🍽️ Apricot Beef With Sesame Noodles 🥢
History:
Apricot Beef With Sesame Noodles is a delightful fusion dish that combines the savory flavors of beef with the sweetness of apricot sauce, served alongside sesame noodles. While not a traditional dish from any specific cuisine, it showcases the versatility of combining different ingredients to create a harmonious and delicious meal.
Components:
- Thinly sliced beef (such as flank steak)
- Apricot preserves or apricot jam
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- Noodles (typically, egg noodles or udon noodles work well)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas, for added texture and color)
Steps to Prepare:
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Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and a touch of sesame oil. Add the thinly sliced beef to this mixture and let it marinate for at least 15-30 minutes, or longer if you have time.
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Prepare the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, combine apricot preserves or jam with a bit of soy sauce to taste. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spiciness if desired.
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Cook the Noodles:
- Boil the noodles according to the package instructions until they are tender but still slightly firm. Drain and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss them with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.
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Stir-Fry the Beef:
- Heat a wok or a large skillet over high heat. Add a bit of oil and stir-fry the marinated beef until it’s cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
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Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same pan, add more oil if needed, and stir-fry your choice of vegetables until they are tender-crisp. Common choices include bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas.
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Combine and Sauce:
- Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the apricot sauce over the beef and veggies. Stir to coat everything evenly and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to heat through.
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Serve:
- Plate the sesame noodles and top them with the apricot beef and vegetable stir-fry. Garnish with sesame seeds for a delightful crunch.
Time Needed:
The time required to prepare Apricot Beef With Sesame Noodles depends on your cooking experience and the specific ingredients you choose. On average, it takes about 30-45 minutes from start to finish, including marinating time for the beef. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want something both delicious and visually appealing. Enjoy! 🍲🍽️👨🍳
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apricot Beef With Sesame Noodles:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 450-550 kcal
- Protein: 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 3-5 grams
- Sugars: 15-20 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3-5 grams
- Cholesterol: 30-40 mg
- Sodium: 800-1000 mg (varies with soy sauce usage)
- Vitamin C: 20-30% of Daily Value (DV)
- Iron: 15-20% DV
- Calcium: 2-4% DV
Health Information:
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Protein: The beef in this dish provides a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
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Carbohydrates: The noodles contribute to the carbohydrate content, providing energy for daily activities.
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Fiber: While not exceptionally high, the dish contains some dietary fiber from vegetables and noodles, which aids in digestion and can help keep you feeling full.
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Sugars: The apricot preserves or jam add sweetness to the dish. While it’s a source of natural sugars, be mindful of added sugars in the preserves or jam you choose.
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Fat: The dish contains some fat, mainly from the beef and sesame oil. Sesame oil is a source of healthy fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
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Saturated Fat: Keep an eye on the saturated fat content. To make the dish healthier, you can choose leaner cuts of beef and use less oil.
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Sodium: The sodium content can vary based on the soy sauce and other seasonings you use. High sodium intake can be a concern for some individuals, so you can opt for reduced-sodium soy sauce or adjust the amount used.
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Vitamins: This dish provides a moderate amount of vitamin C, which is important for immune support and skin health.
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Minerals: It also contains some iron, essential for oxygen transport in the body, and a small amount of calcium.
Remember that the exact nutritional values can vary based on portion size, specific ingredients, and preparation methods. Adjusting ingredients and portion sizes can help make this dish fit into a balanced diet. Enjoy your meal while keeping your nutritional goals in mind! 🍽️🥦🥩
