Everyone loves a nice, hot dish of Chinese food after a long week, but takeout often isn’t very good for you. Luckily, healthier versions of your favorite Chinese dishes can be made at home in the same amount of time it takes for you to order and pickup takeout from your local Chinese food restaurant. When you’re craving Chinese, put down the phone and pick up one of these recipes so you can enjoy a healthy, tasty dinner and know exactly what went into it.
Five-Spice Tilapia
Chinese spices are the star of the show in this Five-Spice Tilapia recipe from Eating Well. The tender Tilapia get sprinkled with the spice mixture, then drizzled with a savory-sweet glaze made of reduced-sodium soy sauce and a touch of brown sugar. Chinese five-spice mix is a mixture of cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed, star anise and Szechuan peppercorns that is commonly used in takeout dishes. If you can’t find the mix in stores, you can easily combine separate spices at home.
Tilapia Lettuce Wraps
If you’re a fan of the Chinese restaurant PF Chang’s, you’re probably familiar with their famous lettuce wraps. Skip the lineup (and the extra calories) by making this Healthy Tilapia Lettuce Wraps recipe from Food & Wine instead. Tilapia fillets are poached in an easy Chinese sauce, then flaked and wrapped between pieces of crunchy lettuce. With plenty of healthy protein and the fact that it takes only 20 minutes to prepare, you’ll want to add this dish to your regular recipe rotation.
Black Cod Fillets Poached in Five-Spice Broth
When the weather starts getting chilly, nothing hits the spot like a nice warm Chinese soup. If you’re looking for a quick and easy option, try this recipe for Black Cod Fillets Poached in Five-Spice Broth from Epicurious. From start to finish, the whole process takes only 25 minutes. The light, fresh flavors of the fish and vegetables get an extra kick from the Chinese Five Spice and ginger. If you’re having trouble finding black cod, the recipe recommended substituting Tilapia.
Cantonese Steamed Tilapia
If you’re looking to cook something traditionally Chinese, this Cantonese Steamed Tilapia recipe from The Woks of Life is a great place to start. Steaming the Tilapia really allows its natural flavor to shine through, and since it’s not sautéed or fried in oil, it’s low in fat. Fresh ginger and scallions complement this dish by adding a bit of crunch and the slightly-sweet soy based sauce will satisfy any palate.
Chinese Fried Rice With Shrimp and Peas
Love fried rice? It’s easy to make at home. This Chinese Fried Rice With Shrimp and Peas recipe from the New York Times takes only 15 minutes to make, and is a great way to use up leftover rice and veggies in your fridge. Just stir fry the shrimp and then add the garlic, ginger, sherry and egg. Toss with the rice and then stir in the rest of the ingredients, and dinner is served!
Next time you’re craving Chinese food, leave the takeout menu in the junk drawer and whip up one of these healthy, delicious recipes. You’ll be amazed at how easy your favorite dishes are to cook in the comfort of your own home!
Image Credits: Mikhail Valeev / Shutterstock.com, Eating Well, Food & Wine, Epicurious, The Woks of Life, New York Times
