Motsu
Motsu, also known as motsunabe, is a hearty Japanese hot pot dish featuring simmered beef or pork offal (typically intestines and tripe) in a savory broth. It's a popular winter comfort food, especially in the Fukuoka region of Kyushu, often cooked with vegetables like cabbage, chives, and garlic chives, and flavored with soy sauce or miso.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Motsu is a high-protein, high-fat dish with minimal carbohydrates, providing a substantial amount of energy. A typical serving is rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins, particularly B12, but can be high in sodium and cholesterol, with a calorie range of approximately 300-400 kcal per serving.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbs | 8 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Zinc | 6.0 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 12.0 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8.0 mg |
| Phosphorus | 200 mg |
| Selenium | 25 mcg |
| Collagen | Significant amount |
Per 1 cup (250 g) of cooked motsu with broth and vegetables · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, motsu is a beloved 'nose-to-tail' dish that showcases the Japanese philosophy of using all parts of the animal, and it's often enjoyed as a social, communal meal. Nutritionally, it's a dense source of heme iron and collagen, which are prized for their potential health benefits.
