Chinese Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs
Chinese Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs is a classic dish from Chinese cuisine, particularly popular in Cantonese and Shanghainese cooking. It features pork spare ribs cooked in a glossy, tangy-sweet sauce typically made with vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and sometimes ketchup or fruit juice. The dish is known for its vibrant red color and balanced flavor profile.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is relatively high in fat and protein due to the pork ribs, with moderate carbohydrates from the sugar and sauce. A typical serving (about 200-250g) provides around 400-500 calories, along with iron, zinc, and B vitamins from the meat.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 30 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Phosphorus | 200 mg |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.4 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.3 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 6 mg |
| Zinc | 3 mg |
| Selenium | 20 mcg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The sweet and sour flavor combination is a hallmark of Chinese culinary philosophy, representing the balance of yin and yang. Nutritionally, the vinegar in the sauce may aid in digestion and mineral absorption from the meat.
