Cola-Braised Pork Belly

Cola-Braised Pork Belly is a popular Chinese home-style dish where tender chunks of pork belly are simmered in a savory-sweet sauce made with cola, soy sauce, and aromatics. It originates from modern Chinese kitchens, blending traditional braising techniques with a contemporary, unexpected ingredient. The result is a glossy, deeply flavorful dish with a rich, caramelized sauce.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is high in fat and calories due to the pork belly, but it also provides a good amount of protein. A typical serving (about 1 cup) can range from 500-700 calories, with the cola adding a significant amount of carbohydrates and sugar to the sauce.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	680 kcal
Protein	18 g
Carbs	25 g
Fat	58 g
Fiber	0.5 g
Sugar	22 g
Sodium	950 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Phosphorus	180 mg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	0.4 mg
Vitamin B6	0.3 mg
Vitamin B12	1.5 mcg
Iron	2.5 mg
Zinc	3.0 mg
Selenium	20 mcg

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

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it's a fascinating example of modern Chinese culinary innovation, using a global soft drink to achieve a complex sweet-savory glaze similar to traditional rock sugar braises. Nutritionally, while it's an indulgent treat, the slow-cooking process can render out some fat, and the cola's acidity helps tenderize the meat.