Chinese New Year Food Choices

[Sherri]

Chinese New Year approaches in just a couple of days and I wanted to list some healthy Atkins food choices for those of us celebrating.

Healthy Options at Asian Restaurants
Too tired to cook? Asian food is some of the healthiest (and most delicious!) food on the planet. Unfortunately, many of the dishes we know and love are Americanized — and more fattening — versions of traditional Asian cuisine. To help you make the best choices when eating at Asian establishments, check out these recommendations before you grab those chopsticks!

Chinese
The best rule of thumb is to choose a dish that isn't breaded and deep-fried (goodbye egg rolls!). Avoid rice and noodles and steer clear of sugary sauces like sweet and sour. Opt for kung pao chicken (go light on the peanuts), beef and broccoli dishes, shrimp and snow peas, garlic chicken, Mongolian beef steak, or dishes that have meat and a vegetable. Ask for the chef to go easy on the oil.

Thai
Any of the satay dishes (chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu), any protein or vegetable stir-fry, steamed fish, chicken or beef lettuce rolls are delicious and nutritious! Avoid fatty coconut milk curries, noodles, and rice.

Indian
Best bets include chicken, lamb, beef, or shrimp tikka (grilled marinated meat skewers); any of the veggie dishes such as bhagan bharta (whipped eggplant), saag paneer (spinach with cheese), aloo gobi (marinated steamed cauliflower), vegetable jalfrezi (mixed vegetables). Avoid curries, rice, and naan bread.

[metalslugx]

Re: Chinese New Year Food Choices

Wow sherri this is very helpful. i will list them down. for the following chinese new year meal. thanks alot.

[Zarabelle]

Re: Chinese New Year Food Choices

Thanks Sherri. I have always avoided Chinese restaurants as didn't there would be any foods I could eat there on this WOE. Maybe I will try it. I do love stir fries at home.

My favourite cuisine (when eating out) is Indian food. Chicken Jalfrezi is usually safe too as they don't use flour in that dish. I have never had any problems after eating it.

[not2late]

Re: Chinese New Year Food Choices

I've resorted to making my own food. For example, a wonton soup has become wonton-less soup. I make the wonton filling into small meatballs that I fry until lightly browned then put into a flavorful chicken broth spiked with fresh ginger and garlic. And before serving I sprinkle chopped scallions----wonderful!

[Sherri]

Re: Chinese New Year Food Choices

EGG FOO YOUNG

Place 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large pan and cook onions and cabbage over- medium high heat just until tender. Remove from heat, drain excess liquid, and reserve. Whisk the eggs in a bowl and mix in soy sauce, spices, drained cabbage mixture, and bamboo shoots.
Using a non-stick pan over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and heat. Ladle about 4 ounces of the cabbage mixture into the hot pan, as you would for pancakes, and sprinkle the small shrimp evenly on top of each. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until edges start to brown and when jiggled, it slides in the pan. Flip and cook another 2 to 3 minutes until cooked through. Garnish with scallions.
Cook's Note: If Egg Foo Young becomes brown too quickly, finish it by baking in a preheated 350 degrees F oven for a few minutes.

[Focus]

Re: Chinese New Year Food Choices

Indian
Best bets include chicken, lamb, beef, or shrimp tikka (grilled marinated meat skewers); any of the veggie dishes such as bhagan bharta (whipped eggplant), saag paneer (spinach with cheese), aloo gobi (marinated steamed cauliflower), vegetable jalfrezi (mixed vegetables). Avoid curries, rice, and naan bread.

Aloo gobi is half potatoes, so it's not a good choice unless you ask the chef to leave the potatoes out. "Aloo" is hindi for potato, so any recipe that has aloo in it, like vindaloo, should be avoided.

Tandoori meat or vegetables are also good choices.

[BDawg]

Re: Chinese New Year Food Choices

Is egg drop soup acceptable? It doesn't to seem to have any thickening agents in it.

[Sunny_0ne]

Re: Chinese New Year Food Choices

I've resorted to making my own food. For example, a wonton soup has become wonton-less soup. I make the wonton filling into small meatballs that I fry until lightly browned then put into a flavorful chicken broth spiked with fresh ginger and garlic. And before serving I sprinkle chopped scallions----wonderful!

not2late, the little meatballs instead of wontons is a wonderful idea!

Try adding 2 drops of sesame oil to the soup after it's done the next time you make it. I think you'll like it!

That seems to be the magic ingredient for me, anyway.