Ever find yourself craving the deliciousness of Chinese takeaway but feeling guilty about the calories and additives? Welcome to the world of Chinese fakeaway! This blog post is here to help foodies, home cooks, and Chinese lovers whip up healthier versions of your favourite dishes right in your own kitchen. We’ll explore the benefits of making fakeaway meals at home, share eight tasty recipes, and offer tips and tricks to make these dishes as healthy as they are tasty.
Chinese Fakeaway A Healthy Alternative
In recent years, fakeaway meals have gained immense popularity, and it’s easy to see why. Making Chinese dishes at home allows you to control the ingredients, cut down on unhealthy additives, and enjoy fresh, flavourful meals. Home-cooked meals can be a healthier alternative to traditional takeaways, helping you maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing taste.
Cooking at home means you can choose organic vegetables, lean meats, and healthier oils. You can also adjust the amount of salt and sugar to your liking, making your meals more nutritious. Plus, you’ll avoid the high-calorie sauces and deep-frying methods common in takeaways. The result? Delicious dishes that are kinder to your waistline.
Fakeaway recipes are perfect for those who love Chinese food but want to eat healthier. By preparing your meals at home, you can enjoy all the flavours you love without the guilt. Let’s take a look at eight amazing Chinese fakeaway recipes that will satisfy your cravings and keep you on track with your health goals.
Selection of Recipes
Here are eight Chinese fakeaway recipes we’ve selected for you, along with a brief history or origin of each dish and its place in Chinese cuisine:
Chow Mein
Chow Mein is a classic Chinese noodle dish that’s loved worldwide. It’s believed to have originated in Northern China and has since become a staple in Chinese takeaways. Our healthier version is packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, making it a guilt-free delight. Why not try my recipe for Chow Mein.
Egg Fried Rice
Egg Fried Rice is a versatile and comforting dish that has its roots in Southern China. Traditionally made with leftover rice, this recipe is perfect for using up any odds and ends in your fridge. You could also use brown rice for added fibre and nutrients. Try my egg fried rice recipe and see what you think.
Crispy Seaweed
Crispy Seaweed is a popular appetiser that actually isn’t seaweed at all—it’s cabbage or kale! This dish is commonly found in Chinese restaurants and provides a delightful crunch. My Crispy Seaweed recipe uses spray oil, making it a healthier option.
Sweet and Sour Vegetables
Sweet and Sour Vegetables is a vibrant and tangy dish that hails from Cantonese cuisine. This delightful medley of vegetables coated in a sweet and sour sauce is a favourite among vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. My sweet and sour vegetables recipe is so easy you will be making it regularly!
Chicken and Mushroom Curry
Chicken and Mushroom Curry is a comforting dish with origins in Chinese-Indian fusion cuisine. This hearty curry is packed with tender chicken and earthy mushrooms, simmered in a fragrant curry sauce. My chicken and mushroom curry recipe is popular whenever I cook it for family and friends so I am sure you will like it too. If you are vegetarian it works well with Quorn too!
Beef in Black Bean Sauce
Beef in Black Bean Sauce is a savoury and umami-rich dish that originates from Guangdong province. The black bean sauce adds depth and complexity to the tender beef. My beef in black bean sauce recipe uses lean cuts of beef and is just as good as one from the takeaway. If you are vegetarian it also works well with Quorn steak strips.
Singapore Chow Mein
Singapore Chow Mein is a spicy and flavourful noodle dish with a unique blend of curry spices. Despite its name, this dish doesn’t come from Singapore but is a staple in Chinese takeaways. My version uses plenty of colourful vegetables and lean meat to make a healthier Singapore Chow Mein recipe you will love.
Curry Sauce
Curry Sauce is a versatile condiment that can elevate any dish. This sauce is often found in Chinese takeaways and pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or even chips. My curry sauce recipe uses lots of vegetables and less oil for a healthier alternative.
Ingredients and Cooking Techniques
Let’s take a closer look at the main ingredients and cooking techniques for these recipes, focusing on fresh and healthy options that minimize oil and salt.
Fresh and Healthy Ingredients
- Vegetables: Opt for seasonal, organic vegetables for maximum flavour and nutrients.
- Proteins: Choose lean meats like chicken breast, turkey, or tofu for a protein boost without the extra fat.
- Grains: Use whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, or whole wheat noodles for added fibre and nutrients.
- Oils: Use healthier oils like olive oil, avocado oil, or sesame oil in moderation to keep your dishes light. Alternatively to save more calories use a spray oil or low-calorie cooking spray.
Healthier Cooking Techniques
- Stir-Frying: Use a non-stick pan or wok to stir-fry with minimal oil. This method retains the nutrients and vibrant colours of the vegetables.
- Steaming: Steam vegetables and proteins to preserve their natural flavours and nutrients without adding extra fat.
- Baking: Bake dishes like Crispy Seaweed or Beef in Black Bean Sauce to achieve a crispy texture without frying.
Reducing Salt and Sugar
- Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos to reduce the sodium content in your dishes.
- Sweeteners: Opt for natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia instead of refined sugar. Artificial sweetener is another alternative but in my opinion not always as good.
Nutritional Information and Health Benefits
Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional content and health benefits of these fakeaway recipes compared to their traditional takeaway counterparts.
Nutritional Content
- Calories: My fakeaway recipes are lower in calories due to reduced use of oil and sugar.
- Fat: Using healthier oils and lean proteins results in lower fat content.
- Sodium: Opting for low-sodium soy sauce and natural seasonings keeps sodium levels in check.
Health Benefits
- Weight Management: Lower calorie and fat content helps maintain a healthy weight.
- Heart Health: Reduced sodium and healthier fats contribute to better heart health.
- Digestive Health: Increased fibre from whole grains and vegetables supports a healthy digestive system.
Comparison with Traditional Takeaways
- Calories: Traditional takeaways often contain two to three times the calories of my fakeaway recipes.
- Fat: Deep-fried dishes and heavy sauces in takeaways contribute to higher fat content.
- Sodium: Takeaways are typically high in sodium due to excessive use of soy sauce and other salty seasonings.
Making it Your Own
One of the joys of cooking at home is the ability to customise recipes to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Here are some tips to make these fakeaway recipes your own:
Experiment with Flavours
- Spices: Add different spices and seasonings to create unique flavour profiles.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like coriander, basil, and mint can add a burst of freshness to your dishes.
- Heat: Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chilli.
Add Your Favourite Ingredients
- Proteins: Swap out chicken for tofu, beef for tempeh, or add seafood for a twist.
- Vegetables: Use seasonal vegetables or your favourites to keep things interesting.
- Grains: Experiment with different grains like quinoa, or wild rice.
Make It Healthier
- Oil: Use an air fryer or oven-bake instead of frying to reduce oil usage.
- Sweeteners: Replace refined sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- Portions: Control portion sizes to maintain a balanced diet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making Chinese fakeaway at home is a fantastic way to enjoy your favourite dishes while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By controlling the ingredients and cooking methods, you can create delicious meals that are lower in calories, fat, and sodium compared to traditional takeaways.
I hope these eight recipes inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and try your hand at making fakeaway meals. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any variations you’ve tried. I would love to hear from you!
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