Shark Fin Soup
Shark fin soup is a traditional Chinese delicacy, often served at banquets and special occasions. The dish features a broth made from chicken, pork, and ham, thickened with cornstarch, with the key ingredient being the gelatinous, shredded fin of a shark. It is known for its subtle, savory flavor and unique, slightly crunchy texture of the fin itself.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
The soup is primarily a source of protein and collagen from the fin and broth, with a moderate amount of fat from the meat and oils used. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and provides minerals like calcium and phosphorus, with a typical serving containing approximately 150-250 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbs | 8 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
| Calcium | 60 mg |
| Phosphorus | 150 mg |
| Potassium | 200 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.8 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 3 mg |
| Selenium | 15 mcg |
| Zinc | 2 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, the dish has been a symbol of wealth, status, and hospitality in Chinese cuisine for centuries. Nutritionally, the shark fin itself is prized not for a strong flavor, but for its unique texture and the gelatin it adds to the broth.
