Chinese Char Siu Ribs
Chinese Char Siu Ribs are a beloved Cantonese dish featuring pork ribs marinated in a sweet, savory, and glossy 'char siu' sauce, then roasted or barbecued until caramelized. The marinade typically includes ingredients like hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey or maltose, five-spice powder, and sometimes fermented red bean curd for color and depth. This dish is a staple of Cantonese barbecue shops (siu mei) and is popular across Southern China and Hong Kong.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Char Siu Ribs are high in protein from the pork and contain a significant amount of fat, especially from the marbling and glaze, while carbohydrates come primarily from the sugary marinade and glaze. They provide key nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, but the calorie count is relatively high, often ranging from 300 to 500 calories per serving depending on the cut and portion size.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbs | 15 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Zinc | 5 mg |
| Potassium | 400 mg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.0 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8 mg |
| Selenium | 35 mcg |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, char siu ribs represent the art of Cantonese 'siu mei' (roasted meats), where the balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors is highly prized. Nutritionally, the use of maltose or honey in the glaze creates a distinctive glossy finish and helps lock in moisture, making the ribs tender while adding a unique caramelized flavor that sets them apart from other barbecue styles.
