Bak Kwa

Sink your teeth into the smoky-sweet indulgence of Bak Kwa, a beloved Chinese-style pork jerky that's irresistibly juicy and caramelized. Crafted from a harmonious blend of ground pork, honey, and umami-rich seasonings like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and five spice powder, this homemade version delivers bold, Asian-inspired flavors with every bite. The secret lies in marinating the meat overnight for maximum flavor infusion, then oven-baking and grilling it to perfection to achieve its signature charred edges and glossy finish. Perfect as a savory snack or a festive gift, Bak Kwa combines the satisfying chew of jerky with a sticky-sweet glaze that will leave you craving more. Easily customizable and surprisingly simple to prepare, this recipe is an authentic taste of comfort and tradition.

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Bake the pork in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the mixture is firm and changes color.

Step 7

Remove the tray from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 230°C (450°F).

Step 8

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).

Step 9

Lay the pieces on a wire rack over the baking tray and return to the oven.

Step 10

Grill (broil) each side for about 5 minutes until they achieve a deep caramelized color, with slightly charred edges, flipping halfway through grilling.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on the wire rack.

Step 12

Bak Kwa is ready to be enjoyed as a delicious snack or gift!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	752.9 grams (752.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2099

Total Fat 104.50g	134%
Saturated Fat 38.50g	193%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 450mg	150%
Sodium 3288mg	143%
Total Carbohydrate 150.40g	55%
Dietary Fiber 0.90g	3%
Total Sugars 144.80g
Protein 131.50g	263%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 168mg	13%
Iron 6mg	31%
Potassium 163mg	3%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.5%

Protein: 25.4%

Carbs: 29.1%