Just like your favorite takeout joint, this Chinese BBQ beef has a juicy inside with a sweet, caramelized crust on the outside! Full of flavor and easy to make in the oven or on the grill, it will remind you of your favorite Char Siu. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or a cozy night in, this dish brings the essence of Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold flavors: The combination of hoisin sauce and garlic creates a rich taste that elevates the beef.
• Easy preparation: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile cooking options: Enjoy it baked in the oven or grilled for that smoky flavor.
• Perfectly balanced sweetness: The sugar crust adds a delightful sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory meat.
• Great for meal prep: Marinate ahead of time and have an easy dinner ready to cook when you are.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: A large baking sheet allows the beef to cook evenly while catching any drippings.
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil: These materials make cleanup easy by preventing sticking and burning on the baking sheet.

this recipe

Ingredients

For the Beef Marinade

• 2 lb boneless beef shoulder or butt
• 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For Garnish

• 3 green onions (sliced)

How to Make Chinese BBQ beef

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Cut the beef into cubed pieces (about 1 inch by 1 inch). This helps it cook faster and absorb more marinade.
2. Set aside the cubed beef.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and black pepper.
2. Add the cubed beef to the marinade and toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
3. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and marinate for at least 8 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Line a large 9×13 baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 4: Bake the Beef

1. Spread the marinated meat and sauce onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
2. Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the top of the meat to create a crust while baking.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes until an internal temperature of 145°F is reached.

Step 5: Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional)

1. If you prefer crispy edges, switch your oven to broil after baking.
2. Broil each side of the beef for about 3-4 minutes until charred but not burned.

Step 6: Serve It Up

1. Garnish your Chinese BBQ beef with sliced green onions.
2. Serve warm with sticky rice for a complete meal experience!

How to Serve Chinese BBQ beef

Chinese BBQ beef is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. It pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.

With Sticky Rice

• Sticky rice complements the sweet, savory flavors of the beef. It acts as a perfect base to soak up the delicious sauce.

As a Stir-Fry

• Slice the cooked beef thinly and toss it into a stir-fry with colorful vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli for an added crunch.

In a Wrap

• Use soft tortillas or lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with juicy Chinese BBQ beef, topped with fresh veggies for extra freshness.

Served Cold in Salad

• Leftover Chinese BBQ beef can be sliced thinly and served cold over a bed of mixed greens, drizzled with sesame dressing for a refreshing salad.

On Noodles

• Serve the beef over steamed noodles or rice noodles, drizzled with additional hoisin sauce for an extra flavor boost.

How to Perfect Chinese BBQ beef

To achieve the best results when making Chinese BBQ beef, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Quality Meat: Selecting tender cuts like boneless beef shoulder or butt will ensure your dish is juicy and flavorful.

• Marinate Longer: Allowing the meat to marinate overnight enhances its flavor and tenderness significantly.

• Use Sugar Wisely: Sprinkling sugar on top before baking creates a beautiful caramelized crust that elevates the taste.

• Monitor Cooking Temperature: Using a meat thermometer helps ensure that your beef reaches 145°F without overcooking.

• Broil for Extra Crispiness: Finishing under the broiler adds that perfect charred texture, making each bite more enjoyable.

Best Side Dishes for Chinese BBQ beef

Pairing your Chinese BBQ beef with complementary side dishes completes your meal wonderfully. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fried Rice: A classic choice that brings together flavorful fried rice mixed with vegetables and eggs.

2. Steamed Bok Choy: Lightly seasoned steamed bok choy adds freshness and crunch to balance out the rich flavors of the beef.

3. Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables offer a delightful crunch alongside tender barbecue meat.

4. Cucumber Salad: A tangy cucumber salad refreshes the palate with its crispness and light dressing.

5. Asian Slaw: This crunchy slaw made from cabbage and carrots in a sesame dressing adds texture and brightness to your plate.

6. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides comfort and complements Asian flavors beautifully.

7. Sesame Green Beans: Stir-fried green beans tossed in sesame oil bring nutty flavors that pair well with the sweet notes of the beef.

8. Quinoa Salad: For a healthier option, try quinoa salad mixed with herbs and veggies for added nutrition and taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people encounter pitfalls when making Chinese BBQ beef. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

• Bold Marinade Timing: Marinating for too little time can lead to bland meat. Ensure you marinate for at least 8 hours, or overnight, for the best flavor infusion.
• Bold Incorrect Meat Cuts: Using the wrong cut of beef can affect tenderness. Stick to boneless beef shoulder or butt for optimal results.
• Bold Overlooking Sugar Application: Forgetting to sprinkle sugar on the meat can result in a lack of caramelization. Always add sugar before baking to achieve that sweet crust.
• Bold Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature may lead to uneven cooking. Preheat your oven properly to 375°F for an even cook.
• Bold Skipping the Broil Step: Not broiling at the end will miss out on added texture. Broil the meat for a few minutes after baking for a crispy finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Chinese BBQ beef in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best flavor and safety.

Freezing Chinese BBQ beef

• Place cooled beef in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Chinese BBQ beef

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place beef in a baking dish covered with foil, and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chinese BBQ beef?

Chinese BBQ beef refers to tender pieces of marinated beef cooked until caramelized and full of flavor. It’s similar to Char Siu but tailored for those avoiding pork.

How do I make Chinese BBQ beef at home?

To make Chinese BBQ beef, cube your chosen cut of beef, marinate it in flavorful sauces, bake or grill it, and enjoy with sticky rice.

Can I customize the marinade for Chinese BBQ beef?

Absolutely! You can adjust the sauce ingredients according to your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with spices or add more sweetness.

What sides pair well with Chinese BBQ beef?

Serve your Chinese BBQ beef with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or Asian slaw for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese BBQ beef recipe offers a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that everyone will love. It’s versatile enough to customize based on your preferences. Give it a try and discover how easily you can recreate this takeout favorite at home!

Print

Chinese BBQ Beef

---

• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the savory delight of homemade Chinese BBQ beef, a dish that beautifully combines bold flavors with a caramelized crust, reminiscent of your favorite takeout. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to casual gatherings. Using a simple marinade featuring hoisin sauce and garlic, this tender beef dish is sure to impress everyone at the dinner table. Whether baked or grilled, it provides a satisfying experience that captures the essence of Chinese cuisine right in your own kitchen.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lb boneless beef shoulder or butt
• 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 green onions (sliced)

---

Instructions

1. Cut the beef into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and black pepper.
3. Add the cubed beef to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Spread the marinated beef on the baking sheet and sprinkle sugar on top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
7. Optionally broil for an additional 3-4 minutes for extra crispiness.
8. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider marinating longer than 8 hours. Feel free to customize the marinade by adding your favorite spices or adjusting sweetness levels.