Stir-fried Salt and Pepper Soybeans
Stir-fried Salt and Pepper Soybeans is a popular Chinese snack or appetizer, typically made from mature soybeans that are deep-fried or dry-roasted until crispy, then tossed with a savory blend of salt, white pepper, and often five-spice powder. It's a classic street food and bar snack found throughout China, especially in regions like Sichuan and Hunan.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a good source of plant-based protein and healthy fats from the soybeans, with a moderate amount of carbohydrates. A typical 100-gram serving provides around 400-450 calories, along with fiber, iron, and calcium.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbs | 15 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 580 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Magnesium | 80 mg |
| Phosphorus | 260 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Folate | 180 µg |
| Vitamin K | 15 µg |
| Manganese | 1.2 mg |
Per 1 cup (150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a beloved 'xiaochi' (small eat) that embodies the Chinese culinary principle of creating bold, satisfying flavors from simple ingredients. Nutritionally, it's a rare example of a crispy, savory snack that delivers substantial plant protein and isoflavones, making it a more nutrient-dense alternative to many fried snacks.
