Spare ribs
Spare ribs (排骨, páigǔ) are a classic Cantonese dim sum dish where small, meaty pork ribs are marinated and steamed to tender perfection. The dish typically features pork spare ribs, black beans, garlic, chili, and sometimes a touch of rice wine or soy sauce. Originating from Guangdong province, it's a staple in yum cha (morning tea) restaurants across southern China and Hong Kong.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein and fat, with minimal carbohydrates, providing essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins. A typical serving of about 4-5 ribs contains roughly 300-400 calories, depending on the cut and preparation.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbs | 15 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Zinc | 4.0 mg |
| Phosphorus | 220 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.5 µg |
| Niacin (B3) | 6.0 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.4 mg |
| Selenium | 20 µg |
| Cholesterol | 90 mg |
Per 1 serving (about 200 g, including sauce and bones) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, spare ribs embody the Cantonese principle of 'steaming to preserve natural flavors,' a technique that highlights the ingredient's freshness. Nutritionally, the slow steaming process helps retain more nutrients compared to frying, making it a relatively healthier option in the dim sum spread.
