Hey there, fellow Chinese food enthusiasts! Are you on a keto diet and craving some delicious Chinese food? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
I know firsthand how challenging it can be to stick to your diet while eating out, especially at your favorite Chinese restaurant.
That’s why I’ve created this guide to help you navigate the menu and find the perfect keto-friendly options.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to satisfy your cravings without compromising your diet!
KEY TAKEAWAY
What can I eat at a Chinese restaurant on a keto diet?
Chinese food can be keto-friendly if you choose carefully and make substitutions when necessary. (1)
Opt for dishes that are high in protein and low in carbs, and watch out for sauces that may contain added sugars.
Is Chinese Food Keto Friendly?
Source: OC Keto
Are you wondering if Chinese food is keto-friendly? Well, as a Chinese food enthusiast, I can tell you that it’s possible to make some keto-friendly choices when eating Chinese food.
The key is to focus on dishes that are low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats and protein.
One of the best ways to stick to a keto diet when eating Chinese food is to order dishes that are stir-fried or steamed, rather than deep-fried.
Stir-fried dishes are usually cooked quickly over high heat, which preserves the nutrients in the food and makes it more filling.
Steamed dishes are also a great option because they are cooked without oil, which means they are lower in calories and fat.
Another important tip is to avoid dishes that are high in carbohydrates, such as noodles, rice, and dumplings.
Instead, opt for dishes that contain lots of vegetables and lean protein, such as chicken, beef, shrimp, and tofu.
You can also ask your server to hold the sauce or ask for it on the side, so you can control how much you use.
Lastly, be careful with the sauces you use.
Many Chinese sauces are high in sugar, which can quickly derail your keto diet.
Instead, choose savory sauces like soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and chili paste.
You can also use vinegar or lemon juice to add flavor to your dishes without adding extra calories.
In conclusion, while it can be challenging to find keto-friendly options when eating Chinese food, it is possible.
Just remember to focus on dishes that are low in carbohydrates, high in protein, and healthy fats.
And don’t be afraid to ask your server for recommendations or to customize your dish to fit your dietary needs.
How To Order Keto Chinese Food
Are you a fan of Chinese food but also following a keto diet? Don’t worry, you can still enjoy your favorite Chinese dishes while staying in line with your ketogenic lifestyle. (2)
As a Chinese food enthusiast, I’m here to share some tips on how to order keto Chinese food.
First, opt for dishes that are stir-fried or steamed, as they are usually lower in carbs than dishes that are deep-fried or coated in batter.
Ask for your meal to be cooked without any added sugar or starch, and opt for sauces that are not too sweet or thick.
When it comes to protein, look for dishes that feature chicken, beef, pork, or seafood.
Avoid dishes that are made with breaded or fried protein, as they can be high in carbs.
Instead, go for dishes that are grilled, roasted, or stir-fried.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for substitutions or modifications to your order.
For example, you can ask for extra vegetables instead of rice or noodles, or ask for your dish to be served with a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy.
Remember, keto Chinese food can still be delicious and satisfying.
With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can enjoy your favorite Chinese dishes while staying true to your ketogenic lifestyle.
Best Keto Chinese Food Options
Are you a keto dieter who can’t resist the deliciousness of Chinese food? Fear not! As a Chinese food enthusiast, I have some great options for you to enjoy while staying on track with your diet.
Firstly, ditch the noodles and opt for stir-fried vegetables.
Not only will you get your daily dose of greens, but you’ll also get the satisfying crunch and flavor that noodles bring.
Plus, it’s a great way to reduce your carb intake.
Next, when it comes to sauces, it’s important to be mindful of hidden sugars and carbs.
Stick to options like soy sauce, garlic sauce, or hot mustard, which are low in carbs and high in flavor.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own sauce with ingredients like sesame oil, vinegar, and ginger.
Finally, say goodbye to rice and try cauliflower rice instead.
Some Chinese restaurants even make it themselves, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Cauliflower rice is a great alternative to carb-loaded fried rice and it won’t leave you feeling bloated or guilty.
Remember, just because you’re on a keto diet doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor.
With these simple tips, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Chinese food without breaking your diet.
Happy eating!
What To Avoid
As a Chinese food enthusiast, I know that there are a few things you should avoid when it comes to Chinese cuisine.
Firstly, avoid ordering dishes that are too greasy or heavy on the oil.
Chinese dishes can be deliciously savory, but too much oil can make them difficult to digest and can leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable.
Secondly, avoid dishes that are overly sweet or salty.
Chinese food is all about balance, and dishes that are too sweet or salty can throw off that balance.
You don’t want to miss out on the subtle flavors and textures that make Chinese cuisine so special.
Thirdly, avoid ordering dishes that are too spicy if you’re not used to heat.
While Chinese cuisine does have its fair share of spicy dishes, they can be quite intense, so it’s best to start with milder options if you’re new to the cuisine.
If you’re not sure how spicy a dish is, don’t be afraid to ask your server.
In general, it’s always a good idea to do a bit of research before trying a new Chinese restaurant or ordering a new dish.
Look up reviews online, ask friends for recommendations, and don’t be afraid to ask your server for guidance.
With a little bit of caution and some adventurous spirit, you’ll be able to enjoy all the delicious and distinct flavors that Chinese cuisine has to offer.
Keto Chinese Food Recipes
Are you a fan of Chinese food, but following a keto diet? Don’t worry, you can still enjoy all your favorite Chinese dishes by making a few simple tweaks and substitutions.
As a Chinese food enthusiast and keto dieter myself, I’ve come up with some delicious keto-friendly Chinese recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
First up, we have keto-friendly egg drop soup.
This classic Chinese soup is made with just a few simple ingredients, including eggs, chicken broth, and green onions.
To make it keto-friendly, simply omit the cornstarch that is typically used to thicken the soup, and add in some extra eggs for added protein.
This soup is not only low-carb and keto-friendly, but also a great option for those who are looking for a quick and easy meal.
Next, we have keto-friendly beef and broccoli stir-fry.
This dish is typically made with soy sauce and sugar, which are both high in carbs.
To make it keto-friendly, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or stevia instead of sugar.
Serve it over cauliflower rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Last but not least, we have keto-friendly sesame chicken.
This dish is typically breaded and fried, which makes it high in carbs.
To make it keto-friendly, skip the breading and use almond flour instead.
Coat the chicken in a mixture of almond flour, sesame oil, and spices, then bake it in the oven until crispy.
Serve it with a side of steamed vegetables for a delicious and satisfying meal.
In conclusion, following a keto diet doesn’t mean you have to give up on your favorite Chinese dishes.
With a few simple substitutions and tweaks, you can enjoy all the flavors and textures of Chinese cuisine while staying on track with your low-carb lifestyle.
Give these keto-friendly Chinese recipes a try and see how easy it can be to enjoy delicious, healthy meals at home.
If you are trying to cook keto Chinese food, check out this article about keto Chinese kitchen tools and ingredients.
Egg foo young
Egg foo young is a Chinese dish that is made from eggs, vegetables, and meat.
It is a dish that is loved by many Chinese food enthusiasts around the world.
As someone who loves Chinese food, I can tell you that egg foo young is definitely one of my favorites.
When you order egg foo young, you can expect a fluffy omelet that is filled with bean sprouts, onions, mushrooms, and your choice of meat such as chicken, pork, or shrimp.
The omelet is cooked until it is golden brown and crispy on the outside.
It is typically served with a brown sauce that is made with chicken broth, soy sauce, and cornstarch.
If you are a fan of egg foo young, there are a few tips that can help you make the perfect dish at home.
First, it’s important to make sure that you have all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
This will help ensure that you don’t overcook the eggs or burn any of the vegetables.
Another tip is to use a non-stick pan to cook the omelet.
This will help prevent the omelet from sticking to the pan and falling apart when you try to flip it over.
And lastly, don’t overcook the omelet.
You want it to be fluffy and light, not dry and tough.
In conclusion, egg foo young is a delicious and popular Chinese dish that is loved by many.
With a few tips and some practice, you can easily make this dish at home and impress your family and friends with your Chinese cooking skills.
So, next time you’re in the mood for some Chinese food, give egg foo young a try!
Boiled or steamed seafood
Are you a seafood lover? Do you want to try a healthy and easy-to-make dish? Look no further than boiled or steamed seafood! As a Chinese food enthusiast, I can tell you that boiled or steamed seafood is a classic and delicious dish in Chinese cuisine.
It’s a great way to enjoy fresh seafood without heavy sauces or breading, and it’s a perfect dish for those who are health-conscious.
To make boiled or steamed seafood, start with fresh seafood of your choice, such as shrimp, crab, or lobster.
You can also add some vegetables, like broccoli or carrots, to make it more nutritious.
Then, simply boil or steam the seafood and vegetables until they’re cooked through.
This method preserves the natural flavors and textures of the seafood, making it taste fresh and delicious.
One tip for making boiled or steamed seafood is to use a good quality seafood stock or broth.
This will infuse the seafood with extra flavor and help keep it moist and tender.
Another tip is to add some aromatics, such as ginger, garlic, or scallions, to the broth to give it a fragrant and savory taste.
These ingredients also help to balance out the seafood’s natural sweetness.
In conclusion, boiled or steamed seafood is an easy, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy fresh seafood.
It’s a classic dish in Chinese cuisine that is perfect for any seafood lover.
So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, give boiled or steamed seafood a try!
Stir-fried mushrooms
Stir-fried mushrooms are a simple and delicious dish that can be made in no time.
As a Chinese food enthusiast, I have always loved the umami flavor of mushrooms and the versatility of stir-frying.
This dish is perfect for any season and can be made with a variety of mushrooms such as shiitake, oyster, or button mushrooms.
To make stir-fried mushrooms, start by washing and slicing the mushrooms into thin pieces.
In a wok or large pan, heat some oil over high heat and add the mushrooms.
Stir-fry for a few minutes until they start to release their water.
Then, add some sliced garlic and continue to stir-fry until the mushrooms are tender and slightly browned.
Finally, season with salt, soy sauce, and a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
One tip to enhance the flavor of stir-fried mushrooms is to add some fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary.
These herbs will give a subtle aroma to the dish and elevate the taste of the mushrooms.
Another tip is to use a non-stick pan or wok to prevent the mushrooms from sticking to the bottom.
This will also make the cleaning process much easier.
Stir-fried mushrooms can be served as a side dish or as a topping for rice or noodles.
They are also a great addition to stir-fry dishes with meat or vegetables.
This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious as mushrooms are low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.
In conclusion, stir-fried mushrooms are a quick and easy dish that can be made with just a few ingredients.
With the right techniques and seasonings, you can create a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Give it a try and enjoy the goodness of mushrooms!
Conclusion
In conclusion, eating out on a keto diet doesn’t have to be a daunting task, especially when it comes to Chinese food.
By using some of the tips and tricks I’ve shared with you, you can enjoy all the delicious flavors of Chinese cuisine without sacrificing your health goals.
Always remember to ask your server for additional information about the ingredients used in your meal, and don’t be afraid to make substitutions or modifications to fit your dietary needs.
With a little creativity and a lot of determination, you can enjoy the best of both worlds – satisfying your cravings while staying true to your keto diet.
Happy eating!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Eat Rice on a Keto Diet?
Rice is a staple food in many cultures, especially in Asian cuisine.
However, if you are on a keto diet, you may have been advised to avoid rice due to its high carb content.
A typical serving of rice contains about 45 grams of carbs, which is too high for keto dieters who aim to limit their carb intake to 20-50 grams per day.
But don’t worry, you can still enjoy rice on a keto diet! There are low-carb alternatives to rice that you can try, such as cauliflower rice or shirataki rice.
These rice substitutes are low in carbs and can be used in place of rice in many recipes.
They also have a similar texture to rice, making them a great option for those who miss the taste and texture of rice.
Is Soy Sauce Keto-Friendly?
Soy sauce is a common ingredient in many Asian dishes, but is it keto-friendly? Soy sauce is made from soybeans, wheat, salt, and water, and contains about 1-2 grams of carbs per tablespoon.
While the carb count is relatively low, some soy sauce brands may contain added sugar or other high-carb ingredients, so it’s important to read the label carefully.
If you are on a strict keto diet, you may want to consider using tamari instead of soy sauce.
Tamari is a type of soy sauce that is made without wheat, making it gluten-free and lower in carbs.
It has a similar flavor to soy sauce and can be used in the same way.
Another option is to make your own soy sauce substitute using coconut aminos, which are low in carbs and have a similar taste to soy sauce.
In conclusion, while rice and soy sauce may not be the best options for keto dieters, there are plenty of alternatives that you can use to satisfy your cravings for Asian cuisine.
Experiment with different low-carb substitutes and find the ones that work best for you.
Remember, eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor!
Can I have dessert at a Chinese restaurant on a keto diet?
As a Chinese food enthusiast, I understand the struggle of finding keto-friendly options at a Chinese restaurant.
While it may seem challenging, it is possible to enjoy a delicious meal while sticking to your keto diet.
However, when it comes to dessert, it’s important to be mindful of what you’re consuming.
Most traditional Chinese desserts are high in sugar and carbohydrates, which are not keto-friendly.
However, there are some options that you can consider.
One option is to ask for fresh fruit, such as sliced oranges or strawberries.
These are low in carbohydrates and can satisfy your sweet tooth.
Alternatively, you can ask for a hot cup of tea, which can help cleanse your palate and aid digestion after a meal.
Are fortune cookies keto-friendly?
Fortune cookies are a staple at Chinese restaurants, but unfortunately, they are not keto-friendly.
They are made with wheat flour and sugar, which means they are high in carbohydrates.
However, don’t let this discourage you from enjoying a fortune cookie.
You can still indulge in the tradition of cracking open a fortune cookie without consuming the cookie itself.
Simply read the message inside and leave the cookie on the table.
In conclusion, it is possible to enjoy a keto-friendly meal at a Chinese restaurant, but it’s important to be mindful of what you’re consuming.
Stick to protein-rich dishes, ask for vegetables instead of rice, and avoid sugary sauces.
When it comes to dessert, opt for fresh fruit or hot tea instead of traditional Chinese desserts.
And remember, while fortune cookies may not be keto-friendly, you can still enjoy the tradition without consuming the cookie itself.
References
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/15-keto-chinese-foods
- https://www.wholesomeyum.com/keto-chinese-food/
Related Articles
- https://bowlakechinese.com/what-chinese-food-is-keto/
- https://bowlakechinese.com/chinese-keto-kitchen-tools-and-ingredients/
- https://bowlakechinese.com/low-carb-take-out-chinese-food/
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I am a skilled chef assistant with a passion for Asian cuisine, I have honed my craft through formal training at At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy and years of experience in the culinary industry. I have extensive knowledge of cooking techniques and herbs and spices, with a particular focus on traditional Chinese dishes. I’m also an author of the book “Delicious Keto Low Carb Chinese Food for Busy Moms and Fitness Enthusiasts” which is sold on Amazon. On my blog, bowlakechinese.com, I share my expertise in Asian cuisine and provide tips and recipes for those interested in low carb Chinese cuisine.