flavour and better colour once cooked.

Can char siu sauce be used for anything other than pork?

Yes, it works on chicken, tofu, and even brushed over roasted vegetables for a similar sticky glaze.

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Huì

Huì

Huì is a Beijing-born chef working in the UK. She writes The Asian Larder, with tested Asian recipes for British home cooks and honest advice on where to buy every ingredient.
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