Chinese BBQ pork is one of my favourite things to order when we get takeout. When I see those thin pork slices with that sweet, sticky sauce, I want to hide the whole can from the kids so I don’t have to share it. Obviously, now that they’re getting older, it’s not as viable an option as it used to be. Neither is telling them “You won’t like it”. They’ve figured out that’s code for: Mom has something delicious and doesn’t want to share!.
I had to figure out how to make my own Chinese BBQ pork. Our takeout orders were already pushing $70 by the time everyone gets what they want (insane). Adding a second order of char siu seemed excessive, even for me. Plus, when I like something this much, I want to be able to make it myself!.
Chinese BBQ pork, also known as char siu, is a delicious sweet and savory roasted pork dish popular in Chinese cuisine. With its sticky, glistening sauce coating tender slices of pork it’s easy to see why this dish is so addictive!
But what if you make a big batch of char siu and have leftovers? Can you freeze Chinese BBQ pork? Or will freezing ruin the texture and flavor?
The good news is that yes, you can absolutely freeze leftover char siu! Freezing is actually a great way to preserve char siu so you can enjoy it for weeks and months after cooking a big batch.
In this complete guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about freezing char siu, from how to store it to tips for maintaining quality and taste. Let’s dive in!
An Overview of Char Siu
Before we get into the freezing details, let’s start with a quick overview of what exactly char siu is.
Char siu is a popular Cantonese roasted pork dish. It involves marinating pork shoulder or pork tenderloin in a sweet barbecue-style sauce infused with spices.
The marinade typically contains:
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Hoisin sauce
- Rice wine
- Five spice powder
After marinating, the pork is roasted until it develops a shiny, sticky glazed coating. The finished char siu has a characteristic red color and slightly charred edges.
When sliced, the meat is tender and succulent, with a balanced sweet and savory flavor. Char siu is often served with rice or noodles, used in stir-fries, sandwiches, or enjoyed on its own.
Now that you’re familiar with char siu, let’s talk about the best way to freeze it!
Can You Freeze Char Siu?
The short answer is yes, you can absolutely freeze leftover char siu!
Freezing is a great way to preserve cooked char siu so you can enjoy it later. The freezer will pause the aging process and prevent bacteria growth, allowing char siu to keep for 1-3 months in the freezer.
As long as you take a few important steps when freezing, the texture and flavor will remain intact when thawed.
Here’s a quick overview of the benefits of freezing char siu:
- Pauses aging process to prevent spoilage
- Allows enjoying char siu for weeks/months after cooking
- Saves time – no need to cook a fresh batch each time
- Lets you buy pork in bulk and preserve excess
- Maintains texture and flavor if frozen properly
Follow the tips below for successfully freezing char siu without compromising taste or quality!
How to Freeze Char Siu
Freezing char siu is simple, but there are some important steps to follow:
1. Allow char siu to cool completely
It’s crucial that char siu is completely cooled to room temperature before freezing. Freezing char siu while it’s still warm can cause freezer burn and impact the texture.
Let the cooked char siu cool for about 1 hour after roasting until it reaches room temperature.
2. Slice the char siu
Cut the cooked char siu into portion sizes that make sense for your recipes. Common options are:
- Thin slices
- 1-inch cubes
- Strips
Cutting it beforehand makes for easy thawing and portioning later on.
3. Pack char siu into airtight containers or bags
Place the cut char siu pieces into freezer bags, plastic containers, or even better – vacuum seal bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
You can place pieces of parchment between layers of char siu slices to make separating them easier after freezing.
4. Label bags with contents and date
Be sure to label the freezer bags or containers with the contents and freeze date. This lets you keep track of how long the char siu has been frozen.
5. Freeze for 1-3 months
For best quality, use frozen char siu within 1-3 months. Frozen properly, char siu can last this long while maintaining excellent flavor and texture.
Place bags flat in the freezer so they freeze quickly and evenly. And that’s it – your char siu is now ready to be frozen!
Tips for Freezing Char Siu
Follow these handy tips for getting the best results when freezing char siu:
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Freeze in single layers – Avoid stacking char siu pieces or freezing large blocks. Spread pieces in a single layer on sheets before transferring to bags. This prevents freezing into a solid lump.
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Use freezer-safe packaging – Be sure to use only freezer bags or containers meant to withstand freezing temperatures.
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Remove as much air as possible – Compress bags and use a straw to suck out excess air before sealing. Lack of oxygen prevents freezer burn.
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Portion properly – Package char siu in amounts you’ll realistically use in one recipe. Don’t freeze large hunks if you’ll only need a little each time.
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Freeze marinade separately – Pour leftover marinade into ice cube trays or a bag. Frozen marinade cubes can flavor sauces and stir-fries.
Following these tips will ensure your frozen char siu stays delicious and flavorful when thawed for later use!
How to Thaw Frozen Char Siu
Once your char siu has been hanging out in the freezer, you’ll need to properly thaw it to enjoy. Here are a few thawing methods:
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Fridge thawing – For best flavor and texture, thaw frozen char siu overnight in the refrigerator. Place sealed bags or containers on a plate to catch drips.
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Cold water thawing – For faster thawing, seal char siu in a plastic bag then submerge in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
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Microwave thawing – Thaw char siu in 30 second bursts in the microwave, checking often. This can cause some texture changes.
Always thaw char siu fully before attempting to slice, dice, or cook with it. Refreezing meat that has been thawed can compromise safety and quality.
How to Use Thawed Char Siu
The possibilities are endless when it comes to enjoying thawed char siu! Here are some delicious ways to use it:
- Sandwich fillings
- Salads – diced char siu over greens
- Rice bowls – top rice with char siu
- Stir-fries – add slices with veggies
- Congee – sliced char siu topping
- Tacos – substitute for carnitas
- Egg rolls – chopped char siu filling
- Fried rice – cubed and mixed in
Thawed char siu can be enjoyed cold, reheated, or cooked into recipes without losing its signature flavor and tender texture. Get creative with how you incorporate it into meals!
Signs of Bad Frozen Char Siu
Frozen properly, char siu can keep for 1-3 months in the freezer. However, here are a few signs that frozen char siu has gone bad and should be tossed:
- Unusual odor – spoiled pork gives off a rancid, sour smell
- Grayish brown discoloration
- Dry, flaky texture – sign of freezer burn
- Ice crystals on surface – freezer burned
- Mold growth – discard moldy portions
- Past recommended freezer time – use within 1-3 months
Trust your senses – if thawed or cooking char siu looks, smells or tastes off, it’s safest to throw it away rather than risk foodborne illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does char siu last in the freezer?
Properly stored in airtight packaging, char siu will maintain best quality frozen for 1-3 months. After that, flavor and texture may start to degrade.
Can you refreeze char siu after thawing?
It’s not recommended to refreeze char siu once it has been fully thawed. Refreezing can create unsafe bacteria growth as well as cause the texture to become mushy.
What is the best way to reheat thawed char siu?
Low, slow reheating is best to fully heat char siu without drying it out. Reheat gently in a skillet, or keep it moist by making fried rice, congee, or soup.
Should char siu be frozen cooked or raw?
Char siu needs to be fully cooked before freezing – only freeze cooked and cooled char siu, never raw pork. Freezing cooked meats is always safest.
Can frozen char siu be used straight from frozen?
For best results, char siu should always be thawed fully before using in recipes or consuming. Avoid cooking straight from frozen to prevent a poor texture.
Enjoy Your Frozen Char Siu!
Now you know that freezing is absolutely an option for preserving leftover char siu! Follow the guidelines above for freezing, thawing and reheating, and your char siu will be deliciously moist and flavorful even after time in the freezer.
Got any other great
How to cook Chinese BBQ Pork
Traditionally, Chinese BBQ pork is cooked over a charcoal or wood fire. On a Thursday night sometime between school and sports, I don’t have time for that. Most people will either throw this on the BBQ, or into the oven. I’m a BBQ girl most of the time. Plus, it’s faster than the oven and I like the smokey and charred taste it gives. But because the sauce has sugar, make sure you have time to watch it cook. If you need to, you should be able to move the food to indirect heat because sugar burns on the grill.
When cooking a bigger piece of meat or when you don’t have time to stand there and watch it, the oven is best. I’ll include instructions for baking it in the notes section of the recipe for you.
What is Chinese BBQ Pork aka Char Siu?
If you’ve never ordered Chinese BBQ pork before, you’re in for a treat. The proper name is Char Siu, but it’s usually listed as “Chinese BBQ Pork” on takeout menus. It’s thin slices of pork, about ¼” thick, with a baked on, slightly sweet and sticky red sauce. The slices always look to me like they’re going to be dry, but they never are. They’re incredibly tender, full of flavour, and slightly sweet.
The best part about Char Siu though is how many different ways you can eat it. This can quickly become one of the most versatile meats you make. Making a big batch of Chinese BBQ pork ahead of time can really cut down on the amount of work you have to do to get meals ready for the week. The leftovers will last for a few days in the fridge. You can cook it once, then eat it in a few different meals throughout the week. Cooked Char Siu also freezes really well. If you have time, make a big batch with a pork shoulder. Then, freeze it in smaller amounts so you can use them in different recipes later.
We eat this in a bunch of different meals. I eat it sometimes by itself with white rice or vegetables, and other times I chop it up and put it in the kids’ lunch fried rice. I also love it in stir frys, pasta, soup, etc. Seriously, if you can think it, you can add it.