Even though American versions of Chinese cuisine are dissimilar to authentic dishes, we all have favorites. Americans still love General Tso’s chicken, chop suey, and fortune cookies because they taste so good. It is better to follow traditional Chinese eating habits than American ones if you want to eat healthily.
Taiwanese American RDN Rebecca Valdez said Chinese American food is comforting, consistent, affordable, and filling. Valdez says Chinese food is commonly considered heavy and greasy. However, Chinese food is not quite so.
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Valdez says, “We eat small amounts of rice from palm-sized bowls, lots of vegetables, and a little bit of meat. Most of our food is not deep-fried or even cooked in a lot of oil.” Chinese American dietician Sherene Chou said Chinese cuisine positively impacts Americans.
Chou said, “Our foods can be a bridge to diving deeper into authentic Chinese regional cuisines.” Chinese restaurants are often demonized for serving so-called unhealthy foods, but it is a celebration and a chance to share Chinese flavors with white American culture. Here are a few healthy Chinese takeout options:
Steamed Dumplings
Chinese restaurants offer dumplings filled with seasoned meat and vegetables, usually pork and cabbage. Have them steamed instead of fried to cut down on calories and fat. Steamed dumplings are only 40 calories each.
Soy sauce-based dipping sauces are low in calories but high in sodium, so if you’re salt sensitive, limit how much you use.
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Hot And Sour Soup Or Egg Drop Soup
Mushrooms, bamboo shoots, eggs, and ginger are used in hot and sour soup. Also in the dish are vinegar and spices, which add heat and sourness. Meanwhile, egg drop soup consists of ribbons of cooked egg in chicken stock.
They both contain only 65–90 calories per 1-cup (240 mL) serving, and you can make them even healthier by omitting the fried lo mein noodles often served as a topping