Chinese Braised Beef Ribs
Chinese Braised Beef Ribs is a classic, comforting dish where beef short ribs are slow-cooked until tender in a rich, savory-sweet sauce. The key ingredients typically include beef ribs, soy sauce, rock sugar, Shaoxing wine, and a blend of aromatic spices like star anise and ginger. This style of braising is a beloved home-cooking technique found throughout China, with popular regional variations.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein and fat from the beef, with minimal carbohydrates unless a significant amount of sugar is used in the braising liquid. It provides key nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins. A typical serving can range from 400 to 600 calories, depending on the cut of meat and sauce richness.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 12 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Iron | 4.2 mg |
| Zinc | 6.5 mg |
| Potassium | 480 mg |
| Phosphorus | 220 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 3.0 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 7.5 mg |
| Selenium | 25 mcg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.5 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this dish exemplifies the Chinese culinary principle of 'red cooking' (hóng shāo), where soy sauce and sugar create a deep, glossy, mahogany-colored glaze that symbolizes prosperity. Nutritionally, the slow braising process helps break down tough connective tissues in the ribs, making the protein more digestible while rendering some of the fat.
