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Craving Chinese takeout but want to keep it healthy? You’re in luck. Chinese cuisine offers a variety of options that are both delicious and nutritious.
By choosing dishes with fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and lighter sauces, you can enjoy your favorite flavors without the guilt. These 20 health-conscious takeout orders are packed with bold tastes, vibrant colors, and wholesome ingredients.
Explore these options to satisfy your cravings while staying mindful of your health goals.
1. Steamed Vegetable Dumplings
A lighter take on a classic. Steamed vegetable dumplings are a fantastic appetizer that’s both tasty and healthy.
These dumplings are typically filled with a mix of finely chopped cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and sometimes tofu. Steaming instead of frying keeps the calorie count low, while the vegetables provide essential vitamins and fiber.
Pair them with a light soy or ginger dipping sauce to enhance their flavor without adding excess salt.
2. Hot and Sour Soup
A zesty, low-calorie starter. Hot and sour soup is a satisfying way to start your meal.
It’s packed with tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and a tangy broth that’s both spicy and sour. This soup is naturally low in calories and loaded with flavor.
Opt for a smaller portion to control sodium intake and enjoy it guilt-free.
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3. Moo Goo Gai Pan
Light and full of flavor. Moo Goo Gai Pan is a Cantonese dish featuring tender chicken, mushrooms, and a medley of fresh vegetables like snow peas and carrots.
Cooked in a light, savory sauce, this dish is low in oil and calories, making it a great option for health-conscious diners. Pair it with brown rice for added fiber.
4. Steamed Shrimp with Broccoli
Protein-packed and nutrient-rich. This dish combines juicy shrimp with steamed broccoli, creating a low-calorie, high-protein option.
The simplicity of steaming ensures that the natural flavors of the shrimp and broccoli shine through. Ask for the sauce on the side to control sodium and enjoy a nutrient-packed meal.
5. Egg Foo Young (Without Gravy)
A healthy protein fix. Egg Foo Young is essentially a Chinese-style omelet filled with vegetables and sometimes lean meats or shrimp.
Skip the heavy gravy to keep it light. This dish provides a good dose of protein while being customizable with your choice of add-ins.
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6. Vegetable Stir-Fry
Colorful and nutrient-packed. A classic vegetable stir-fry is a vibrant mix of bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and other vegetables sautéed in a light garlic or soy sauce.
Request less oil during preparation to make it even healthier. This dish is a fantastic way to get your daily servings of veggies.
7. Chicken and Broccoli
A lean protein favorite. This staple dish features tender chicken and crisp broccoli in a light, savory sauce. It’s a lower-calorie option compared to breaded or fried dishes, and the combination of protein and fiber keeps you feeling full.
Opt for steamed rice instead of fried for a balanced meal.
8. Kung Pao Shrimp
Spicy and satisfying. Kung Pao Shrimp offers a flavorful kick without being overly indulgent.
Made with shrimp, peanuts, and vegetables in a spicy sauce, this dish is high in protein and rich in texture. Ask for reduced oil and go easy on the peanuts to keep it lighter.
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9. Beef with Snow Peas
Simple and nourishing. This dish combines thinly sliced beef with fresh snow peas in a light, savory sauce. It’s a well-balanced option that’s low in carbs and rich in protein.
Pair it with steamed rice or quinoa to round out the meal.
10. Mapo Tofu (With Less Oil)
Bold and plant-based. Mapo Tofu is a spicy Sichuan dish made with tofu and minced meat in a chili bean paste sauce.
Ask for reduced oil to make it lighter while keeping its bold flavors intact. It’s a great choice for vegetarians if you omit the meat.
11. Steamed Whole Fish
Fresh and nutrient-rich. A steamed whole fish is a traditional Chinese dish that’s as healthy as it is impressive.
The fish is usually flavored with ginger, scallions, and soy sauce, keeping it light while highlighting its natural flavors. This protein-packed option is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
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12. Cucumber Salad
A refreshing side. Cucumber salad is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring crisp cucumbers tossed with a light dressing of soy sauce, sesame oil, and vinegar.
It’s a refreshing and low-calorie side that pairs well with heavier mains.
13. Vegetarian Spring Rolls (Steamed)
Crunchy and satisfying. Steamed vegetarian spring rolls are a lighter alternative to their fried counterparts.
Filled with cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms, they’re a healthy way to enjoy a classic appetizer. Pair them with a vinegar-based dipping sauce for added zing.
14. Sesame Chicken (Baked)
Sweet and savory. Baked sesame chicken offers a lighter take on this popular dish.
The chicken is baked instead of fried, then coated in a sweet sesame sauce. Pair it with steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
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15. Stir-Fried Bok Choy
Simple and nutrient-dense. Bok choy, a leafy green vegetable, is stir-fried with garlic and a touch of soy sauce in this dish. It’s a light, low-calorie side that’s rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
16. Pineapple Chicken (Grilled)
Sweet, tangy, and healthy. Grilled pineapple chicken is a fantastic option for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their meals.
This dish combines tender chicken with fresh pineapple chunks in a light glaze, creating a delicious mix of savory and tangy flavors. By opting for grilling instead of frying, you keep it lower in calories without sacrificing taste.
Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or brown rice for a complete, nutritious meal.
17. Tofu and Vegetable Soup
Light and warming. This soup is a comforting blend of tofu, mixed vegetables, and a clear broth.
It’s low in calories yet high in nutrients, thanks to the variety of vegetables and protein-rich tofu. The mild broth keeps it light on the palate while still being flavorful.
Perfect as a starter or a light main course, this dish is satisfying without feeling heavy.
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18. Steamed Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao)
A satisfying snack. Char Siu Bao is a dim sum classic made with a soft, fluffy bun filled with flavorful pork.
Opting for the steamed version instead of baked or fried keeps this dish lower in fat. The lightly sweetened barbecue pork filling is rich in flavor, making these buns a satisfying and health-conscious snack or side.
19. Shrimp and Vegetable Lo Mein (With Whole-Wheat Noodles)
A healthier noodle dish. Lo mein is often seen as indulgent, but you can make it healthier by choosing whole-wheat noodles and loading up on vegetables.
Shrimp provides lean protein, and the medley of stir-fried vegetables adds crunch and nutrition. Request a lighter hand with the sauce to keep it lower in sodium and calories.
20. Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Crisp and customizable. Chicken lettuce wraps are a fun and healthy appetizer or main course.
Ground chicken is stir-fried with vegetables and a light soy-based sauce, then spooned into crisp lettuce leaves. This dish is low in carbs, high in protein, and incredibly versatile.
Add a dash of chili sauce for extra heat!
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