How to Reheat Chinese BBQ Pork and Keep It Moist and Tender

Chinese BBQ pork, known as char siu, is a flavorful roasted pork dish glazed with a sweet and savory sauce Juicy, fork-tender pieces of pork are bathed in a sticky caramelized sauce with aromas of honey, hoisin, spices, and soy. It’s a beloved item on takeout menus and at dim sum

Like many sauced meats though, Chinese BBQ pork can dry out when you reheat it The sauce absorbs into the meat, leaving nothing on the exterior But with the right reheating method, you can revive those leftovers to be just as moist, tender, and flavorful as when you brought them home.

In this article, I’ll explain the best techniques for reheating char siu to avoid drying it out. With these simple steps you can enjoy takeout BBQ pork even days later.

Why Chinese BBQ Pork Dries Out When Reheated

To understand how to reheat char siu correctly, you first need to know why it often dries out and gets tough. There are two main reasons:

• Moisture loss – Pork dries out quickly when reheated. The natural juices inside dissipate, especially when exposed to direct heat.

• Sauce absorption – Much of the sauce clinging to the exterior of the meat gets absorbed into the pork as it reheats. This leaves the surface dry and unglazed.

Preventing moisture loss and keeping the sauce coating intact are keys for reheating Chinese BBQ pork well. With the right gentle reheating methods, you can revive those leftovers.

Tips for Reheating BBQ Pork to Keep it Moist

Here are tips to retain moisture and prevent dryness when reheating char siu:

• Use indirect heat like steaming, not direct heat.

• Reheat thoroughly just until hot, not beyond.

• Add a splash of water or broth to create steam.

• Keep it covered to circulate steam and heat.

• Slice against the grain to maximize tenderness.

• Let it rest for 5-10 minutes after reheating.

It only takes a little care to reheat Chinese BBQ pork properly. Applying indirect heat and moisture allows you to bring leftovers back to juicy perfection.

Best Ways to Reheat Char Siu

Use these simple but effective reheating methods to revive those leftovers and make Chinese BBQ pork moist and saucy again:

Stovetop Steaming

Place pork in a pan or dish with a bit of water or broth. Cover and steam over medium heat on the stovetop until heated through, about 8-10 minutes. The steam keeps it tender and moist.

Microwave Steaming

Put pork in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water, cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on Medium 2-3 minutes until hot. The water creates steam to rehydrate it.

Hot Water Bath

Put BBQ pork in a zip-top bag and seal, removing excess air. Submerge the bag in a pot of simmering hot (not boiling) water until heated through, 10-15 minutes.

Low Oven

Put pork in a baking dish with a little water, cover with foil. Heat at 275°F oven for 15-20 minutes until hot. The low gentle heat prevents drying out.

Slow Cooker

Place pork in a slow cooker, add 1⁄4 cup water. Cover and heat on Low 2-3 hours, until heated through and saucy. The slow even heat and steam keeps it tender.

What to Avoid When Reheating Char Siu

On the flip side, these reheating methods can easily dry out and toughen Chinese BBQ pork, so avoid:

• Microwaving without steam – leads to moisture loss.

• High, direct heat – dries the pork out quickly.

• Broiling or grilling – excess heat makes it tough.

• Pan frying or sautéing – the high heat from oil can overcook it.

• Reheating without sauce – leads to a dry, flavorless pork.

Stick to gentle steaming and indirect heat to rehydrate Leftover char siu and make it succulent and saucy again.

Serving Reheated Chinese BBQ Pork

Once you’ve revived leftover char siu to be moist and delicious, here are some tasty ways to serve and enjoy it:

• Stuff into steamed buns to make char siu bao.

• Toss with noodles or rice.

• Layer on pizza.

• Chop and add to fried rice or congee.

• Dice up for salads and wraps.

• Pile into omelets, egg rolls, or wontons.

• Slice for sandwiches or burgers.

• Cube up for kabobs or skewers.

Get creative with your leftover BBQ pork! The tender, saucy reheated meat is endlessly versatile.

Storing Leftover Chinese BBQ Pork

When you get takeout char siu, promptly refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. Properly stored, they will keep 3-4 days in the fridge.

For longer storage, freezer char siu for 1-2 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Avoid freezing more than once, as multiple thaws degrade texture. For best results, reheat refrigerated BBQ pork within a few days.

Bring Back the Juicy Flavor

It’s easy to rejuvenate leftover Chinese BBQ pork to be deliciously moist and saucy again. With the right gentle reheating methods, from steaming to slow cooking, you can revive takeout char siu even days later. Follow these simple tips for enjoying the full finger-licking flavor. Soon you’ll look forward to savoring those saucy pork leftovers for round two!