How Many Calories in a Vegetable Stir Fry?
Vegetable stir fry is a healthy, nutritious and delicious meal choice which is packed with key vitamins and minerals. But, how many calories does a vegetable stir fry contain?
Calorie Content in a Typical Vegetable Stir Fry
A typical vegetable stir fry, combined with a little oil, will typically provide around 250-400 calories. The exact number of calories a particular stir fry contains will depend largely on the ingredients used, and the portion size.
The Key Ingredients of a Vegetable Stir Fry
A vegetable stir fry typically includes the following ingredients:
- Oil – The oil is typically used to fry the vegetables and also adds flavour to the dish.
- Vegetables – A variety of colourful vegetables, including cabbage, carrots, broccoli, peppers and mushrooms, are typically added to create texture and flavour.
- Garlic – Garlic is often added to provide a distinctive flavour and add to the health benefits of the dish.
- Ginger – Ginger adds warmth and depth to the dish, as well as complimenting the other flavourings.
Calorie Content of the Key Ingredients
- Oil – Oil is very calorific and is made up of almost entirely fat. One tablespoon of oil can provide up to 120 calories.
- Vegetables – Most vegetables are low in calories, with some, such as cabbage, providing just 20 calories per 1/4 cup serving.
- Garlic – Garlic is low in calories, providing just 4 calories per one clove.
- Ginger – Ginger is low in calories, providing just 6 calories per 2g of sliced ginger.
Conclusion
As you can see, a vegetable stir fry can provide between 250-400 calories, depending on the ingredients and portion size. To reduce the calorie content of the meal, consider using a lighter oil (e.g. olive), using smaller portions, and adding more nutritious, low-calorie vegetables.
