Chinese cuisine offers a wide variety of delicious dishes, but not all of them are created equal. Some dishes may be too heavy, unhealthy, or simply not as authentic as others. Here’s a list of 14 Chinese foods you might want to skip the next time you’re at a Chinese restaurant, so you can enjoy a more balanced and satisfying meal.
1. Sweet and Sour Pork
While sweet and sour pork is a popular dish, it’s often loaded with sugar and deep-fried meat, making it high in calories and fat. The bright red sauce might be visually appealing, but it’s usually packed with artificial colors and preservatives. If you’re looking for something lighter, try opting for a stir-fried dish with vegetables instead of something deep-fried and overly sweet.
2. General Tso’s Chicken
Though this dish is a favorite in many Chinese restaurants, General Tso’s Chicken can be very heavy due to its deep-fried chicken chunks coated in a sugary, overly rich sauce. It’s not the most authentic Chinese dish and can be greasy and unhealthy when eaten in large portions. You might want to avoid this dish and choose a more balanced option, like steamed chicken with vegetables or tofu.
3. Crab Rangoon
Crab Rangoon, with its deep-fried shell and cream cheese filling, is a Westernized Chinese appetizer that isn’t the healthiest choice. While they may taste creamy and crispy, they are often made with imitation crab and fried in unhealthy oils. For a healthier starter, consider opting for steamed dumplings or vegetable spring rolls instead.
4. Egg Foo Young
Egg Foo Young is a Chinese-style omelette filled with vegetables, meat, and gravy. While it sounds like a good option, the dish can be heavy due to the amount of oil and gravy used in its preparation. The sauce is often thick and made from cornstarch, adding extra calories. If you’re in the mood for eggs, a simple egg drop soup might be a better choice.
5. Fried Rice
Though fried rice is a delicious comfort food, it’s often high in calories due to the amount of oil used during cooking. In addition, many restaurants add extra ingredients like fatty meats, which can make the dish even heavier. Instead, try ordering steamed rice with a side of vegetables or a stir-fry for a healthier, lighter alternative.
6. Orange Chicken
Orange chicken, like General Tso’s chicken, is coated in a sweet, sticky sauce and deep-fried to perfection. While it’s tasty, it’s often too sugary and fatty, making it a less-than-ideal choice for a healthier meal. Opt for a dish with leaner protein, such as chicken with vegetables in a lighter sauce, to balance out your meal.
7. Moo Shu Pork
Moo Shu Pork is typically served with thin pancakes and hoisin sauce, but it can be greasy and heavy. The stir-fried pork, combined with oil and the thick sauce, can leave you feeling sluggish after a meal. A healthier option would be to order stir-fried vegetables or tofu with a lighter sauce.
8. Lo Mein
Lo Mein noodles are often stir-fried in a generous amount of oil, making them high in fat. Many versions are also loaded with sodium, which can lead to bloating and discomfort. If you’re craving noodles, try ordering a dish with steamed noodles or rice noodles, which can be lighter and less greasy.
9. Peking Duck
Peking Duck is an indulgent and flavorful dish, but it’s often loaded with excess fat from the duck skin. The crispy skin is delicious, but it can be unhealthy if eaten in large portions. Instead, opt for a leaner protein like chicken or shrimp with vegetables for a lighter alternative that’s just as satisfying.
10. Shrimp with Lobster Sauce
While this dish sounds fancy, the “lobster sauce” is typically made from cornstarch, oil, and shrimp stock, which can result in a heavy and greasy dish. It’s not the most flavorful or healthy option on the menu, as it’s often too salty and laden with fat. A better choice would be steamed shrimp or shrimp with a vegetable stir-fry in a light soy sauce.
11. Egg Rolls
Egg rolls may seem like a harmless snack, but they’re deep-fried and can be very greasy. The filling, often made with fatty meats and cabbage, can also add extra calories. Instead, opt for fresh spring rolls, which are typically lighter and filled with vegetables and lean protein.
12. Beef and Broccoli with Brown Sauce
While this dish might seem like a healthier choice, it often comes drenched in a brown sauce that’s high in sodium and sugar. The beef can also be fatty, adding unnecessary calories. If you’re craving beef, choose a dish that’s stir-fried with vegetables and a light sauce, or go for a leaner protein like chicken or tofu.
13. Chop Suey
Chop Suey is often seen as a go-to for Chinese food lovers, but it can be loaded with oil, sugar, and sodium. Despite being stir-fried, it’s often drenched in a heavy sauce, making it more of a calorie bomb than a healthy dish. A better option is to go for a vegetable-based stir-fry or steamed dish for a lighter, healthier meal.
14. Sweet and Sour Chicken
Similar to sweet and sour pork, this dish is deep-fried and covered in a sugary, acidic sauce that can be overwhelming. It’s not the most nutritious choice, as the deep-frying adds unnecessary calories and fat. Opt for a grilled or steamed chicken dish with vegetables for a healthier and more balanced meal.
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