Light Diabetic-Friendly Chinese Meals

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.
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Craving Chinese food but need to keep your blood sugar in check? Discover our collection of diabetic-friendly Chinese meals that are both delicious and healthy. From steamed dumplings to zesty chicken lettuce wraps, these dishes satisfy your cravings without compromising your health. Join us as we explore the world of diabetes-friendly Chinese cooking.

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

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

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.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Chinese

Equipment

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
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salad with cabbage in glass bowl
Cabbage Salad
salad with cabbage in glass bowl

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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Course accompaniment, lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4

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
side view of vegetables as broccoli, tomato, garlic and others on gray background

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.
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
Stir fry shrimp on plate. Homemade fresh fried seafood shrimp, green peas for restaurant, menu, adve

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.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 2 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
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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.

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