Bak Kwa
Indulge in the irresistible sweet and savory flavors of homemade *Bak Kwa*, a traditional Chinese-style barbecued pork jerky that's a staple during festive occasions like Lunar New Year. This recipe combines ground pork with a rich marinade of light and dark soy sauces, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, and aromatic five-spice powder, all sweetened with honey for a perfect balance of flavors. The red food coloring lends the meat its signature vibrant hue, while a quick caramelization step in the oven delivers a glossy, slightly charred finish. With its smoky, umami-packed taste and chewy texture, *Bak Kwa* makes an excellent snack or a thoughtful edible gift. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this homemade version that rivals the best store-bought options! Keywords: Bak Kwa recipe, Chinese pork jerky, Lunar New Year snacks, sweet and savory meat, homemade Bak Kwa.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams ground pork
- 110 grams sugar
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon five spice powder
- 0.5 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 drop red food coloring
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, sugar, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, Shaoxing wine, dark soy sauce, five spice powder, white pepper, honey, and red food coloring.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly with your hands or a spatula until the mixture becomes a sticky paste. This ensures that the sugar dissolves and the flavors are evenly distributed.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Spread the pork mixture evenly onto the prepared tray, creating a thin layer approximately 3mm (1/8 inch) thick. Use a spatula or your hands, applying a bit of water to prevent sticking, to smooth it out.
Bake the pork in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the mixture is firm and changes color.
Remove the tray from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 230°C (450°F).
Using a pair of kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, cut the cooked pork into rectangular pieces, each about 8 cm by 6 cm (3 inches by 2.5 inches).
Lay the pieces on a wire rack over the baking tray and return to the oven.
Grill (broil) each side for about 5 minutes until they achieve a deep caramelized color, with slightly charred edges, flipping halfway through grilling.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on the wire rack.
Bak Kwa is ready to be enjoyed as a delicious snack or gift!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
474 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 25.6 g | 33% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.8 g | 44% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 89 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 799 mg | 35% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 37.6 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.2 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 36.3 g | ||
| Protein | 22.7 g | 45% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 21 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 1.1 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 349 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
