Shanghai Beef
Shanghai Beef is a popular Chinese stir-fry dish featuring tender slices of beef quickly cooked in a savory, slightly sweet brown sauce. It typically includes ingredients like beef, broccoli or other greens, ginger, garlic, and a sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sometimes a touch of sugar. This dish is a staple in Shanghainese cuisine and is widely enjoyed in Chinese restaurants around the world.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Shanghai Beef is a high-protein dish due to the beef, while the sauce and cooking method can add moderate fat and a small amount of carbohydrates. It provides key nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins from the meat, along with some fiber if served with vegetables. A typical serving (about 1 cup) may contain roughly 300-400 calories, depending on the cut of beef and sauce richness.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 18 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 950 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Potassium | 420 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.8 mcg |
| Zinc | 6.2 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8.1 mg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 38 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Shanghai Beef reflects the Shanghainese culinary preference for balancing savory and sweet flavors, often achieved with ingredients like rock sugar or Shaoxing wine. Nutritionally, the quick stir-fry method helps retain the beef's tenderness and nutritional value, making it a flavorful yet relatively wholesome choice when paired with plenty of vegetables.
