Light Chinese: 7 Simple Rules for Healthy Chinese Cooking

Australians have long been locked in a love affair with sweet and sour pork, honey chicken and other retro Chinese recipes, but these deep-fried delights are best enjoyed in moderation.

Thankfully, there’s far more to Chinese food than those sticky, golden-fried dishes. Choosing low-fat Chinese dishes and healthier Chinese recipes options is easy if you stick to these simple rules.

1. Be a Steam Genie

Ditch the deep-fryer in favour of your steamer basket, and suddenly those dumplings aren’t nearly so dangerous.

2. Become a Wok Star

By seasoning your wok properly and heating it to smoking point, you’ll require less oil, as the ingredients won’t stick to the sides. Load it up with healthy ingredients to make a delicious stir-fry.

3. Eat the Rainbow

To ensure you’re getting all of the vitamins you need this winter, make it your mission to eat the rainbow! Incorporate a colourful array of crunchy vegetables into your stir-fries and soups for the full spectrum of health.

4. Be a Superfood Hero

Along with fresh vegetables, add these Chinese medicinal foods to your shopping list, and then whip up cold-busting dishes. 

• Goji berries
• Red dates
• Ginseng
• Green tea
• Ginger

5. Say Hello to Hot Pot

There’s never been a better time to whip out your hot pot. These traditional earthenware dishes require very little oil and, like steaming, this cooking technique also locks in all of the vital nutrients.

6. Go with the Good Grain

Another easy way to revamp your favourite dishes is to swap the white rice for wholegrain rice. They have more nutrients and will keep you feeling fuller for longer.

7. Walk Down the Garden Path

So you still want your Mongolian lamb? Never fear! Just add a side of steamed greens to immediately up the nutritional value of your meal.