Char Siu Chicken

This char siu chicken is moist and tender, with glossy sticky skin, flavorful meat, and a char siu glaze packed with umami. Learn to use this one secret ingredient to make the best tasting char siu sauce that is naturally red without food coloring.

Char siu chicken is a dish based on the popular char siu pork, or Cantonese barbecued pork. Today I want to introduce this chicken version, which offers a lighter and equally delectable alternative.

• 2 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs

• 2 pieces red fermented tofu (or 2 tablespoons soy sauce)
• 2 tablespoons liquid from fermented tofu (or 3/4 teaspoon salt)
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons grated ginger
• 2 teaspoons garlic , grated
• 1/2 teaspoon five spice powder
• 5 drops red food coloring (Optional, can be used if not using red fermented tofu)