Japanese Chashu

Japanese Chashu is a savory, tender pork dish most commonly served as a topping in ramen. It's typically made from pork belly or shoulder that's rolled, braised, or slow-cooked in a sweet and savory mixture of soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. The dish originates from Japan, where it has been adapted from Chinese-style roasted pork.

🍳 View the full Japanese Chashu recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Chashu is high in fat and protein, providing a rich source of energy and essential amino acids. A typical serving (about 3-4 slices) contains roughly 250-350 calories, with significant amounts of iron and B vitamins from the pork.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	250 kcal
Protein	18 g
Carbs	10 g
Fat	15 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	8 g
Sodium	650 mg
Iron	1.5 mg
Zinc	3 mg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)	0.5 mg
Vitamin B6	0.3 mg
Vitamin B12	0.8 mcg
Niacin (B3)	5 mg
Potassium	250 mg
Phosphorus	180 mg

Per 3 slices (120 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The name 'Chashu' is derived from the Chinese term for roasted pork, but the Japanese version is uniquely braised or simmered, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Nutritionally, while it's a fatty cut, the slow cooking process renders much of the fat, making it more tender and flavorful without being overly greasy.