10+ Macro Friendly Chinese Recipes for Healthy Eating
If you’re looking to enjoy delicious Chinese meals without the guilt, macro-friendly recipes are a great way to go. These recipes can help you maintain a balanced diet while still savoring the flavors you love.
You don’t have to sacrifice taste for health. With a variety of macro-friendly options, you can explore new dishes that fit perfectly into your meal plan. Enjoy healthier versions of classic favorites and discover how easy it is to make satisfying meals at home.
Kung Pao Chicken with Cauliflower Rice
Kung Pao Chicken is a tasty meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. By using cauliflower rice, you can keep it low in carbs while still enjoying the flavors you love.
To get started, gather your ingredients. You will need chicken, bell peppers, onions, soy sauce, and of course, cauliflower. The cauliflower rice adds a nice texture and absorbs all the delicious sauce.
First, season your chicken with salt and pepper. Cook it in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the vegetables and stir until they become tender.
For the sauce, combine soy sauce with some cornflour and toss everything together. Cook for a few more minutes to let the flavors mix. Serve this over warmed cauliflower rice, which you can prepare by sautéing riced cauliflower in a pan for about 5-8 minutes.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast
- Cauliflower
- Bell peppers
- Onion
- Soy sauce
- Cornflour
- Salt and pepper
- Oil
Cooking Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Add bell peppers and onion, cooking until tender.
- Mix soy sauce and cornflour; add to chicken and veggies.
- Serve over sautéed cauliflower rice.
2) Steamed Cod with Ginger and Scallions
Steamed cod with ginger and scallions is a healthy and light dish that’s easy to make. The flavors of ginger and scallions complement the tender cod perfectly.
You will need fresh cod fillets, ginger, scallions, soy sauce, and sesame oil. This meal is packed with nutrients and is macro-friendly.
To get started, prepare your ingredients. Slice the ginger and scallions thinly.
Now, place the cod fillets on a steaming plate. Sprinkle the ginger and scallions on top. Drizzle with a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil. Steam the fish for about 10 minutes at 212°F (100°C) until it flakes easily with a fork.
Enjoy this delicious dish with a side of steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal!
Ingredients
- Fresh cod fillets
- Ginger, sliced
- Scallions, sliced
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
- Slice the ginger and scallions.
- Place the cod fillets on a steaming plate.
- Top with ginger and scallions.
- Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Steam for 10 minutes at 212°F (100°C).
3) Spicy Szechuan Tofu Stir-Fry
This Spicy Szechuan Tofu Stir-Fry is a delicious way to enjoy tofu while keeping your meals macro-friendly. The crispy tofu absorbs a tangy and spicy sauce, making it a flavorful choice for any meal.
Start by pressing your tofu to remove excess moisture. This helps it become extra crispy when cooked. Cut your tofu into bite-sized cubes and coat them with cornstarch before frying.
For the sauce, combine soy sauce, garlic, and Szechuan peppercorns in a bowl. This gives your dish that unique, tingly flavor. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers and snow peas for extra nutrition and crunch.
Cook everything in a hot skillet or wok until the tofu is golden brown and the veggies are tender. Serve this dish with brown rice for a filling meal.
Ingredients
- 1 block of firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snow peas
- Cooking oil
Cooking Instructions
- Press the tofu for 15 minutes to remove water.
- Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
- Coat tofu cubes with cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (375°F or 190°C).
- Fry tofu until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic, Szechuan peppercorns, and veggies.
- Stir-fry for an additional 3-5 minutes.
- Serve with brown rice.
4) Egg Drop Soup with Spinach
Egg drop soup with spinach is a simple and tasty dish. It is both nutritious and satisfying, making it a great option for a quick meal.
You start by heating chicken or vegetable broth, bringing it to a gentle boil. While the broth heats, whisk together eggs in a bowl.
Once the broth is boiling, pour in the whisked eggs slowly. This creates lovely ribbons of cooked egg. Add fresh spinach right after for color and nutrients.
Let it cook for a minute until the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This soup is low in calories and packed with protein, perfect for your macro-friendly meals.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat broth in a pot over medium-high heat until boiling (about 212°F or 100°C).
- Whisk together eggs in a bowl.
- Slowly pour whisked eggs into the boiling broth.
- Stir gently to create egg ribbons.
- Add fresh spinach and cook for 1 minute.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm.
5) Beef and Broccoli with Quinoa
Beef and broccoli with quinoa is a delicious dish that’s easy to make. It brings together tender beef, crunchy broccoli, and fluffy quinoa for a healthy meal. This recipe is not only satisfying but also packed with protein and nutrients.
To start, you’ll want to cook your quinoa according to package instructions. While that’s cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet. Add sliced onion and cook until it’s soft. Then, add ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet, stirring until browned.
Next, add the broccoli and any seasonings you like. Stir everything together until the broccoli is bright green and tender. Finally, mix in the cooked quinoa and let it heat through.
This dish is perfect for meal prep and tastes great the next day!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Soy sauce (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
- Cook quinoa according to package directions.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
- Add onion and cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add garlic and broccoli; stir-fry until vibrant.
- Mix in quinoa and heat through.
6) Sesame Chicken with Zoodles
Sesame Chicken with Zoodles is a tasty and healthy option for those who love Chinese food. By swapping traditional noodles for zoodles, you lower the carbs while keeping the flavors you enjoy.
To make this dish, you’ll need chicken, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and zucchini. The zoodles add a fresh crunch that complements the savory chicken perfectly.
As you cook, pay attention to the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (72°C). The sesame oil gives a nice aroma and rich flavor, making this meal satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, chopped
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiraled into zoodles
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add garlic and the remaining sesame oil to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the zoodles and soy sauce, cooking until zoodles are tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy your meal!
7) Shrimp and Snow Peas Stir-Fry
Shrimp and snow peas stir-fry is a quick and healthy dish you can make in under 20 minutes. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight while being low in calories and high in protein.
Start by preparing your ingredients. You’ll want fresh shrimp, which adds a sweet flavor. The snow peas provide a nice crunch and bright color to the dish.
To cook, heat some oil in a pan or wok over high heat. Add garlic and toss in the shrimp. Cook until they turn pink. This usually takes about one minute.
Next, add your snow peas and a splash of soy sauce. Stir-fry everything together until the peas are tender, which takes another minute. The flavors will blend beautifully in this simple dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups snow peas
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 15 seconds.
- Add shrimp and stir-fry until pink, about 1 minute.
- Toss in snow peas and soy sauce.
- Stir-fry for another minute until heated through.
8) Low-Carb Sweet and Sour Pork
Low-carb sweet and sour pork is a delightful dish that satisfies your cravings without the extra carbs. This recipe uses pork tenderloin, which is lean and tender, making it perfect for a healthy meal.
You’ll create a flavorful sauce using ingredients like tamari and a low-carb hoisin sauce. The use of pork rinds gives the pork a crispy texture while keeping it low-carb.
This dish is colorful too! You can add vibrant vegetables like bell peppers and fresh pineapple for extra flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs pork tenderloin, cubed
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into squares
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into squares
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1/2 medium pineapple, fresh, cubed
- 2 tablespoons tamari
- 1/2 cup low-carb hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C). Add canola oil.
- Cook pork tenderloin until browned.
- Stir in onion and garlic until soft.
- Add bell peppers and pineapple, cooking for a few minutes.
- Pour in tamari, low-carb hoisin sauce, and chili sauce. Stir well.
- Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. Enjoy your meal!
9) Garlic Bok Choy with Mushrooms
Garlic Bok Choy with mushrooms is a quick and healthy dish that you can make in just 10 minutes. This recipe features tender bok choy and earthy mushrooms, bringing together great flavors.
Start by heating a little oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and let it sizzle for a moment.
Then, toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are tender.
Next, add the chopped bok choy to the pan. Stir until the bok choy wilts down.
For added flavor, you can include soy sauce or your favorite seasoning. This dish pairs nicely with rice or noodles.
Enjoy this nutritious and delicious side dish with any meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups bok choy, chopped
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Soy sauce to taste
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook until soft.
- Add chopped bok choy and stir until wilted.
- Season with soy sauce, cook for another minute, and serve.
10) Moo Shu Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Moo Shu Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a great option for a macro-friendly meal. They are tasty, light, and quick to prepare.
You start with cooked chicken and combine it with delicious spices like ginger and garlic. Mixing in some fresh vegetables adds crunch and color.
Using lettuce wraps instead of tortillas keeps the dish low in carbs.
These wraps are not only easy to make but also allow you to enjoy a classic dish in a healthier way. The flavors come together in just about 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or coconut aminos
Cooking Instructions
-
Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
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Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
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Mix in the shredded chicken and cabbage. Cook until heated through, about 3 minutes.
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Add soy sauce and stir well.
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Serve the mixture in lettuce leaves and enjoy!