Pomegranate Juice Braised Short Ribs
Pomegranate Juice Braised Short Ribs is a rich, savory-sweet dish where beef short ribs are slow-cooked in a reduction of pomegranate juice, aromatics, and warm spices until fork-tender. The pomegranate juice creates a glossy, deeply flavored sauce with a balance of tartness and sweetness, often featuring ingredients like onions, garlic, herbs, and sometimes a touch of cinnamon or star anise. This dish is a modern fusion creation, drawing inspiration from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavor profiles where pomegranate is a staple ingredient.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein and fat from the beef short ribs, with minimal carbohydrates unless additional sweeteners or thickeners are added. Key nutrients include iron, zinc, B vitamins from the beef, and antioxidants from the pomegranate juice. A typical serving (about 1 cup of meat and sauce) likely ranges from 400 to 600 calories, depending on the cut of meat and amount of sauce.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbs | 25 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Zinc | 8 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 3.5 mcg |
| Potassium | 750 mg |
| Phosphorus | 300 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.6 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 10 mg |
| Selenium | 25 mcg |
Per 1 serving (about 280 g, including meat and sauce) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, pomegranate has been used in cooking across the Middle East and Mediterranean for millennia, symbolizing abundance and flavor depth. Nutritionally, the combination of iron-rich beef with vitamin C and antioxidants from pomegranate may enhance nutrient absorption and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
