Beef and Dark Leafy Greens
Beef and Dark Leafy Greens is a savory, quick-cooked stir-fry or sauté dish featuring tender slices of beef paired with nutrient-dense greens like spinach or kale. It's a staple in many home kitchens, particularly in Chinese and American Southern cuisines, where the goal is a balanced, flavorful meal that comes together in minutes.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a protein and micronutrient powerhouse, being high in protein from the beef and rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and fiber from the greens, while being relatively low in carbohydrates. A typical serving generally falls in the 300-400 calorie range, depending on the cut of beef and amount of oil used.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbs | 8 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Vitamin A | 600 µg |
| Vitamin K | 250 µg |
| Vitamin C | 30 mg |
| Folate | 150 µg |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Magnesium | 50 mg |
| Zinc | 5 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this dish represents the universal principle of pairing a hearty protein with foraged or garden greens for a complete meal. Nutritionally, the vitamin C in the greens can help enhance the absorption of the iron from the beef, making it a particularly efficient combination.
