Char Siu Chicken Skewers

Char Siu, a staple of Cantonese cuisine, traditionally features pork marinated in a distinctive sweet and savory sauce, then roasted to perfection. However, an innovative twist on this classic dish has emerged with Char Siu Chicken Skewers, blending the rich flavors of Char Siu with the versatility of chicken.

Char Siu Chicken embody the essence of fusion cuisine, where culinary traditions meet modern tastes. The marinade is the star of the dish, composed of a harmonious blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, and also fermented red bean curd if you wish. This combination yields a depth of flavor that is both sweet and savory, with a hint of umami that tantalizes the taste buds.

The choice of chicken for this dish is significant. Chicken, particularly the thighs, offers a tender and juicy texture that absorbs the marinade well. The skewers are ideal for grilling, allowing the chicken to develop a slightly charred exterior that enhances its caramelized sweetness. This method also makes Char Siu Chicken Skewers a perfect choice for outdoor gatherings and barbecues.

The visual appeal of Char Siu Chicken Skewers is another draw. The marinade imparts a vibrant reddish hue to the chicken, making the skewers as visually enticing as they are delicious. When paired with fresh vegetables or a light salad, the dish presents a colorful and appetizing dish.

Serving Char Siu Chicken Skewers can be as versatile as the dish itself. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a main course, or even as part of a larger buffet. Their handheld nature makes them a convenient option for social gatherings, while their rich flavor ensures they stand out. I have served them as a canape, appertiser, side dish, snack.

In essence, Char Siu Chicken shows the adaptability of traditional recipes. By substituting chicken for pork, this dish maintains the beloved flavors of Char Siu. All the while offering a lighter, more versatile option. It’s a modern culinary creation that pays homage to its roots. Best of all, it brings a taste of Cantonese cuisine to a contemporary audience such a s ourselves. Whether enjoyed at a casual barbecue or a festive dinner, Char Siu Chicken Skewers are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Char Siu Chicken Skewers

Char Siu Chicken Skewers blend the rich, sweet, and savory flavors of traditional Cantonese Char Siu with the versatility of chicken, creating a visually appealing and delicious dish perfect for grilling and social gatherings. This modern twist on a classic recipe maintains its roots while offering a lighter and convenient option for various dining occasions.

4.91 from 33 votes

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Course: Appetizer, Canapes, Main Dish, Starter

Cuisine: Chinese

Keyword: Char Siu Chicken Skewers, Chicken, Vegetables

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 People

Calories: 138kcal

Equipment

• 6 Wooden Skewers

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Ingredients

 

MetricImperial

• 1 spray cooking oil
• 450 g chicken thighs breasts/cut into 24 small cubes
• 2 tsp Chinese five-spice heaped
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tsp soy sauce reduced-salt
• 2 tsp runny honey
• 2 large red peppers cut into 24
• 1 large yellow pepper cut into 12

Garnish:

• 1 large spring onion sliced
• 3 cm cucumber halved and sliced
• 1 tbsp pomegranate seeds optional

Instructions

• Soak the skewers in water for 10 minutes, so they don’t burn.
• Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas 4 and lightly oil a large baking tray.
  1 spray cooking oil
• Mix the chicken with the Chinese five-spice, sesame oil, soy sauce and honey, ensuring even coating.
  450 g chicken thighs, 2 tsp Chinese five-spice, 2 tsp sesame oil, 2 tsp soy sauce, 2 tsp runny honey
• Thread peppers and chicken alternately onto the skewers and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  2 large red peppers, 1 large yellow pepper
• Arrange on a serving platter and scatter with spring onion, cucumber and pomegranate.
  1 large spring onion, 3 cm cucumber, 1 tbsp pomegranate seeds

Notes

You could use turkey or pork – or any meaty fish – instead of chicken.
You could make this dish up to 24 hours in advance, and leave the chicken to marinade overnight.

Nutrition

Calories: 138kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 203mg | Potassium: 501mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1.842IU | Vitamin C: 129mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg