This week’s nutrition for fertility recipe is a warming bowl of beef cabbage stir-fry with peanut sauce, perfect for our transition into the fall season. In Chinese medicine, cabbage is a food with incredible healing power, in that it benefits the body as a whole while building the blood.
Lean beef is a wonderful addition to any meal whether it be for fertility, pregnancy or postpartum health. One of the most important vitamins for fertility that can be found in lean beef is vitamin B6, which plays a part in the regulation of hormonal activity. Lean beef is also an abundant source of protein which is important during pregnancy for the growth of skin, muscles, ligaments and tendons of babies. Protein is also fundamental for supporting the neurotransmitters in the brain. It is especially important to eat lean beef after two weeks postpartum because the body absorbs more iron from lean beef than from other plant or animal sources.
Cabbage is considered a nutrient dense food due to its high amounts of calcium, vitamin C and potassium. Cabbage also plays a key role in supporting fertility through a phytonutrient called Di-Indole Methane (DIM). DIM supports the estrogen metabolism, helps to prevent fibroids, and has been shown to reduce the chances of developing endometriosis. Cabbage is high in fiber which promotes digestion and has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties which helps to lower internal heat, clear phlegm, and detoxify. Not only does cabbage lower blood pressure which helps prevent heart diseases, it is also known to aid in cancer prevention and for helping to treat skin disorders.
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 2-4
List of Ingredients
- 1 lb. antibiotic free, grass fed, lean sirloin steak (trimmed and thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup organic smooth peanut butter
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 3 tablespoons Braggs Liquid Aminos™
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 4 teaspoons grape seed oil (divided)
- 2-5 tablespoons filtered water
- 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 small head organic savoy cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 2 medium carrots (grated)
- 1/4 cup chopped, unsalted roasted peanuts (optional)
- Wild rice (washed and cooked)
Steps
- Whisk together peanut butter, orange juice, Liquid Aminos™, vinegar and brown sugar in a bowl until smooth.
- Heat 2 tsp. grape seed oil in a large skillet over medium to high heat.
- Add garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add steak and continue to cook while stirring until the steak is browned and barely pink in the middle, between 2-4 minutes. Transfer steak to a bowl.
- Reduce heat to medium and stir in remaining 2 tsp. of grape seed oil.
- Add cabbage and 2 tbsp. of water. Cook while stirring until cabbage begins to wilt, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add carrots and more water if necessary to prevent sticking or burning, cook while stirring until the carrots are tender, about 3 minutes.
- Add steak and any accumulated juices, put in the peanut sauce and toss to combine. Sprinkle with peanuts and serve with wild rice.
