There is no doubt that Chinese food takeout is mouthwatering and delicious, but you have to remember that like takeout of other cuisines, some choices tend to be high in oil, sugar, salt and processed additives. The good news is that there are some healthier takeout options you can explore when you are craving Chinese food. In addition, you can also get menu items adjusted as per your preference. Some of the healthiest Chinese food takeout options you can try are outlined below.
Steamed dumplings
Pockets of dough filled with vegetables and seasoned meat, usually cabbage and pork, are dumplings that you often find at a Chinese restaurant. While they are usually fried, you have the option of getting them steamed because this helps in cutting down the fat and calories.
Hot and sour soup
Bamboo shoots, mushrooms, ginger and eggs are added in chicken broth to make hot and sour soup. It also contains spices and vinegar and this adds the sour and hot components. You can also go with egg drop soup, which is made in chicken broth and has ribbons of cooked eggs. No matter which soup option you go for, you will not consume a lot of calories.
Moo goo gai pan
This is a chicken and vegetable stir-fry dish that is lightly sauced and contains water chestnuts, carrots, broccoli and mushrooms. As it is full of lean chicken and vegetables, its calorie content is low. In addition, you can get a lot of protein from the chicken, which makes it a filling dish. You can also get sauce on the side to limit your consumption because this can be high in sugar and salt.
Beef and broccoli
Stir-fried beef and broccoli are tossed together in a light sauce to make this simple dish. This makes it relatively healthy and it is high in protein and low in carbs. But, fatty cuts of beef are often used for making it. To reduce the fat content, you can ask for steamed broccoli rather than stir-fried and get the sauce of the side.
Chop suey
Another stir-fry dish, this one is made from eggs, meat and thinly sliced vegetables, put together in a light sauce. It is usually made with pork, but there are some varieties that contain tofu, beef, or chicken. Similar to other stir-fries, it is a healthier option because it is made from vegetables and a protein source. It is best to opt for a light sauce that can limit sugar and salt content even more.
Chicken and broccoli
Just like beef and broccoli, this dish comprises of chicken and stir-fried broccoli in a light sauce. But, it is considered a leaner option and still offers you a lot of protein. It is best to ask for the dish to be steamed because this will get rid of the oil used for cooking it, thereby reducing the calorie and fat content to give it the healthier twist you are looking for.
