Find Your Next Favorite Low Carb Chinese Dish
Are There Really Low Carb Chinese Food Options?
✅ YES! – There are numerous low carb Chinese food options you can order at any Chinese restaurant or takeout. These dishes include stir-fried, steamed, baked, or boiled meat and vegetables. Do not order any kind of rice, noodles, and sugary sauces as these are all loaded with carbs.
Chinese food is renowned for its mouthwatering flavors and abundance of dishes, but ultimately they tend to be carbohydrate-laden.
But don’t let that keep you from relishing the Chinese cuisine, there are a variety of scrumptious low-carb options that will help maintain a ketogenic diet!
In this post, we’re introducing 23 flavorful, enjoyable, low carb Chinese food that will quickly become staples in your meal rotation. Get ready to indulge in some delicious Chinese fare without any regret or remorse!
Table of Contents
- Is Chinese Food Keto-Friendly? Does Chinese Food Have Low Carb Options?
- Low Carb Chinese Food Options
- 1. Almond Chicken
- 2. Baked Fish
- 3. Beef With Broccoli
- 4. Boiled or Steamed Seafood
- 5. Chicken and Broccoli
- 6. Chicken With Ginger Garlic Sauce
- 7. Chop Suey
- 8. Egg Drop Soup
- 9. Egg Foo Young
- 10. Hot and Sour Soup
- 11. Hunan or Szechuan Chicken
- 12. Kung Pao Chicken
- 13. Kung Pao Shrimp
- 14. Lettuce Cups
- 15. Mongolian Beef
- 16. Moo Goo Gai Pan
- 17. Moo Shu Beef
- 18. Moo Shu Pork
- 19. Peking Duck
- 20. Pork Belly
- 21. Sautéed Vegetables
- 22. Steamed Tofu With Mixed Veggies
- 23. Stir-fried Mushroom
- Chinese Food to Avoid on a Keto Diet
- How to Order Low Carb Chinese Food: Tips to Keep Chinese Food Keto-Friendly
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Is Chinese Food Keto-Friendly? Does Chinese Food Have Low Carb Options?
For those striving to reduce their carb intake, Chinese cuisine can be a bit of a challenge. The traditional dishes rely heavily on high-carb items such as noodles, rice, and sauces that can easily derail even the best efforts.
But it’s not all bad! With its abundance of ingredients, there are plenty of delicious low-carb options available with some creative reworking. With just a pinch of imagination and knowledge, you can eat Chinese food to satisfy your cravings while still staying within the restrictions of your keto diet.
Stir-fries with low-carb vegetables, and steamed lean meats, the secret is emphasizing fresh ingredients and avoiding those high in net carbs. With some effort, it’s possible to relish flavorful keto-friendly Chinese food.
Low Carb Chinese Food Options
Unravel an unparalleled experience with these 23 low carb Chinese food, crafted to tantalize your taste buds without compromising on flavor.
Discover a creative and eclectic mix of ingredients matched with culinary techniques that skillfully bring together the perfect combination for any time of day, from light lunches to flavorful dinners.
Embark on this nutritional journey that celebrates both health and character, providing an escape from the ordinary food scene.
1. Almond Chicken
Indulge in the delicious flavor of almond chicken, which is made with marinated chicken pieces and crunchy roasted almonds. It’s a low-carb and healthy choice that you can customize to fit your dietary preferences by omitting sauces as well as rice.
Elevate the appeal of your meal further by teaming it up with steaming egg drop soup for an unforgettable taste experience!
2. Baked Fish
Indulge in the delectable flavors and health benefits of a baked or steamed fish fillet, be it salmon, or any other fish variety. Its golden exterior is crispy to perfection with an array of subtle spices for a harmonious balance.
Whether it’s time for keto-friendly meal prep without carbs or you’re looking to add some zest with sesame seeds, baked fish offers nourishment that’s both delicious and indulgent!
3. Beef With Broccoli
Savory beef strips paired with vibrant green broccoli florets blanketed in a rich sauce, this is the classic dish we all love: beef and broccoli. Make it even more delectable by employing a velveting technique that uses baking soda to tenderize the meat as well as add an extra layer of flavor.
The best part? You can customize it according to your taste preference by adding either light or low-sugar sauces.
4. Boiled or Steamed Seafood
With shrimp, juicy crawfish, or meaty crab legs boiled or steamed in a variety of delicious sauces and spices, these protein-packed meals will surely make you feel like royalty!
Elevate your dining experience even further by pairing them with freshly prepared stir-fried vegetables for the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
5. Chicken and Broccoli
This classic dish has been a popular mainstay in Asian cuisine for decades. At most places, they will happily accommodate by steaming both ingredients together without additional net carbs, so why not give it a try today?
6. Chicken With Ginger Garlic Sauce
Chicken with ginger garlic sauce is a delectable dish that blends the flavors of tender chicken with the bold and aromatic taste of ginger and garlic. To keep this dish low-carb, request your sauce on the side and opt for boiled or grilled chicken instead of breaded and fried.
Paired with vegetables and without rice, this dish is a flavorful and healthy option for those following a ketogenic diet.
7. Chop Suey
Chop suey, a classic stir-fry dish, offers a medley of flavors and textures, including tender meat, crisp vegetables, and eggs. Often served over rice or noodles, it can be customized for a low-carb meal by skipping the starchy sides and opting for vegetable noodles or cauliflower rice.
To ensure a healthier option, request non-breaded meat and hold the thick sauce.
8. Egg Drop Soup
Egg drop soup is a delicate, flavorful broth with tender eggs swirling within. It is a classic Chinese dish that can be modified to fit any diet. When dining out, keep in mind to inquire about the thickener used, and hold the high-carb wonton strips.
9. Egg Foo Young
Egg foo young is an omelet that hails from China and contains diced meats, cabbage, bean sprouts, onions, all the makings of an exquisite dish.
With its thick gravy sauce coating each bite evenly throughout every morsel of this delectable fare, you can choose from shrimp to pork as fillings that guarantee satisfaction in a single plateful.
10. Hot and Sour Soup
Enjoy the exquisite combination of warmth and zest in hot and sour soup. A velvety broth, silky tofu, and earthy mushrooms masterfully combine to create a gratifyingly harmonious blend, while just enough vinegar provides an invigorating hint of tartness. The perfect pick-me-up on a brisk day!
However, if you’re dining out, don’t forget to ask your server about potential thickeners before ordering, some restaurants use cornstarch which can add up to the carb count of this dish.
11. Hunan or Szechuan Chicken
Hunan or Szechuan chicken is a sensation, combining pieces of chicken with mushrooms, bell peppers, and baby corn in either soy or oyster sauce, forming an impressionable flavor combination that perfectly complements its tenderness and crunchiness.
12. Kung Pao Chicken
Kung pao chicken is an exquisite blend of textures and spices that offer up tender chunks of chicken, crisp vegetables, zesty chili peppers, and crunchy peanuts, all combined in a bold and spicy sauce.
Request to omit the sauce and swap out your sides for a soup such as egg drop or hot and sour if you’re looking to keep things low-carb.
13. Kung Pao Shrimp
Your taste buds will love the delectable combination of shrimp, peanuts, and bell peppers, with a little kick from spicy chilies, all smothered in a delicious sauce. To make kung pao shrimp keto-friendly, simply ask for a lighter sauce and leave out any accompanying rice or noodles.
14. Lettuce Cups
Satisfy your hunger and cravings for something healthy with lettuce cups, a satisfying DIY meal! Enjoy chicken and vegetables tucked into crisp lettuce then add a pop of flavor with green onions and a drizzle of soy sauce.
15. Mongolian Beef
Keto Mongolian beef is an incredibly delicious dish composed of slices of flank steak, fresh vegetables, scallions, and a delectable brown sauce. This low-carb meal will provide you with plenty of proteins and healthy fats that are essential for the keto dieter.
To put your own spin on this classic recipe, ask to have the sauce served separately so you can opt for soy instead of using hoisin which has added sugar in it.
16. Moo Goo Gai Pan
Moo goo gai pan combines tender chicken, mushrooms, and a delightful assortment of crisp vegetables, such as snow peas, water chestnuts, and bamboo shoots. You can even customize it to suit your dietary needs.
17. Moo Shu Beef
Moo shu beef is made with sliced beef, fresh vegetables, and a hint of hoisin sauce. It can be served in crunchy lettuce wraps or alongside warm pancakes for a carb-free option that won’t interfere with your diet goals.
To complement the dish’s flavors even more, pair it with light egg drop soup instead of traditional rice accompaniments.
18. Moo Shu Pork
Moo shu pork contains sliced pork, fluffy scrambled eggs, mushrooms, and fresh veggies, all enveloped in an irresistible sauce. And best of all, this scrumptious dinner can be served with cauliflower rice or extra veggies to suit your nutritional needs.
19. Peking Duck
Peking duck is a remarkable dish, renowned for its captivating fragrance and crunchy yet golden-brown skin. This delicious dish can usually be found in classic Chinese restaurants with an assorted selection of steamed vegetables such as broccoli, bok choy, choy sum, Chinese cabbage, or cauliflower.
Its indulgent meatiness combined with that irresistible outer crisp makes Peking duck a must-have if you’re looking to treat yourself to the ultimate authentic Chinese dining experience!
20. Pork Belly
Pork belly offers a delightful contrast between an appetizingly crunchy exterior and a succulent interior when roasted. To maintain its ketogenic properties, be sure to ask for the accompanying glaze without refined sugars or thickeners.
Pork belly can provide an indulgent meal in various forms — crispy pork belly, paired with slices of cucumber, or stir-fried with fresh vegetables — whichever way you choose will guarantee delectable satisfaction!
21. Sautéed Vegetables
Sautéed vegetables are a flavorful, nutritious choice for any dish. Whether you choose broccoli or green beans, there is an abundance of vitamins and minerals available in these veggies.
Delightfully cooked with oil or sauce, they will tantalize your taste buds while keeping you on the right track for keto living.
22. Steamed Tofu With Mixed Veggies
This exquisite blend of steamed tofu and a medley of fresh vegetables is nothing short of nutritional excellence. The creamy texture of the tofu is enhanced by the crisp sweetness from the mixed vegetables, creating an enthralling flavor fusion that no health enthusiast or epicurean can resist.
23. Stir-fried Mushroom
A fantastic option for keto and low-carb lovers, stir-fried mushroom showcases the greatness of mushrooms as a nutritious yet exquisite component. With its hearty texture and nutritive components, it’s an ideal choice for health enthusiasts or anyone watching their carbs.
Chinese Food to Avoid on a Keto Diet
To maintain a successful ketogenic diet, make sure to avoid the following Chinese food that are high in carbohydrates:
- Noodles, such as chow mein and lo mein
- All types of rice, including steamed and fried rice
- Thick sugary sauces like duck sauce, hoisin sauce, and sweet and sour sauce as they usually contain cornstarch
- Wontons, dumplings, egg rolls, or spring rolls as they contain flour and starch
How to Order Low Carb Chinese Food: Tips to Keep Chinese Food Keto-Friendly
Indulging in scrumptious low carb Chinese food is easier than you think. With a few smart approaches, you can enjoy delicious keto meals.
Here are some useful hints to bear in mind when ordering keto Chinese food at a Chinese restaurant:
- Build your own meal: Chinese buffet restaurants often feature a build-your-own stir-fry bar. Instead of soggy carbs and sauces with many calories, fill your plate with vegetables, eggs, and meat then season it up with oil soy sauce and hot sauce to taste.
- Remove rice and noodles: Traditional Chinese meals often feature rice and noodles, yet these can be substituted with low-carb options, such as zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or additional vegetables.
- Avoid thick, sugary sauce: Choose sauces that are clear and savory or opt for seasoning with oil and spices. Thick, sweet sauces tend to be higher in carbs.
- Watch out for breaded or fried foods: Opt for steamed, sautéed, or grilled meats instead of breaded and fried foods.
- Order a la carte: Consider ordering individual dishes like steamed meats and veggies, without any accompanying dish.
- Check menus ahead of time: To make smart decisions on what to eat, it’s wise to plan ahead by researching restaurant menus online and learning the nutritional content and ingredients in each dish.
Adhering to these guidelines will allow you to indulge in low carb Chinese food without feeling anxious about being kicked out of ketosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Chinese Dishes Can I Eat on Keto?
If you’re following a ketogenic lifestyle, Chinese cuisine offers delicious options that are low in carbs and high in beneficial fats. Enjoy stir-fried or sautéed vegetables alongside steamed, boiled, or baked meat for a wholesome meal!
Can I Make Low Carb Chinese Food at Home?
Instead of ordering Chinese takeout, you can definitely make homemade keto Chinese food! Start experimenting with substitutions or ingredient swaps to cut down on carbs. If you need inspiration, look online for easy keto Chinese food recipes that incorporate healthy alternatives.
Final Thoughts
You can still enjoy Chinese food when you’re following a low-carb diet. From classic dishes to lesser-known ones, there is an abundance of delicious and nutritious options that can keep your cravings satisfied while still helping you achieve your health goals.
To make sure you stick with your dietary plan, be mindful when choosing what dishes are steamed, grilled, or stir-fried as opposed to battered or fried. It’s also important to steer clear of rice and noodles as they’re packed with carbs.
We hope you find this list helpful and that it inspires you to try some new and delicious low carb Chinese food options. If you found this post informative and helpful, please share it with your family and friends who may also be looking for some healthy and tasty meal ideas.