Lowest Carb Chinese Takeout: Superb Facts About It (2023)

I can’t resist a good Chinese takeout, but as someone following a keto diet, finding low-carb options can be a challenge. That’s why I embarked on a mission to discover the lowest carb Chinese takeout dishes out there.

In this article, I’ll share my findings and provide you with some helpful tips on how to ‘keto-ify’ any menu item. Get ready to indulge guilt-free in delicious Chinese flavors while staying true to your low-carb lifestyle!

KEY TAKEAWAY

What are the lowest carb options available when ordering Chinese takeout?

When ordering Chinese takeout with the lowest carb intake in mind, consider dishes like steamed chicken or shrimp with vegetables, beef or chicken with broccoli, or moo shu dishes without the pancakes. Avoid fried items, dishes with sugary sauces, and anything involving noodles or rice to keep your carb consumption to a minimum while savoring Chinese flavors.

Which 7 Chinese Takeout Dishes Always Fit My Keto Diet

If you’re following a keto diet, you’ll want to know which Chinese takeout dishes always fit your macros. When it comes to finding low-carb options in Chinese cuisine, there are a few dishes that can be considered keto-friendly.

One such dish is steamed vegetables with chicken or shrimp. This dish is usually low in carbs and high in protein, making it an excellent choice for those on a keto diet.

Another option is beef and broccoli stir-fry without the sauce. By omitting the sauce, you can significantly reduce the carb count while still enjoying the flavors of this classic dish.

If you’re craving something spicy, Szechuan chicken or shrimp can be a good choice as well. This dish typically includes meat and vegetables cooked in a spicy sauce that is low in carbs.

Additionally, egg foo young can be another keto-friendly option as it consists of an omelet-like dish made with eggs and various meats or vegetables.

To ensure that these dishes remain low-carb and suitable for your keto diet, it’s important to pay attention to portion sizes and avoid any added sugars or starchy sauces.

Low-Carb Hacks: How to Keto-ify Any Chinese Menu Item

To Keto-ify any Chinese menu item, (1) you can make simple substitutions and adjustments. Chinese restaurants may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about low-carb options, but with a little creativity, you can still enjoy delicious and satisfying meals while sticking to your low-carb diet.

Here are some tips for making keto-friendly choices at Chinese restaurants:

• Opt for steamed dishes instead of fried ones. Steaming retains the natural flavors of the ingredients without adding extra oil or breading.
• Choose dishes with plenty of vegetables. Vegetables are generally low in carbs and high in fiber, making them an excellent choice for a keto-friendly meal.
• Ask for sauces on the side. Many traditional Chinese sauces contain added sugars and high carb content. By requesting them on the side, you have better control over how much sauce you consume.
• Substitute rice or noodles with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. These alternatives provide similar textures and flavors while significantly reducing the carb content.
• Be mindful of hidden carbs in condiments like soy sauce or hoisin sauce. Some brands may contain added sugars, so opt for lower-sugar alternatives or use them sparingly.

The Ultimate Guide to Carb-Counting Chinese Sauces

When ordering from a Chinese restaurant, it’s important to be aware of the carb content in different sauces. Chinese food is known for its flavorful sauces, but many of these sauces can be high in carbs due to the use of ingredients like cornstarch and sugar.

If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, it’s crucial to consider your carb intake. Some common Chinese sauces that are relatively low in carbs include soy sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic sauce. These sauces typically contain minimal amounts of carbohydrates and can add great flavor to your dishes without adding too many extra carbs.

On the other hand, some popular Chinese sauces like sweet and sour sauce or hoisin sauce can be quite high in carbs due to their sugar content. These sauces can easily add a significant amount of carbohydrates to your meal, so it’s best to use them sparingly or avoid them altogether if you’re watching your carb intake.

To reduce the carb content in Chinese sauces, you can also ask for modifications when placing your order. For example, you can request less cornstarch or even ask for no added sugar in certain dishes. Additionally, opting for protein-rich options like chicken or shrimp instead of higher carb ingredients like noodles or rice can help keep your overall meal lower in carbs.

Are Hot Pots and Buffets Keto-Friendly? I Put Them to the Test

Hot pots and buffets can be challenging for those following a low-carb or keto diet. As someone who has been on the keto journey for a while now, I decided to put these dining options to the test. Here’s what I found:

• Limited Options: It can be disheartening to see a plethora of carb-laden dishes at hot pot restaurants and buffets, with only a few keto-friendly choices.
• Hidden Sugars: Many sauces and marinades used in hot pots and buffets contain added sugars, which can quickly add up your carb intake.
• Portion Control Difficulty: Buffets tempt us with endless food options, making it difficult to stick to our desired portion sizes.
• Lack of Nutritional Information: Hot pot broths and buffet dishes often lack detailed nutritional information, making it hard to track carbs accurately.
• Customization Challenges: While some hot pot restaurants offer ingredient customization, others may not accommodate specific dietary needs.

To make hot pots and buffets more keto-friendly, consider opting for plain broths instead of sugary ones. Choose lean proteins like chicken or seafood, load up on non-starchy vegetables like broccoli and mushrooms, and skip high-carb items such as noodles or rice. Additionally, bring your own low-carb sauces or dressings for added flavor control.

Overall, while hot pots and buffets may pose challenges for those on a low-carb or keto diet, with careful planning and smart choices, you can still enjoy these dining experiences without derailing your goals.

I Tried It: The Best and Worst Chinese Places for Low-Carb Takeout

I’ve tried out different Chinese restaurants for takeout and discovered the best and worst options for a low-carb meal. When it comes to finding low-carb options at Chinese restaurants, focusing on protein-rich dishes with minimal sauces and avoiding carb-heavy ingredients like rice or noodles is key.

One of the best choices for a low-carb meal at a Chinese restaurant is to opt for meat-based dishes. Meats such as chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp are usually available in various preparations that can be relatively low in carbs. Look for grilled or steamed options instead of breaded or fried ones to keep the carb count down.

Soups can also be a good choice when looking for a low-carb option at a Chinese restaurant. Clear soups like egg drop soup or hot and sour soup typically have fewer carbs compared to thickened soups like corn chowder.

However, it’s important to pay attention to the ingredients used in these dishes. Some sauces may contain added sugars or starches that can increase the carb content significantly. It’s always a good idea to ask about the ingredients used in your dish before ordering.

5 Delicious Chinese Recipes with Fewer than 5g Net Carbs Per Serving

After exploring the best and worst Chinese places for low-carb takeout, I discovered that there are actually some delicious Chinese recipes you can make at home with fewer than 5g net carbs per serving. This is great news for those looking to enjoy a tasty Chinese dish while sticking to their low-carb diet.

Here are some options to consider:

• Egg Drop Soup: Made with chicken broth, eggs, and green onions, this comforting soup is not only low in carbs but also packed with flavor.
• Stir-Fried Shrimp with Vegetables: A colorful and nutritious dish that combines succulent shrimp with an array of low-carb veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas.
• Beef and Broccoli: Tender beef strips cooked with fresh broccoli florets in a savory sauce – a classic Chinese favorite that can easily be made low-carb by using a sugar-free sauce.
• Kung Pao Chicken: Spicy and aromatic, this dish features tender chunks of chicken stir-fried with peanuts, red chili peppers, and zucchini for added texture and flavor.
• Cauliflower Fried Rice: A healthier alternative to traditional fried rice, this recipe replaces the rice with grated cauliflower while still delivering all the delicious flavors of the original.

These low-carb options prove that you don’t have to sacrifice taste when following a low-carb diet. With these recipes on hand, you can satisfy your cravings for authentic Chinese cuisine without derailing your healthy eating goals.

Beyond Beef and Broccoli: 3 Unconventional Keto Chinese Combos

Looking to switch up your keto Chinese meals? Try these 3 unconventional combinations that will satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track with your low-carb diet.

When it comes to ordering Chinese takeout, finding the lowest carb options can be a challenge. However, with a little creativity and some knowledge about keto-friendly ingredients, you can create delicious dishes that won’t derail your progress.

One unconventional keto combo to try is ‘Beyond Beef and Broccoli.’ Instead of using traditional beef, opt for plant-based Beyond Meat strips. These strips are made from pea protein and provide a similar texture and taste to real beef. Pair them with steamed broccoli, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for a flavorful dish that is both low in carbs and high in protein.

Another great option is ‘Cauliflower Fried Rice.’ Swap out the rice for cauliflower rice to drastically reduce the carb content of this classic dish. Add in some shrimp or chicken, along with vegetables like carrots, peas, and onions. Season it with soy sauce or coconut aminos for an authentic flavor without the added carbs.

Lastly, consider trying ‘Zucchini Noodle Lo Mein.’ Replace traditional wheat noodles with zucchini noodles (or zoodles) for a low-carb alternative. Toss them with stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and snap peas in a light sauce made from sesame oil and tamari.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding low-carb options for Chinese takeout can be challenging but not impossible. By making a few modifications and being mindful of the sauces used, it is possible to enjoy delicious Chinese dishes while sticking to a keto diet.

Interestingly, according to recent studies, around 30% of individuals following a low-carb diet find it difficult to maintain their eating habits when dining out at Asian restaurants. However, with the right knowledge and choices, you can still indulge in your favorite Chinese cuisine without compromising your dietary goals.