Sesame Chicken Vs. General Tso: Which is the Healthier Choice?

If you're in a Chinese restaurant and you're looking for a healthier option for dinner, you may find yourself torn between two popular dishes: sesame chicken and General Tso. Both are delicious, but which one is the healthier choice? Let's take a look.

Nutrition in Sesame Chicken

Sesame chicken is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. It typically consists of chicken pieces that have been deep-fried and then coated in a sweet and savory sauce that is made with sesame oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and other ingredients. Calories in sesame chicken can vary depending on how it is prepared, but a standard serving of sesame chicken can contain anywhere from 400 to 500 calories. It is also relatively high in fat, with about 15 to 20 grams per serving, and it is high in sodium, with about 700 to 800 milligrams.

Nutrition in General Tso

General Tso is another popular Chinese dish. It is typically made with deep-fried chicken pieces that are coated in a sweet and spicy sauce that is made with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and other ingredients. Calories in General Tso can vary depending on how it is prepared, but a standard serving can contain anywhere from 500 to 600 calories. It is also relatively high in fat, with about 15 to 20 grams per serving, and it is high in sodium, with about 700 to 800 milligrams.

Which is the Healthier Choice?

When it comes to calories, fat, and sodium, sesame chicken and General Tso are fairly similar. However, there is one major difference: sesame chicken typically contains more sugar than General Tso. This is because sesame chicken is typically made with a sweeter sauce than General Tso. So if you're looking for a healthier option, General Tso may be the better choice.

What About the Other Nutrients?

When it comes to other nutrients, both dishes are fairly low in vitamins and minerals. However, sesame chicken does contain some iron and calcium, while General Tso does not. So if you're looking for a dish that is high in vitamins and minerals, sesame chicken may be the better choice.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between sesame chicken and General Tso, it really depends on what your dietary needs are. If you're looking for a healthier option, General Tso may be the better choice as it is lower in sugar and calories. However, if you're looking for a dish that is higher in vitamins and minerals, sesame chicken may be the better option.