Waxgourd and Pork Rib Soup
Waxgourd and Pork Rib Soup is a classic, light, and savory Chinese soup, particularly popular in Cantonese cuisine. It typically features chunks of tender waxgourd (also known as winter melon) simmered with pork ribs, often with additions like ginger, red dates, or dried scallops for depth. The dish is cherished for its refreshing, clear broth and is commonly served as a nourishing summer meal.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This soup is generally moderate in calories and provides a good balance of protein from the pork ribs and carbohydrates from the waxgourd. It is a hydrating dish rich in essential nutrients like potassium and vitamin C, with a typical serving containing roughly 150-200 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 175 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbs | 8 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Phosphorus | 150 mg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 3 mg |
| Selenium | 12 µg |
| Zinc | 2 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.3 mg |
| Magnesium | 25 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this soup is considered a 'cooling' food in Traditional Chinese Medicine, making it a popular choice during hot weather to help balance the body's internal heat. Nutritionally, the waxgourd is exceptionally low in calories and high in water content, making the soup both satisfying and light.
