Enjoy Keto Chinese Food Without Sacrificing Flavor
Staying on track with a ketogenic diet doesn’t mean giving up your favorite foods. From zoodles to stir-fry, discover tasty and low-carb options that fit your diet.
Keto-Friendly Chinese Food Options
On a ketogenic diet, you typically eat 20 to 50 grams of carbs per day. While that means cutting carbs, you can still enjoy plenty of fats, proteins, and non-starchy veggies. Here are 17 low-carb Chinese food items that are keto-friendly:
- Beef with Broccoli: This iconic dish is made with stir-fried beef, broccoli, and brown sauce. Ask for light sauce or get it on the side to reduce carbs.
- Chop Suey: This stir-fry is full of flavor, featuring eggs, veggies, and your choice of meat. Ask for it without starchy sides like rice or noodles.
- Baked Salmon: Packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, baked salmon is a great source of nutrients. Seasoned with traditional Chinese spices, it’s a treat.
- Kung Pao Shrimp: A flavorful mix of shrimp, bell peppers, chiles, and peanuts, Kung Pao shrimp is a keto-friendly delight. Ask for a light sauce to curb carbs.
- Steamed Tofu with Mixed Veggies: Low in carbs and rich in nutrients, tofu is a great source of iron, calcium, and zinc. Ask for it fried for added flavor.
- Egg Drop Soup: A simple yet delicious starter, egg drop soup is made with eggs, broth, and a thickener. Add chopped scallions and black pepper for extra flavor.
- Hot and Sour Soup: A comforting blend of broth, spices, mushrooms, and tofu, hot and sour soup is a keto-friendly favorite. Ask about the thickener used.
- Mongolian Beef: A well-rounded keto dish, Mongolian beef features thinly sliced flank steak, mixed veggies, scallions, and a brown sauce. Ask for the sauce on the side.
- Pork Belly: High in fat and low in carbs, pork belly is a keto dream. Just beware of sugary glazes.
- Moo Shu Pork: A delicious dish made with sliced pork, eggs, and veggies, Moo Shu pork is keto-friendly when served without rice. Replace with riced cauliflower or extra veggies.
- Steamed or Boiled Seafood: A great source of protein, steamed or boiled seafood is a keto-friendly option. Pair with extra veggies for a satisfying meal.
- Sautéed Broccoli: A non-starchy veggie, broccoli is a great addition to the keto diet. Stick to lighter sauces like lobster sauce and brown sauce.
- Egg Foo Young: A Chinese omelet, egg foo young is packed with protein and has few carbs. Fill it with proteins like pork, chicken, beef, or shrimp.
- Lettuce Cups: A DIY delight, lettuce cups are keto-friendly, tasty, and easy to make. Fill with sautéed chicken and veggies, and finish with chopped scallions and soy sauce.
- Stir-Fried Mushrooms: A savory and satisfying option, stir-fried mushrooms are low in carbs and rich in flavor. Ask about the sauce used.
- Peking Duck: A Chinese American restaurant staple, Peking duck has a crispy skin and strong, meaty flavor. Ask for a quarter or half served with steamed veggies.
- Chicken and Broccoli: A classic dish, chicken and broccoli is a lighter alternative to beef with broccoli. Just ask for it without carrots or eat around them.
Tips to Keep it Keto
Before ordering, remember to:
- Avoid sugary sauces
- Beware of breaded meats
- Say no to rice
- Build your own stir-fry
- Avoid sugary sauces (again, because they’re sneaky!)
Other Takeout Tips
What if Chinese isn’t your only go-to takeout? Here’s how you can make other takeout meals more keto-friendly:
- Keto Sushi: Stick to sashimi, miso soup, and negimaki for a low-carb sushi experience.
- Keto Pizza: Ask for crustless, bring your own crust, or think outside the pizza box with antipasto salad, seafood soup, or caprese salad.
- Keto Fast Food: Ditch the bun, go full-fat, and forget the fries. Opt for a side salad with a full-fat dressing instead.
The Bottom Line
The keto diet focuses on foods high in fat, moderate in protein, and very low in carbs. While you’ll have to give up some classic Chinese food staples, there are still plenty of options to enjoy. These 17 menu items are all great low-carb choices.
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