What Are Some Low Calorie Chinese Foods?

Introduction

When it comes to Chinese food, most people think of dishes loaded with heavy sauces, greasy meats and fried ingredients. But did you know that there are some Chinese dishes that are actually quite healthy? Chinese cuisine is incredibly diverse and incorporates many healthy ingredients like vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. With some modifications to traditional recipes, you can make some delicious and low calorie Chinese dishes that are both nutritious and satisfying.

Steamed Fish

Fish is a great source of lean protein and is also incredibly low in calories. The Chinese way of steaming a fish is a great way to cook it while retaining all the nutritional benefits. For a flavorful, low calorie fish dish, try steaming a white fish like cod or tilapia with a mix of garlic, ginger, scallions and cilantro. Serve it with a lightly dressed side of stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.

Stir-Fried Veggies

Vegetable dishes are a staple of Chinese cuisine, but they can be high in calories if they are cooked with too much oil or are served with a heavy sauce. To make a low calorie vegetable dish, try stir-frying vegetables like cauliflower, snow peas, mushrooms and bok choy in a small amount of oil. Add garlic and ginger for flavor and sprinkle with a bit of soy sauce or hoisin sauce for a bit of flavor. Serve it with some steamed brown rice or quinoa.

Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and sour soup is a classic Chinese dish, but it is usually loaded with oil and calories. To make a healthier version, try using a broth-based soup with a bit of added oil. Add some vegetables like mushrooms, carrots and bok choy for added nutrition and flavor. Instead of using pork, add in some tofu or tempeh for a protein boost. You can also use low sodium soy sauce to keep the sodium content low.

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao chicken is a popular Chinese dish that is usually made with deep-fried chicken and a heavy sauce. To make a lighter version of this dish, try using boneless, skinless chicken breasts that have been cut into small pieces. Stir-fry the chicken with some diced vegetables like bell peppers, onions and carrots and a small amount of oil. Then add in some garlic, ginger, chili pepper and a bit of low-sodium soy sauce. Serve it over a bed of steamed brown rice.

Conclusion

Chinese food doesn't have to be unhealthy. With some simple modifications to traditional recipes, you can make some delicious and low calorie Chinese dishes that are both nutritious and satisfying. Try some of these ideas to make your Chinese food meal healthier. Enjoy!