Low Fat Beef Nilaga

Warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying, Low Fat Beef Nilaga is a healthier take on a beloved Filipino comfort food. This one-pot dish features tender lean beef shank simmered to perfection with vibrant vegetables like potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and green beans, all infused with the delicate flavors of onion, black peppercorns, and fish sauce. By trimming visible fat and using lean cuts of beef, this recipe maintains all the rich flavors of traditional nilaga while keeping it light and guilt-free. With minimal prep and a slow simmer that brings out unbeatable depth, this low-fat version is perfect for family dinners or cozy weeknight meals. Serve it piping hot with steamed rice for a wholesome, nutrient-packed meal that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to sacrifice flavor!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:100 mins

Total Time:120 mins

Servings: 6

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

Directions

Step 1

Cut the lean beef into serving-sized pieces. To reduce fat, choose lean cuts like beef shank or chuck and trim off visible fat.

Step 2

In a large pot, combine the beef and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.

Step 3

Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer. Skim off any scum that rises to the top for a clearer broth.

Step 4

Add the quartered onion, whole black peppercorns, and salt to the pot.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Add the potatoes and carrots to the pot. Cook for about 15 minutes or until they begin to soften.

Step 7

Add the cabbage and green beans, then simmer for another 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked but not too soft.

Step 8

Stir in the fish sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. This can depend on personal preference and the saltiness of the fish sauce.

Step 9

Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped spring onions before serving.

Step 10

Serve hot, ideally with steamed rice, for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3795.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2447.6

Total Fat 101.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 40.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 750mg	0%
Sodium 8232.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 124.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.7g	0%
Total Sugars 22.1g
Protein 278.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 481.5mg	0%
Iron 34.1mg	0%
Potassium 6649.2mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.3%

Protein: 44.1%

Carbs: 19.7%