Cola-Braised Short Ribs
Cola-Braised Short Ribs is a popular East Asian comfort dish, particularly in Chinese cuisine, where beef short ribs are slow-cooked in a mixture of cola and savory aromatics like soy sauce, ginger, and star anise. The cola acts as both a tenderizer and a glaze, creating a rich, sweet, and savory sauce that deeply flavors the meat. It's a beloved home-style dish known for its fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in both fat and protein, with the cola and sauces contributing significant carbohydrates and sugar. A typical serving provides a good amount of iron and B vitamins from the beef, but is also calorie-dense, likely ranging from 500-700 kcal per serving depending on the cut and sauce quantity.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 620 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbs | 25 g |
| Fat | 42 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Iron | 4.2 mg |
| Zinc | 8.5 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 3.8 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 12 mg |
| Potassium | 480 mg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
| Selenium | 28 mcg |
| Choline | 120 mg |
Per 1 cup (250 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The use of cola in braising is a modern, clever hack that combines the roles of sugar, tenderizer, and liquid in one ingredient, making it a popular 'secret weapon' in home kitchens. Nutritionally, while it adds empty calories, the slow cooking process helps break down tough connective tissues in the short ribs, making nutrients more bioavailable.
