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How to Make Chinese Dishes Healthier

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer

Looking for healthier Chinese dishes? If you enjoy Chinese food, you don’t have to give it up if you’re on a diet or just want to eat better. While the food at Chinese restaurants is laden with fried fat, you can cook delicious Chinese food at home that’s good for you. Follow these steps to make Chinese dishes healthier.

From Quick Guide: Chinese Food
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Wok and spatula or cooking spoon
  • Garlic and ginger
  • Mix of chopped vegetables

    How to Make Chinese Dishes Healthier

  1. Step 1

    Skip unhealthy oils and sauces. Make a vegetable stir-fry with water or olive oil. Stir-frying is a healthier way of cooking, since it does not overcook or add fat to the food. Heat up the wok under a low flame with a little water or olive oil and some minced garlic and ginger. The garlic and ginger will add flavor and seasoning to the food, so you do not have to add other sauces and oils.

  2. Step 2

    Load up on the vegetables. Add a mix of chopped vegetables to the wok and set the flame to low. You can include healthy and delicious vegetables like broccoli, carrots, bean sprouts and peppers. Skip the meat entirely or add a small amount of diced, lean chicken (cook before you cook the vegetables).

  3. Step 3

    Don’t overcook the vegetables. Using a spatula or cooking spoon, stir the vegetables occasionally. Cover with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes or until the colors of the vegetables get a little brighter. For the most health benefits, cook it briefly to retain most of the nutrients and cook it with a low flame.

  4. Step 4

    Make healthy substitutions. For an optional side dish, you can substitute white rice for brown rice, which is rich in fiber.

Tips & Warnings
  • Substitute garlic and ginger for sauces that may have a lot of sodium. If you must use sauces, check the labels and get low-sodium soy sauce.
  • Don’t walk away from a range that’s on. If you use oil to cook, use caution–don’t get too close. Cover the food because hot oil could splash up.
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