Chinese cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and traditions, but not every dish is a winner for your health or palate. While many options delight with their taste and nutrition, some have hidden pitfalls that make them better left on the menu.
Whether it’s due to excessive calories, unhealthy preparation methods, or simply not living up to their reputation, here are ten Chinese restaurant dishes you might want to skip next time you’re dining out.
Each item is explored with detailed reasons, ensuring your dining experience remains both satisfying and health-conscious.
1. Sweet and Sour Pork
Sweet and sour pork is a staple on many Chinese restaurant menus, often attracting diners with its vibrant colors and flavorful sauce. However, beneath its appealing appearance lies a calorie-dense dish high in sugar and fat. The pork is typically deep-fried, adding unnecessary calories and unhealthy trans fats. This dish often features a thick, sugary sauce that can spike blood sugar levels and leave you feeling sluggish after your meal.
For a healthier alternative, consider opting for grilled or steamed dishes that retain flavor without the excess calories and sugar. Grilled options provide the savory taste you love while supporting a balanced diet.
2. General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s Chicken is known for its crispy, deep-fried texture and rich, sticky sauce. Unfortunately, these appealing traits also make it a less than ideal choice for health-conscious diners. The deep frying process adds significant amounts of unhealthy fats, while the sauce’s high sugar content can contribute to weight gain and blood sugar issues.
Instead, look for dishes that are stir-fried or steamed, which offer similar flavors without as much unhealthy fat. Stir-fried options often allow for customization, making it easier to control ingredients and maintain a nutritious meal.
3. Fried Rice
Fried rice is a beloved comfort food, but it can be deceptively unhealthy due to its high-calorie content and use of unhealthy oils. Often, it is cooked with large amounts of oil, butter, or even lard, adding unnecessary saturated fats. Additionally, the rice is usually white, which is less nutritious than alternatives like brown rice.
To enjoy a healthier version, opt for steamed brown rice or request less oil in preparation. You can also add extra vegetables for more nutrients, transforming it into a more balanced side dish.
4. Egg Rolls
Egg rolls are a classic appetizer, but their deep-fried nature makes them a poor choice for those watching their calorie intake. Typically filled with cabbage, meat, and other fillings, these rolls are wrapped in dough and fried until crispy. This cooking method significantly raises their fat content, and the accompanying dipping sauces often include added sugars.
Consider choosing spring rolls instead, which are often not fried and offer a lighter, yet equally satisfying, alternative. Fresh spring rolls packed with vegetables provide a refreshing start to your meal.
5. Orange Chicken
Orange Chicken is a crowd favorite, known for its sweet and tangy glaze. However, it’s one of the least healthy options due to its deep-fried chicken pieces and sugary sauce. The combination results in a dish high in unhealthy fats and sugars, contributing to potential weight gain and health issues.
Opt for dishes with sauces on the side, enabling better portion control and less sugar consumption. Grilled chicken with a citrus marinade can mimic the flavor profile without the added health risks.
6. Chow Mein
Chow Mein might seem like a balanced meal with its mix of noodles, vegetables, and proteins, but it often comes loaded with oil and sodium. The noodles are typically pan-fried, which adds unnecessary fats. Moreover, the sauces used can be high in sodium, which is not ideal for those monitoring their salt intake.
For a healthier alternative, try ordering lo mein with whole wheat noodles and extra vegetables. This not only reduces calorie intake but increases fiber and nutrient consumption, making it a better option for overall health.
7. Crab Rangoon
Crab Rangoon, with its creamy filling and crispy exterior, is a temptation hard to resist. Despite its tantalizing flavors, it is far from a healthy choice due to its high calorie and fat content. The cream cheese filling often contains little real crab, instead relying on imitation flavors.
Choosing appetizers like steamed dumplings or edamame can provide the same savory satisfaction with fewer calories and healthier ingredients. These options allow you to enjoy a guilt-free start to your meal, supporting better dietary choices overall.
8. Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken is a spicy, flavorful dish that captivates with its vibrant mix of ingredients. However, this dish can be high in sodium and calories due to its sauce and fried elements. The peanuts, while nutritious, add extra calories and fats that may not be ideal for everyone.
Opt for a version with less sauce and more vegetables to maintain the dish’s flavor without as much sodium or calories. This adjustment can make Kung Pao Chicken a more balanced choice, combining taste with health-conscious eating.
9. Lemon Chicken
Lemon Chicken, often drenched in a glossy, sweet lemon sauce, is another dish that may be better avoided. The sauce is typically high in sugar, and the chicken is often breaded and fried, leading to excessive calories and fats. This combination makes it less than ideal for those mindful of their health.
Consider asking for grilled chicken with lemon sauce on the side. This alternative offers the same citrus flavor without the added sugars and fats, allowing you to enjoy a light, flavorful dish.
10. Moo Shu Pork
Moo Shu Pork, presented with thin pancakes and hoisin sauce, might seem like a creative choice. However, it often includes high-fat cuts of pork and is cooked with a lot of oil. The pancakes add unnecessary carbohydrates, making it a less optimal choice for those counting calories.
For a healthier twist, try wrapping the filling in lettuce leaves instead of pancakes, and request leaner cuts of meat. This swap not only reduces calorie intake but adds a crisp, fresh element to the dish.