The 10 Unhealthiest Chinese Takeout Orders To Stop Getting & The 10 That Aren't Too Bad
The 10 Unhealthiest Chinese Takeout Orders To Stop Getting & The 10 That Aren't Too Bad
The Truth Behind Chinese Takeout Classics
Who doesn't love some good Chinese takeout? The flavors are comforting, hearty, and so satisfying, but just because it tastes good doesn't mean it's good for you. A lot of classic Chinese favorites aren't the friendliest for your body, especially when how it's prepared, how large the portion is, and how the sauce is made matters so much. Here are 10 of the unhealthiest Chinese takeout orders to stop getting, and 10 that are a bit more balanced.
1. General Tso’s Chicken
Everyone loves General Tso's chicken, making it one of the most popular Chinese takeout dishes, but unfortunately, it's also one of the heaviest options on the menu. With the chicken covered in thick batter, deep-fried, and tossed in a tangy, high-sugar, high-sodium sauce, this is anything but good for you.
2. Orange Chicken
Just because a fruit is in the name doesn't make this dish any healthier. Orange chicken sounds bright and fresh, but this takeout dish is more about sweetness than anything else. The fried chicken pieces are coated top to bottom in this sticky sauce that is definitely made with way too much sugar.
3. Sweet and Sour Pork
Sweet and sour pork is exactly that: deep-fried pieces of thickly coated pork covered in a glossy sauce that leans heavily on the sugar. It's a high-in-calorie kind of dish that certainly doesn't get any healthier when you eat it with mountains of white or fried rice.
4. Crab Rangoon
You can't possibly expect this deep-fried, cream cheese-filled appetizer to be good for you! Crab rangoon might be easy to snack on and share, but that's why it can be problematic; you might eat too much before the main dishes are even served!
5. Fried Dumplings
Fried dumplings might sound modest, especially when you're sharing them with a whole table of people, but anything deep-fried is never good for your body. These versions come cooked with extra oil and a sodium-heavy dipping sauce that can add up quick.
6. Beef Chow Fun
This delicious noodle dish is smoky, savory, and super satisfying to enjoy, but it's sadly also not one of the healthier options you can order. The wide rice noodles easily soak up all the oil and heavy sauce, which makes it taste great, but also boosts its calorie count much higher than expected.
7. Egg Foo Young With Gravy
Egg foo young sounds protein-packed, which may lead you to believe it's on the healthy side, but the takeout version often comes fried and covered in a salty brown gravy. The eggs and meat already make the dish rich, but the gravy only adds more sodium and heaviness.
8. Sesame Chicken
Similar to the other sweet takeout favorites we've already mentioned, sesame chicken sounds pretty innocent, but in reality, it's just deep-fried chicken smothered in a sugary sauce. Those added calories certainly make it a flavorful dish, but that comes with a health cost.
9. Lo Mein
Lo mein can look harmless because it doesn’t have a crispy coating or thick glaze, but the noodles are still often tossed with plenty of oil and salty sauce. Not to mention, if you choose a meat-heavy version with few vegetables, it's anything but balanced.
10. Fried Rice
Can you really order Chinese takeout without getting fried rice? This universal favorite is beloved by all, but a lot also treat it like it's healthier than it actually is. The sodium and refined carbs can add up quickly, especially when it's restaurant-made, and when you pair it with another saucy entrée.
1. Steamed Dumplings
If you really have a hankering for dumplings, then always go the steamed route because it's far healthier. Without having the whole dish doused in oil when cooked, it makes a meaningful difference. The filling can still be rich, especially if there's pork, so you're not losing out on flavor either.
2. Chicken and Broccoli
Simple and straightforward, chicken and broccoli might not be the flashiest of Chinese takeout dishes, but it's more reasonable than some of the other options (especially if you get the sauce served light!). The chicken provides protein, the broccoli adds fiber, and as long as you watch the sodium, it's more balanced.
3. Shrimp With Mixed Vegetables
Shrimp with mixed vegetables is a lighter pick that still feels like a complete takeout meal. Shrimp is naturally lean and offers good protein, while the vegetables help add volume without making the dish overly heavy. The main thing to watch is the sauce, since even a clear-looking sauce can contain more sodium than you might expect.
4. Moo Goo Gai Pan
It might be a bit difficult to say, but moo goo gai pan is a beloved Chinese dish that features chicken and vegetables, usually in a less greasy way than many other takeout staples. It often includes mushrooms, snow peas, carrots, and other vegetables in a mild sauce, and because it isn’t deep-fried or covered in a sugary glaze, it's a smarter choice.
5. Steamed Chicken With Vegetables
No, this might not be the most eyecatching or explosive in the flavor department, but it is one of the more practical choices you can make on a Chinese takeout menu. The keyword here is "steamed" and "vegetables," which already gives this dish a leg up on the other popular orders.
6. Hot and Sour Soup
Hot and sour soup might not be for everyone flavor-wise, but it's more balanced than some of the other dishes thanks to ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and egg making frequent appearances. The sodium can still be high, so it’s not automatically perfect, but it’s generally lighter than creamy or fried starters.
7. Egg Drop Soup
Another great broth-based option, egg drop soup is simple, warm, and usually lower in calories than many other takeout sides. The broth and egg give it a pleasant texture without making it too heavy, and though it can be salty depending on the restaurant, but it’s still a gentler choice than ordering fried wontons or crab rangoon.
8. Buddha’s Delight
This vegetable-forward dish is a refreshing change of pace from all the fried meats and heavy, sticky sauces. It often includes tofu, mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables, giving you more fiber and variety in one order. The sauce still isn't the healthiest, but this dish is usually one of the better options nutrition-wise.
FotoosVanRobin from Netherlands on Wikimedia
9. Moo Shu Vegetables
Made with shredded vegetables and sometimes egg, moo shu vegetables feel more than just a plain vegetarian side. It has a lot of great texture and substance to it, and while it's not as indulgent as the other dishes listed earlier, it is still satisfying. Just be mindful of the pancakes and hoisin sauce!
10. Steamed Shrimp With Broccoli
Steamed shrimp with broccoli is one of the cleaner choices on a typical Chinese takeout menu. It still veers more on the sodium-heavy side, but with the lean protein and vegetables you're getting in this one, it's a far more balanced dish you can't complain too much about.
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