Low Fat Beef Nilaga
Indulge in the comforting warmth of "Low Fat Beef Nilaga," a Filipino classic reimagined for the health-conscious cook. This nourishing beef soup combines lean cuts of shank or chuck with hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and green beans, all simmered to perfection in a savory, peppercorn-infused broth. By trimming excess fat and using fish sauce to enhance its umami depth, this recipe delivers all the flavor of traditional nilaga without the extra guilt. Ready in just under two hours, this one-pot meal is a wholesome, low-fat option for family dinners or cozy nights in. Pair it with steamed rice for the ultimate hearty and nutritious Filipino comfort food experience.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 kg Lean beef shank or chuck
- 8 cups Water
- 1 medium, quartered Onion
- 1 tablespoon Black peppercorns
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 2 medium, peeled and quartered Potatoes
- 2 medium, peeled and sliced into rounds Carrots
- 1 small, quartered Cabbage
- 150 grams, trimmed Green beans
- 2 tablespoons Fish sauce
- 2 stalks, chopped Spring onions
Instructions
Cut the lean beef into serving-sized pieces. To reduce fat, choose lean cuts like beef shank or chuck and trim off visible fat.
In a large pot, combine the beef and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer. Skim off any scum that rises to the top for a clearer broth.
Add the quartered onion, whole black peppercorns, and salt to the pot.
Simmer the beef for about 1.5 hours or until the beef is tender. This can be checked by piercing the beef with a fork.
Add the potatoes and carrots to the pot. Cook for about 15 minutes or until they begin to soften.
Add the cabbage and green beans, then simmer for another 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked but not too soft.
Stir in the fish sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. This can depend on personal preference and the saltiness of the fish sauce.
Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped spring onions before serving.
Serve hot, ideally with steamed rice, for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
397 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 15.5 g | 20% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.8 g | 29% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 142 mg | 47% | |
| Sodium | 1203 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.1 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.9 g | ||
| Protein | 49.1 g | 98% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 109 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 5.8 mg | 32% | |
| Potassium | 1010 mg | 21% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
