Chinese food can be fantastic to indulge in every once in a while. However, most of the dishes are filled with sodium, too much than the average amount one should intake daily. You need not worry anyways as there are several low sodium Chinese food recipes you can try out to sate your thirst. These recipes will work well with your regime if looking to reduce your sodium intake or dealing with blood pressure conditions. Do not for a moment, think that the food will be any less delicious. The dish you prepare will not only be highly nutritious but mouth-watering too.
Vegetables
Due to the high esteem with which the Chinese regard good health, veggies are a large part of their meals. Therefore, if looking to enjoy an excellent plate of low sodium Chinese food, try their stir-fried vegetables. Not only are they colorful but also packed with minerals such as potassium, which is great for your heart and blood pressure. For your side dish, include colorful bell peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes that are stir-fried. Little or low-sodium sauce is mixed in the dish using this cooking method.
Steamed Rice
Instead of the traditional Chinese fried rice, opt for steamed rice. This rice, unlike its alternative, is super low on sodium. Research has shown that steamed rice contains less than 0.16% of sodium recommended for intake in a day. If looking to lessen the percentage to almost zero, cook brown rice instead of white and enjoy all the nutritious vitamins and fibres it will endow you with.
Tofu
Steamed tofu is also among the low sodium Chinese food recipes you will find. Again depending on the method of preparation, the sodium level in your tofu is determined. Steaming the tofu instead of frying it is one way of ensuring your meal is devoid of excess sodium.
To fully keep track of your sodium intake, avoid high sodium ingredients when preparing your side dip. As a vegetarian, tofu is an excellent source of proteins and is especially great for its low sodium levels. Research shows that instead of bad cholesterol associated with other sources of protein, tofu proteins instead boost good cholesterol. To optimize your blood pressure, regularly consume this delicacy in your dish.
Dumplings
If given an option between fried wontons and dumplings for your appetizer, I say go with dumplings. They are delicious and very low of sodium. They get better if stuffed with vegetables instead of fried meat. AHA (American Heart Association) especially encouraged the preparation of the dumpling to be done by steaming. It is more heart-healthy choice than its fried counterpart.
Low Sodium Spicy Chicken Chinese Recipe
Eating food low in sodium does not mean not indulging your taste buds with a little spicy flavor and heat. You can enjoy experimenting with this low sodium Chinese food recipe right at the comfort of your house. What makes this recipe so special is that no artificial sugars or salts are added but instead only natural sweeteners and flavorings. You will only encounter sodium from the minimal amount of soy sauce incorporated in the meal during preparation. The amount is so low that it does not even change the flavor of your chicken.
This fantastic dish also takes very little time to prepare hence perfect for dinner after a busy day. To accompany your low sodium spicy Chinese chicken dish, steam brown rice, which is more nutritious than its fried counterpart. The natural elements to make this dish a success include juice from freshly squeezed oranges, ginger, and red hot pepper. Also, make sure to sear your chicken mixed with carrots for an even healthier combination.
Low Sodium Chinese Style Broccoli Recipe
This dish is one of the quickest low sodium Chinese food you can indulge in. It contains few ingredients and can cook in less than 20 minutes. No sugar or salt is added to this meal, and hence, the percentage of sodium goes even lower. Unlike other side dish meals containing soy sauce that is high in sodium, you are urged to use the low sodium version of it. Add only a tablespoon of it, and your sodium needs for the day are catered for. The other ingredients are canola oil, broccoli, of course, garlic, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Tofu & Peanut Noodle Stir-Fry Chinese Recipe
If you are looking for something that will fill you up more, this is the recipe for you. The little oil used in the preparation of this meal makes it a healthy option, not to mention the tofu and peanuts packed with lean protein. It becomes a balanced diet complete with carbs on adding noodles and your choice of vegetables. For taste and flavour, a dash of low sodium soy sauce is used together with lime juice. Elements such as red pepper, garlic, and ginger also add to the deliciousness of the tofu and peanut noodle stir-fry.
To prepare this dish, cook your tofu pieces for a few minutes until golden then set aside. On the same pan, add all your spices and stir-fry for about 3- 5 minutes. Once they are ready, add your previously boiled noodles and stir for just a minute, and your food is prepared. After serving sprinkle each plate with your roasted peanuts and your meal is good to go.
Low Sodium Vegetable Chow Mein Recipe
The Chinese love their vegetables, and there are several vegetable recipes to attest to that. The low sodium Chinese vegetable chow mein is one of these recipes. Instead of your traditional sodium soy sauce, you will require hoisin sauce for its preparation.
Here you are allowed to add an assortment of vegetables as long as they appeal to your taste buds. A splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice will give a tart salty flavor to your meal therefore, removing the need to add salt. Egg noodles and firm tofu are great for this specific dish and if already cooked the better. Also incorporate spring onions, ginger, garlic, and coriander to garnish.
Once your vegetables are steamed to the required softness, set aside and stir fry your tofu until they turn golden. Once ready, on a separate pan with a little oil, throw in your steamed veggies, onions, ginger, and garlic and on high heat cook for five minutes. Now before adding the noodles, mix your hoisin sauce and lemon juice with a glass of water. Once well mixed, add the noodles to your pan with tofu then pour in the sauce. Cook while stirring for two minutes and serve. Garnish with your freshly picked coriander leaves.
Conclusion
There are so many low sodium Chinese food recipes to choose from and you just have to choose one that suits your mood, time frame or diet. The above recipes are just some of the many other possible methods you can get that are of low sodium dishes. The main point is to avoid high sodium soy sauce, artificial salts, and sugars, and you are good to go.
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