14 Dishes You Should Skip in a Chinese Restaurant

By Nandor Barta on 04/19/2024 - May contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure.

Do you want to spice up your dining experiences and try something new? Look no further than this list of 14 dishes you should skip in a Chinese restaurant. From lackluster flavors to questionable ingredients, these dishes just don’t make the cut. So sit back, relax, and join us on a journey to discover unexpected and delicious alternatives.

Egg Rolls

Egg Rolls are essentially the American version of a Chinese spring roll. Often, they are packed with unhealthy ingredients like heavily seasoned pork and deep-fried. Instead, opt for a healthier version such as vegetable spring rolls.

General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s chicken may be popular in the states, but it is loaded with sugar and sodium. Moreover, it’s deep-fried, which puts it on the unhealthy side of Chinese cuisine. Choose dishes with lighter sauces and more vegetables instead.

Sweet and Sour Pork

Sweet and Sour Pork is another dish that is heavily dosed with sugar and deep-fried. Plus, it’s often made with pork belly, a cut high in fat. Consider a stir-fried dish with less sauce and more fresh ingredients.

Lo Mein

Lo Mein is often considered a staple in Chinese cuisine. However, it’s usually very high in sodium and void of any valuable nutrient content. Opt for dishes that incorporate more vegetables and lean proteins.

Kung Pao Chicken

Drenched in sodium-laden sauce and often fried, Kung Pao Chicken can be an unhealthy choice. Stick to leaner meat options or vegetable dishes instead.

Chow Mein

Chow Mein might taste delicious, but it’s full of oil, sodium, and carbs. Instead, choose dishes that are steamed or stir-fried, and loaded with colorful veggies.

Fried Rice

Fried Rice may seem like a harmless option, but it’s usually made with fatty meats and cooked in copious amounts of oil. Choose steamed rice and pair it with a lean protein instead.

Crab Rangoon

Crab Rangoon is essentially a deep-fried ball of cream cheese and crab, offering little to no nutritional benefits. Go for a healthier appetizer instead, perhaps a wonton soup.

Moo Shu Pork

Moo Shu Pork is another dish high in sodium and usually contains fatty pieces of pork. Opt for dishes with less sauce and more vegetables to make healthier choices.

Lemon Chicken

Lemon Chicken, typically deep-fried and covered in a sugary lemon sauce, can be a very unhealthy choice at a Chinese restaurant. Choose grilled or steamed chicken options instead.

Peking Duck

Peking Duck is a delicious indulgence, but it is high in fat or cholesterol. So, if you were on a strict diet, consuming it in moderation or avoiding it altogether would be a wise choice.

Orange Beef

Orange Beef is often deep-fried and soaked in a sugary sauce, adding unnecessary calories to your meal. Balance out the meal with steamed veggies and lean proteins instead.

Hot and Sour Soup

Despite its name, Hot and Sour Soup can be high in cream and sodium. Substitute it with a broth-based soup, such as egg drop or wonton soup, which are typically lower in calories and fat.

Sesame Chicken

Sesame Chicken might be a take-out favorite, but it’s doused in a sticky, sugary sauce and often deep-fried. Consider healthier protein alternatives that are grilled or braised.

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