13 Healthiest Chinese Food Takeouts

Introduction

Chinese cuisine is beloved for its rich flavours and diverse dishes. When ordering Chinese takeout, many people worry about the potential health drawbacks. However, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Chinese food while making smart and nutritious choices. In this guide, we’ll delve into 13 of the healthiest Chinese food takeout options that not only tantalize your taste buds but also support your well-being.

1. Steamed Dumplings: A Healthy Start to Your Meal

Steamed dumplings are a delightful way to kick off your Chinese takeout experience. These little parcels of joy are typically filled with lean proteins like chicken or shrimp. The best part? They’re steamed instead of fried, significantly reducing the number of unhealthy fats without compromising on flavour.

The Art of Dumpling Making

Steamed dumplings are prepared by enclosing a tasty filling in a thin dough sheet. The filling can include minced meat (often pork or chicken), veggies, prawns and aromatic seasonings. The dumplings are then folded into various shapes, the most common being the pleated crescent moon.

The Healthier Steaming Technique

One of the key reasons steamed dumplings are considered a healthier option compared to their fried counterparts is the cooking method. As the name suggests, these dumplings are steamed rather than fried, significantly reducing the amount of oil used in cooking. It means lower calorie content and less unhealthy trans fats.

A Nutrient-Rich Filling

The filling of steamed dumplings often contains a mix of protein, vegetables, and spices, making them a balanced and nutritious choice. Pork or chicken provides protein, while vegetables contribute vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre. The filling is seasoned with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, adding flavour depth and potential health benefits.

2. Vegetable Stir-Fry: A Colorful Nutrient-Packed Delight

A vegetable stir-fry is your answer if you want to infuse more vegetables into your diet. Packed with various colourful veggies such as Broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots, this dish satisfies your taste buds and provides many essential vitamins and minerals.

The Origins of Moo Shu Cuisine

Moo Shu cuisine has its roots in Northern China and is known for its light, fresh, and wholesome flavours. The vegetarian version of this dish has become quite popular due to its health advantages and flexibility to accommodate various dietary requirements. The original version of this dish was made with a shredded pig.

The Vegetable Medley

At its core, Moo Shu Vegetables is a stir-fried medley of colourful vegetables. Common ingredients include shredded cabbage, wood ear mushrooms, carrots, and bamboo shoots. This combination provides a visually appealing plate and a diverse array of nutrients.

Tofu as the Protein Source

To make the dish satisfying and protein-rich, tofu cubes are often included. The flavour of the sauce and seasonings may be easily absorbed by tofu, a great plant-based protein source.

Aromatic Seasonings

Moo Shu Vegetables are seasoned with a combination of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, which infuse the dish with a delightful umami flavour. Hoisin sauce is added, giving the dish a slightly sweet and savoury note.

3. Buddha’s Delight: A Wholesome Vegetarian Choice

Buddha’s Delight, or Luo Han Zai, is an excellent choice for vegetarians or anyone seeking a meatless option. This dish combines tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables in a savoury sauce. It’s a flavorful, protein-packed option that’s easy on the calories.

4. Kung Pao Chicken: Spicy Flavor with a Health Twist

Kung Pao Chicken, a beloved dish in Chinese cuisine, has long been celebrated for its bold and spicy flavours. However, our understanding of health and nutrition and our approach to classic recipes evolve. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to use healthier products and cooking methods in classic meals, and Kung Pao Chicken is no exception. This culinary transformation retains the dish’s signature spicy kick while infusing it with a health-conscious twist that both tantalizes the taste buds and nourishes the body.

5. Hot and Sour Soup: Comforting and Low in Calories

Hot and Sour Soup fits the bill if you seek comfort in a bowl. This soul-warming soup boasts ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. It’s not only low in calories but also has a soothing effect on your senses.

A Flavorful Melting Pot

Hot and sour soup is a complex fusion of contrasting flavours. It combines spicy and tangy notes with umami richness, creating a symphony of tastes in each spoonful. The heat typically comes from white pepper, while vinegar achieves sourness.

Nutrient-Rich Ingredients

The soup’s base is often made with chicken or vegetable broth, which provides essential nutrients. The main ingredients typically include tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and wood ear fungus. Each component brings its unique nutritional value to the dish.

Tofu: Tofu, made from soybeans, is an excellent source of plant-based protein, making hot and sour soup a suitable option for vegetarians and vegans.

Mushrooms: Mushrooms add depth and an earthy flavour to the soup. They’re low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals.

Bamboo Shoots: These crunchy additions are low in calories and high in dietary fibre, aiding digestion and providing a satisfying texture.

Wood Ear Fungus: Wood ear fungus is a textural component and a source of iron, fibre, and antioxidants

6. Moo Goo Gai Pan: Light and Flavorful Chinese Classic

Moo Goo Gai Pan is light and flavorful, a classic Chinese dish. Featuring tender chicken breast and a medley of vegetables in a savoury brown sauce, it’s a low-calorie option rich in protein and fibre.

7. Hunan Shrimp: Spice Up Your Meal with Lean Protein

Hunan Shrimp is a spicy and satisfying dish when enjoyed in moderation. Shrimp is a lean protein source, and the spicy sauce may even provide metabolism-boosting benefits.

8. Chicken with Broccoli: A Classic Dish for Health Enthusiasts

Chicken with Broccoli, another classic, balances deliciousness and nutrition. This dish combines lean chicken with vitamin-packed Broccoli in a savoury brown sauce.

9. Ma Po Tofu: Protein-Packed Tofu Will Spice Up Your Lunch

Ma Po Tofu is a delicious, spicy tofu dish that is low in calories and high in protein. Chilli peppers can even have benefits for metabolism by increasing it.

10. Steamed Fish: A Heart-Healthy Chinese Delicacy

Steamed fish is a staple in Chinese cuisine and an excellent choice for those prioritizing heart health. It’s a fantastic source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, known to support cardiovascular well-being.

11. Chicken and Snow Peas: A Crispy, Nutrient-Rich Combo

Chicken and Snow Peas combine tender chicken and crisp snow peas in a garlic sauce. This dish is low in calories and abundant in essential vitamins and minerals.

12. Garlic Eggplant: Flavorful and Nutritious Vegetarian Option

Eggplants, often overlooked in vegetables, have been gaining popularity for their versatility and health benefits. When prepared thoughtfully, they can transform into a dish bursting with flavour, and one such dish is Garlic Eggplant. This article explores the culinary delight of Garlic Eggplant, a flavorful and nutritious vegetarian option, in a quest to unravel its delicious secrets.

A Flavorful Beginning

The journey of a delightful Garlic Eggplant dish begins with selecting the right eggplants. Opt for firm, glossy, and unblemished eggplants to ensure the best taste and texture. The skin should be smooth and taut, without any wrinkles or bruises. Smaller to medium-sized eggplants are generally preferred for their tenderness and sweeter flavour.

Ingredients That Shine                          

A key component of the Garlic Eggplant dish is, of course, garlic. Fresh garlic cloves are minced or thinly sliced to infuse the eggplant with their aromatic and spicy flavour. This dish also typically includes ginger, which complements the garlic beautifully, adding depth to the flavour profile.

Preparing the Eggplant

To prepare the eggplant for cooking, washing and drying them first is important. Then, slice them into rounds or cubes, depending on your preference. Although this step is optional, some recipes call for salting the eggplant slices and letting them sit to bring out any bitterness. To remove extra moisture, wipe them dry with a paper towel afterwards.

13. Brown Rice: A Healthier Side Dish

While not a dish, opting for brown rice as your side dish is a healthier alternative to white rice. Brown rice has higher fibre and nutrients, making it more fulfilling and nutritious.

The Nutritional Powerhouse: Brown rice is often considered a nutritional powerhouse compared to its white counterpart. The main difference is brown rice’s bran layers and germ, which are removed during refining to produce white rice.

Fibre for Digestive Health: One of the standout features of brown rice is its high fibre content. Fibre is crucial in promoting digestive health by preventing constipation and promoting regular bowel movements.

A Wealth of Vitamins and Minerals: With B vitamins, including thiamin, niacin, and vitamin B6, brown rice is a fantastic source of these nutrients. These vitamins are essential for the health of the brain system and metabolism, among other biological processes.