5 Healthy Chinese Food Takeout Options For When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking

5 Healthy Chinese Food Takeout Options for When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking

Key Takeaways:

• Enjoy Chinese food takeout as part of a balanced diet in moderation.
• Opt for low-calorie dishes by making mindful choices and watching portion sizes.
• Seek healthier Chinese takeout options with lean protein sources and steamed veggies.

Can Chinese Food Be Healthy?
Chinese takeout often gets a bad rap due to high-calorie and sodium-rich dishes, but it doesn’t have to derail your nutrition goals. The key is knowing what and how to order. While popular dishes like General Tso’s Chicken pack a punch with over 2,300 mg of sodium, healthier choices can keep you on track without sacrificing flavor.

Registered dietitian Emily Sullivan’s Tip:
“When seeking nutrient-dense Chinese food, go for steamed or sautéed options over fried, and select lean proteins such as chicken breast or tofu.”

5 Healthy Chinese Food Takeout Options to Try

1. Steamed Vegetable Dumplings
A satisfying and nutrient-packed option, steamed vegetable dumplings are rich in fiber and skip the excess oil of deep-fried alternatives. Enhance flavor with chili flakes instead of high-sodium soy sauce.

Nutrition per dumpling:

• 50 Calories
• 2.4g Protein
• 7.3g Carbohydrates
• 1.2g Fat

2. Broccoli and Beef Stir-Fry with Steamed Brown Rice
Skip the fried foods and enjoy this dish packed with lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables. Requesting sauce on the side helps reduce calorie intake, while opting for brown rice increases fiber content for gut health.

Nutrition per serving (13.7 ounces):

• 455 Calories
• 31g Protein
• 58g Carbohydrates
• 10.5g Fat

3. Buddha’s Delight with Tofu
A plant-based delight rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and protein-packed tofu. This dish provides essential minerals like iron, manganese, and calcium for added health benefits, including improved heart health and reduced cancer risk.

Nutrition per serving (1 cup):

• 224 Calories
• 10.1g Protein
• 16.9g Carbohydrates
• 14.3g Fat

4. Moo Goo Gai Pan
A light and flavorful option featuring sliced chicken and stir-fried vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, snow peas, and bamboo shoots. Opting for sauce on the side helps control sodium intake.

Nutrition per serving (12.7 ounces):

• 298 Calories
• 20g Protein
• 39g Carbohydrates
• 4g Fat

5. Chop Suey
This classic Chinese takeout dish highlights vegetables like onions, cabbage, carrots, celery, and bean sprouts, often paired with lean protein such as chicken or pork. Enjoy a flavorful meal that satisfies cravings while staying low in calories.

Nutrition per serving (1 cup):

• 167 Calories
• 15.7g Protein
• 9.1g Carbohydrates
• 7.8g Fat

Final Thoughts: Making Chinese Takeout Healthier
With mindful ordering, Chinese food takeout can fit into a healthy diet. Stick to lean proteins, steamed or sautéed veggies, and sauces on the side for better portion and calorie control. Remember, it’s okay to indulge occasionally as long as you prioritize balance in your overall diet. Enjoy Chinese takeout that satisfies cravings without compromising nutrition goals!

For more health and nutrition tips, explore slyacademy.com for balanced eating advice and recipes!