Hong Shao Rou

Hong Shao Rou, or Red Braised Pork Belly, is a classic Chinese dish originating from the Huaiyang cuisine tradition, though beloved across the country. It features succulent cubes of pork belly slowly braised in a rich, glossy sauce made from soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and aromatic spices like star anise and ginger. The dish is renowned for its melt-in-the-mouth texture and deep, savory-sweet flavor profile.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

As a pork belly-based dish, Hong Shao Rou is high in fat and protein, with a moderate amount of carbohydrates primarily from the sugar and soy sauce in the glaze. A typical serving (about 1 cup or 200g) provides a substantial calorie count, roughly in the range of 500-700 kcal, along with key nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, particularly B12.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	520 kcal
Protein	28 g
Carbs	12 g
Fat	42 g
Fiber	0.5 g
Sugar	8 g
Sodium	980 mg
Iron	3.5 mg
Zinc	5.2 mg
Vitamin B12	1.8 mcg
Niacin (B3)	6.5 mg
Selenium	28 mcg
Phosphorus	280 mg
Potassium	420 mg
Vitamin B6	0.5 mg

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

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, Hong Shao Rou is often considered a celebratory or comfort food, with its name 'Red Braised' symbolizing good fortune and prosperity in Chinese culture due to the auspicious red color from the caramelized sugar and soy sauce. Nutritionally, while rich, the slow-braising process can render out some fat, and the dish is traditionally paired with steamed rice or vegetables to balance the meal.