Bak Kwa

'Bak kwa' is the Chinese version of meat jerky with a combination of flavours from the five spice powder, soy sauce, oyster sauce and fermented tofu. It is usually grilled over a charcoal fire and is a very popular gift among friends and families during the Chinese New Year.

5 stars

Preparation 15 mins
Cooking 60 mins

Snack

Chinese BBQ Meat Jerky, 肉干, Bak Kua, Long Yoke Korn

Malaysian, Singaporean

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Nutrition per Serving

831 kcal
58 g
38 g
64 g


Bak kwa means dried meat in the Hokkien dialect. In Mandarin, it is known as ‘rou gan’. This meat jerky is made up of minced pork usually and a variety of ingredients that provides amazing aroma. Bak kwa strongly reminds me of Chinese New Year as during this time of the year, it is probably the most precious commodity and is rather expensive. The streets in Chinatown would be extremely smoky as various stalls go about with the preparation to cope with the demand. It has been increasingly popular to present these as gifts during the festive season despite the price increase over the years. Hence, why not give it a try making them instead? It would be more meaningful too.

Type of meat for bak kwa

The type of meat used is important when making bak kwa. Choosing meat which contains a good amount of fats would enhance the flavours during the cooking process. I prefer mincing the pork shoulder/butt. However, if minced meat is used, opt for those which has about 20% fat.

Smoky flavours

Additionally, the smoky taste of bak kwa is the key to its deliciousness. It is best prepared over a charcoal grill. If you do not have one, using an oven as shown in the video is also possible albeit the smoky aroma may not be present. However, this would not in any way lessen the deliciousness of the bak kwa.

Chicken or beef bak kwa

While bak kwa is known to be made with pork, beef or even chicken may certainly be used too. Simply replace pork with the meat of your choice. If you want to prepare chicken bak kwa, choose chicken thighs for more succulent meat.

Fermented red tofu

Fermented red tofu is meant to add colour and flavour to bak kwa. Some may find the taste too strong for their liking. Therefore, use only half of the recommended amount.

All about honey and its substitute

At the end of the cooking process, honey-water mixture is brushed on to the bak kwa for the final touch. Honey is recommended as it's easy to spread and for its natural sweetness. Just do choose the classic honey (e.g. Acacia or Clover) as other types of honey may have strong flavours.

Besides honey, you can use maltose.

How to store bak kwa?

Bak kwa is best consumed within 3 days for its freshness. It should not be kept for more than 7 days and must be stored in an airtight container before being refrigerated. Before consuming, either steam it for 10 minutes, microwave at very low heat for 2 minutes or pan fry over low heat for 5 minutes.

Can bak kwa be frozen?

Yes. Store them in an airtight container or in freezer bags with the air pressed out to avoid freezer burn. Before consuming, either steam it for 15 minutes, microwave at very low heat for 3 minutes or pan fry over high heat for about 4-5 minutes.


Ingredients

Servings:  
500 g
pork
1 tbsp
soy sauce
1 tbsp
fish sauce
1 tbsp
sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
1⁄4
salt
1⁄4
pepper
1⁄4
five spice powder
1 tbsp
rose wine
1 cube
red tofu (fermented)
1⁄2 tbsp
oyster sauce
80 g
sugar
1 1⁄2 tbsp
honey
1 tsp
water

Steps to Prepare

Bak Kwa Step 1

Step 1 of 4

    • 500 g pork
    • 1 tbsp soy sauce
    • 1 tbsp fish sauce
    • 1 tbsp sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
    • 1⁄4 salt
    • 1⁄4 pepper
    • 1⁄4 five spice powder
    • 1 tbsp rose wine
    • 1 cube red tofu (fermented)
    • 1⁄2 tbsp oyster sauce
    • 80 g sugar

Mix soy sauce, fish sauce, sweet soy sauce, salt, pepper, five spice powder, rose wine, red tofu, oyster sauce and sugar to minced meat. If you do not like the taste of fermented tofu, use 1/2 cube. It should have a sticky texture once it is thoroughly mixed.

Bak Kwa Step 2

Step 2 of 4

Flatten meat on a piece of baking paper with a rolling pin. Heat oven at 180 degrees Celsius and bake meat for 15 minutes.

Bak Kwa Step 3

Step 3 of 4

    • 1 1⁄2 tbsp honey
    • 1 tsp water

Remove juice extracted from the meat and turn it over. Bake for another 15 minutes. Transfer meat onto a new piece of baking paper. Brush the mixture of honey and hot water onto the surface of the meat. Place on a higher rack in the oven and bake for 5-10 minutes. Then, turn meat over to apply honey and water mixture. Bake for a further 5-10 minutes.

Bak Kwa Step 4

Step 4 of 4

Allow to cool and cut into desired size. Grilled bak kwa is best eaten within 3 days. It can be kept refrigerated for up to 7 days and should be heated in a pan, grilled or microwaved before consuming.

Published: February 8, 2015


8 Discussions

Terry McLaughlin
2 years ago

Terry McLaughlin

I tried making a test batch of bak kwa exactly following the recipe here but my rolling skills are non-existent and I ended up with some very ugly, uneven round things that were really charred at the edges. For the next attempt I've cut out a frame from stainless steel - it works well for shaping and even thickness, spreading the mix out with a wet spatula - and I have cut down on the sugar in the mixture from 80 to 60g. I also cooked it at a lower temperature to start with (down to 150) and done it for 20 minutes a side. I'm lucky enough to have a Weber BBQ for the final step, so I'll post photos once it's done.

Ting
2 years ago

Ting

Tried it - very tasty! Make sure the meat is about 3-4 mm thick

Pramesh Lowe
3 years ago

Pramesh Lowe

Just made this ans tastes amazing, may have not rolled it thin enough though.

Esther Thng
3 years ago

Esther Thng

Tried making bak kwa using this recipe and also added canned pineapple. Turns out to be extremely delicious.

Mira - Community Happiness Manager
3 years ago

Mira - Community Happiness Manager

Hi Esther! Thank you for your feedback :) Did you upload your food snap too? Canned pineapples sound like an interesting addition.

Mike Lee
3 years ago

Mike Lee

Worked on first try with fatty mince pork ! Red tofu was new to me but I'm a fan now. I placed the bak gwa on flat black baking tray because it was easier handle. Had to reduced flip time to 5min. Kept flipping till colour. Roll on Year of the Ox ! And thank you Grace for sharing.

Mira - Community Happiness Manager
3 years ago

Mira - Community Happiness Manager

Hi Mike, thank you for the wonderful feedback. Show us a photo if you have one! May the year of ox brings you great things.

Graeme chow
3 years ago

Graeme chow

I have not try out yet but the base can reduce the burns due to the black iron tray transfer more heat faster. If a white aluminium tray is use it will be less burns.

Graeme chow
3 years ago

Graeme chow

I am surprise to see this recipe. Thank you very much and I will try out.

Graeme chow
3 years ago

Graeme chow

It is almost same recipe I use for the roast pork so this recipe I just need to modify the method only.

Mira - Community Happiness Manager
3 years ago

Mira - Community Happiness Manager

Looking forward to seeing the final result!

Sharon
3 years ago

Sharon

Hi Grace, can I use chicken breast for chicken bak kwa? Please advise. Thanks!

Mira - Community Happiness Manager
3 years ago

Mira - Community Happiness Manager

Yes! Do follow the tips mentioned in the section "Type of meat for bak kwa". Fats will make the bak kwa juicy.

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