Beef Spleen Soup

Beef Spleen Soup is a savory, iron-rich broth made from beef spleen, a traditional offal ingredient. It typically features the spleen simmered with aromatics like ginger, scallions, and sometimes medicinal herbs in a clear or slightly cloudy broth. This dish is a comforting staple in various Chinese regional cuisines, often valued for its purported health benefits.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This soup is exceptionally high in protein and very low in carbohydrates, with a moderate amount of fat depending on preparation. It is a powerhouse of essential nutrients, particularly iron, vitamin B12, and zinc, and a single serving typically contains around 150-200 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	180 kcal
Protein	25 g
Carbs	2 g
Fat	8 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	0.5 g
Sodium	450 mg
Iron	6.5 mg
Vitamin B12	18 µg
Zinc	4.2 mg
Selenium	32 µg
Phosphorus	280 mg
Copper	0.6 mg
Niacin (B3)	5.8 mg
Potassium	310 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, beef spleen soup is often consumed as a nourishing tonic, believed in traditional Chinese food therapy to support blood health and vitality. Nutritionally, its standout feature is its extremely high bioavailability of heme iron, making it one of the most effective dietary sources for combating iron deficiency.