5 Healthy Chinese Food Options That Aren’t Boring Steamed Broccoli (2024)

RELATED

An Americanized Chinese takeout version of a traditional Cantonese dish, moo goo gai pan consists of button mushrooms (moo goo), stir-fried chicken slices (gai pan) and other veggies like bok choy, snow peas, water chestnuts and bamboo shoots cooked in a light sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil and chicken broth. “Many Americanized Chinese dishes are filled with syrupy, sugary sauces that can cause blood sugar to go through the roof,” Boyd explains. “This option is a sure bet you will get your protein and fiber-rich vegetables without that dreaded insulin spike.”

• Estimated Calories: about 300 calories
• Estimated Fat and Protein: about 19g fat and 15g protein

Shrimp is already low-cal to begin with, so it’s a good starting point for this takeout classic. The beef version often contains flank steak, which is very lean. “These dishes usuallycome with garlic sauce,” Boyd says, “which is a healthier alternative than sweet and sour, sesame or General Tso’s. If you’re not watching carbs, you can pair it with a side of steamed brown rice to wrap it all up into one delicious and satisfying meal.” If you’re a General Tso’s diehard (like us), this will satisfy your palatein *almost* the same way.

• Estimated Calories: about 350 calories
• Estimated Fat and Protein: about 23g fat and 23g protein

As far as authenticity goes, Buddha’s delight (Luóhànzhai) is the real deal. It was originally eaten by Buddhist monks, who are vegetarian, but has gained popularity all over the world. And for vegetarians, who might feel limited bythe menu at anAmerican Chinese restaurant, it’s a meat-free option that’s still light and healthy. “This dish is typically made with veggies, tofu and a little bit of light sauce,” Boyd says. “Everything is steamed, which cuts down the caloric punch that most other takeout Chinese dishes pack.” It’s notalwaysvegan, but traditional recipes don’t allow egg or dairy, so check with the restaurant.

• Estimated Calories: about 300 calories
• Estimated Fat and Protein: about 14g fat and 12g protein

Traditionally made with pork, this Northern Chinese dish also has variations with chicken, vegetables, beef, shrimp or tofu. Authentic Chinese versions contain scallions, mushrooms and scrambled eggs seasoned with ginger, garlic and rice wine (that you eat wrapped in thin pancakes), but western recipes can also have cabbage, water chestnuts and other veggies. Boyd advises skipping the accompanying pancakes and hoisin sauce to lose some of the extra carbs, instead enjoying it as is. “It’s actually a super satisfying, low-carb and lower fat meal on its on,” she tells us. “Just ask for light sauce and no extras.”

• Estimated Calories: about 230 calories
• Estimated Fat and Protein: about 16g fat and 16g protein

Boyd suggests ordering skewered proteins, like the beef or chicken found on a pupu platter, if you want a protein-rich meal. “While they may marinate the chicken, pork and beef in a sugary concoction at some places,” she says, “the protein content you’ll get from ordering teriyaki skewers far outweighs the other choices you may have.” If you want to be really savvy, she recommends ordering a side of stir-fried mixed vegetables (with sauce on the side, of course) so you don’t miss the deep-fried snacks that often accompany a pupu platter, like egg rolls and fried wontons.

• Estimated Calories: about 300 calories
• Estimated Fat and Protein: about 15g fat and 24g protein

A few other of the healthiest Chinese food ideas Boyd suggests? Shrimp spring rolls (just skip the soy sauce to cut back on sodium), egg drop soup, chop suey (usually just a mélange of veggies and protein), chicken or shrimp lettuce wraps and Peking duck with veggies. A generalrule: Aslong as you choose vegetables over rice and carb-laden sides (and stick to stir-fries instead of deep-fried dishes), you should be in the clear.

_{All nutritional information estimated from an online database like nutritionvalue.org.}

What Are Unhealthy Chinese Food Options?

It probably goes without saying, but there are a few popular Chinese takeout items that we’re reserving for special occasions. That includes:

• Egg rolls: They’re wrapped in dough, deep-fried and served with sweet sauce. Swap for steamed vegetable dumplings instead.
• General Tso’s chicken:Sadly, one of our go-to orders is breaded, fried andcoated in a sugary sauce, and itprobably has more sodium than you should eat ina day.Kung pao chicken is a lighter, more veggie-forward option that’s spicy and satisfying.
• Sweet-and-sour pork:The name gives it away, but this dish is sugary and greasy. Mapo tofu, on the other hand, is another dish with pork that’s more authentic and less likely to fill you with regret.
• Lo mein:It’s basically pasta,so this well-loved dish has lots of carbs.Skip it altogether for something equally delicious but less caloric like Sichuan-style green beans. (Or if you absolutelymust, order it with veggies.)
• Crab Rangoon: These entirely American takeout bites are basically just deep-fried cream cheese. Swap for steamed spring rolls if they’re on the menu.

Senior Food Editor

Katherine Gillenis PureWow’s senior food editor. She’s a writer, recipe developer and food stylist with a degree in culinary arts and professional experience in New York City...