Char Siu Marinade

Marinade Ingredients:

English NameChinese CharactersPhonetic (Pinyin)Best Substitute(s)Amount (Metric)
Lushui卤水Lǔ shuǐNone180 ml
Chu Hou Paste柱侯酱Zhù hóu jiàngHoisin sauce or red miso45 ml
Red Fermented Tofu南乳Nán rǔWhite fermented tofu + extra soy/sugar15 ml (with liquor)
Sand Ginger Powder沙姜粉Shā jiāng fěnGinger powder mixed with a tiny pinch of white pepper2.5 ml
Red Yeast Rice Pwd.红曲米粉Hóng qū mǐ fěnRed food dye or sweet Hungarian paprika1.25 ml
Rock Sugar冰糖Bīng tángGranulated sugar or light brown sugar50 g
Maltose麦芽糖Mài yá tángHoney or brown rice syrup45 ml

Quick Summary: A rich and complex marinade for classic Chinese BBQ pork, featuring fermented tofu, Chu Hou paste, and maltose for a signature sweet and savory flavor.
Source:

>> servings: 2
In a #saucepan{}, combine @Lushui{180%ml}, @Chu Hou paste{45%ml}, @Red fermented tofu{15%ml} (mash the tofu blocks slightly), @sand ginger powder{2.5%ml}, @red yeast rice powder{1.25%ml}, and @rock sugar{50%g}.
 
Simmer gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the rock sugar is completely dissolved and the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
 
Remove from the heat and immediately stir in the @maltose{45%ml} until perfectly smooth.
 
Allow the marinade to cool completely before using. Store any excess in a #sealed glass jar{}.

💡 Notes & Tweaks