Light Diabetic-Friendly Chinese Meals

Name: Steamed Dumplings With Lean Protein
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1/2 lb Ground turkey or chicken; 1 tbsp minced garlic (or to taste); 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 2 tbsp chopped ginger (or to taste); 1 pkg dumpling or wonton wrappers (if frozen, defrost in advance); 1 tbsp low-sodium light soy sauce; 2 tsp toasted sesame oil

Asian, Diabetic-Friendly Chinese, Low Sugar, Recipes

Craving Chinese food but need to keep your blood sugar in check? Explore our collection of diabetic-friendly light Chinese meals, including steamed dumplings, fresh salads, and stir-fry dishes. Enjoy tasty and healthy options tailored for diabetes management.

What Light Chinese Dishes Can a Diabetic Eat?

What Chinese food is low glycemic?

Several Chinese dishes are considered low glycemic, meaning they have a minimal impact on your blood sugar levels. Chinese cuisine, with its rich cultural and ethnic characteristics from Asia, offers a variety of delicious and suitable options for diabetics.

Takeaways

Chinese cuisine offers tasty and healthy options for diabetics.
Manage blood sugar effectively with a balanced and nutritious diet.
Lean proteins and low-carb veggies provide flavourful and satisfying meals.
Steamed dumplings, fresh salads, tofu stir-fry, and baked fish fillet are great alternatives to high-carb Chinese dishes.

Dumplings in a bamboo steamer. Wooden background. Top view are among the excellent Heart-Healthy Chinese Lunch Selections — Dumplings in a bamboo steamer.

Steamed Dumplings With Lean Protein

Steamed dumplings made with lean proteins like ground turkey or chicken are a healthy and diabetic-friendly option. These low-carb dim sum alternatives are rich in iron and B vitamins, making them nutritious for managing weight and blood sugar. Steamed dumplings are also popular in the Indian subcontinent, where they are enjoyed as part of the region's diverse culinary traditions.

Similar dumplings are a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, where they hold cultural significance and are often enjoyed as part of the main meal of the day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 15

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Equipment

1 bamboo steamer Read our picks of the top bamboo steamers

Ingredients

1/2 lb Ground turkey or chicken
1 tbsp minced garlic or to taste
1/4 cup chopped green onions
2 tbsp chopped ginger or to taste
1 pkg dumpling or wonton wrappers if frozen, defrost in advance
1 tbsp low-sodium light soy sauce
2 tsp toasted sesame oil

Instructions

In a bowl, Mix ground turkey or chicken with ginger, garlic, and scallions
Season with low sodium soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil.
Wrap the filling in thin dough or wonton wrappers
Steam until cooked through.

Keyword dim sum, dumplings

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Check Out Our Roundup of the 5 Best Bamboo Steamers!

salad with cabbage in glass bowl — Cabbage Salad

Fresh and Crunchy Chinese Salad

A fresh and crunchy Chinese salad combines crisp veggies with a zesty dressing for a burst of flavours and textures. This salad is packed with nutrients and fibre, making it perfect for diabetics. An example of a similar salad from another culture is the Mediterranean Greek salad, which uses fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing to create a healthy and delicious dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Course accompaniment, lunch, Side Dish

Cuisine Chinese

Servings

Ingredients

1 tbsp low sodium light soy sauce
1 tsp rice vinegar
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp minced ginger
1/2 head cabbage
1 bell pepper
2 carrotts, cut in strips
1 cucumber

Instructions

Toss together shredded cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers
Mix dressing ingredients: soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger
Combine dressing with veggies.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

side view of vegetables as broccoli, tomato, garlic and others on gray background — Broccoli, tomato, garlic and peppers are great ingredients for Light Diabetic-Friendly Chinese Meals

Garlic Ginger Broccoli: An Asian Delight

Garlic ginger broccoli is a nutrient-packed side dish. Combining broccoli with anti-inflammatory garlic and ginger, this dish supports overall health. The vibrant colors of the broccoli and other ingredients are visually appealing to the human eye, enhancing the dining experience.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course accompaniment

Cuisine Chinese

Equipment

1 wok or frying pan

Ingredients

1 cup broccoli florets
1 tbsp vegetable or peanut oil
1 tsp chopped or minced garlic
1 tsp chopped or minced ginger

Instructions

Steam broccoli until tender-crisp.
Sauté garlic and ginger in olive oil.
Toss broccoli with garlic and ginger.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Stir fry shrimp on plate. Homemade fresh fried seafood shrimp, green peas for restaurant, menu, adve — Shrimp and pea pods

Citrus-infused shrimp and Snow Peas

Citrus-infused shrimp and snow peas offer a refreshing and protein-rich dish. The combination of succulent shrimp, crunchy snow peas, and citrusy flavours is perfect for diabetics.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Servings people

Ingredients

1 bag defrosted frozen shelled medium size shrmp
1 tsp lemon juice or Mrs. Dash Lemon Pepper
1 tbsp low-sodium light soy sauce
1 pkg snow peas, washed and strings removed

Instructions

stir fry shrimp and snow peas with citrus juice and soy sauce.

Nutrition

Carbohydrates: 10gProtein: 25gFiber: 4g

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Diabetic-Friendly Chinese Meals FAQ

Can I use Tofu instead of Lean Protein in the Steamed Dumplings?

Yes, tofu is a great alternative to protein in steamed dumplings. It is also a staple in the diets of people of Asian descent, highlighting its cultural significance.

Can I add extra crunch to the Chinese Salad?

Yes, nuts or seeds can add extra crunch and texture to the salad. According to Merriam-Webster, ‘crunch’ refers to a “sound or sensation of something being crushed or broken,” emphasizing the delightful texture it adds to the salad.