Healthy Low Calorie Chinese Food Recipes

Introduction

Chinese cuisine is one of the most popular and beloved cuisines in the world. It's packed with flavor and spices, making it an exciting and delicious option for people of all ages. But if you’re watching your weight or trying to stick to a healthy diet, Chinese food can be a challenge. A single Chinese dish can contain hundreds of calories, which can really add up if you’re not careful. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to enjoy traditional Chinese dishes without the extra calories. Here are some healthy low calorie Chinese food recipes that can help you stick to your diet without sacrificing flavor.

Vegetable and Tofu Stir-Fry

This vegetable and tofu stir-fry is a classic Chinese dish that’s perfect for the health-conscious eater. It’s packed with colorful vegetables and plenty of protein from the tofu, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and seasonings. Start by marinating your tofu in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil for about 30 minutes. When it’s finished marinating, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and the tofu cubes and cook for about 5 minutes, until the tofu is lightly browned. Add your vegetables and stir-fry for about 10 minutes, until they are tender. Serve over a bed of brown or white rice.

Vegetarian Lo Mein

This vegetarian lo mein is a lighter version of classic Chinese lo mein. It’s packed with vegetables and flavor, and it’s a great way to get your daily dose of veggies. Start by boiling a package of lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. When the noodles are done, drain them and set aside. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Add your favorite vegetables and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, until they are tender. Add the cooked noodles and about a cup of vegetable broth and stir-fry for another 5 minutes, until the noodles are softened. Serve with soy sauce and sesame oil.

Vegetarian Egg Rolls

Egg rolls are a classic Chinese appetizer, but they’re usually deep-fried and loaded with calories. This vegetarian version is made with store-bought egg roll wrappers and filled with vegetables. Start by heating a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your favorite vegetables and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, until they are tender. Remove the vegetables from the heat and let cool. To assemble the egg rolls, lay out the egg roll wrappers and fill each one with a small handful of the stir-fried vegetables. Roll the egg roll up, wet the edges to seal, and place on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes, until the egg rolls are golden brown. Serve with sweet and sour sauce or hot mustard.

Vegetarian Dumplings

Dumplings are a delicious and versatile Chinese dish that can be filled with all sorts of vegetables, meats, and seafood. This vegetarian version is made with mushrooms, cabbage, and carrots for a flavorful and healthy appetizer. Start by heating a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, cabbage, and carrots and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Remove the vegetables from the heat and let cool. To assemble the dumplings, lay out a package of wonton wrappers and fill each one with a small handful of the stir-fried vegetables. Wet the edges of the wonton wrapper and fold it in half. Pinch the edges together to seal and place on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes, until the dumplings are golden brown. Serve with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Conclusion

Chinese food doesn’t have to be unhealthy. With a few simple substitutions and some creative recipes, you can enjoy all the flavor and excitement of Chinese cuisine without the extra calories. These healthy low calorie Chinese food recipes are a great place to start, and they’re sure to become favorites in your family. So grab your wok and get cooking!