Chinese cuisine is known for its delicious and flavorful dishes, but it can also be a healthy option for people with heart disease. Many Chinese dishes are low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and they are often high in fiber and nutrients.
In today’s blog post, I will share some of our favorite Chinese recipes that are perfect for people with heart disease. These recipes are all easy to make and they are sure to please your taste buds.
Is Chinese Good For Heart?
Chinese food can be good for your heart if you choose the right dishes. Many traditional Chinese dishes are low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and they often contain ingredients that are good for heart health, such as ginger, garlic, and tofu.
Chinese Recipes For People With Heart Disease
Here are 10 Chinese recipes that are heart-healthy:
1. Stir-fried vegetables with tofu
This is a simple and healthy dish that is perfect for a quick meal. Tofu is a good source of protein and fiber, and it is low in saturated fat. The vegetables in this dish add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 block extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, combine the tofu, cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the tofu.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the red bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots and cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes more.
- Stir in the water, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 1 minute, or until slightly thickened.
- Return the tofu to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Cook for 1 minute more, or until heated through.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately.
2. Chicken soup
Chicken soup is a classic comfort food that is also good for your heart. The chicken in this soup is a good source of protein, and the broth is full of vitamins and minerals. Chicken soup can help to reduce inflammation and boost your immune system.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 (3-4 pound) whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups water
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- Optional toppings: chopped fresh chives, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Place the chicken, onion, carrots, celery, salt, pepper, and bay leaf in a large pot. Add the water and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and let cool slightly. Shred the chicken meat and set aside.
- Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot. Discard the vegetables and bay leaf.
- Return the broth to the pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken, parsley, and dill.
- Heat through, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, with your favorite toppings.
3. Steamed fish
Fish is a low-fat, high-protein food that is good for your heart. This steamed fish recipe is simple to make and it is a great way to get your daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound skinless, boneless white fish fillet, such as tilapia, cod, or halibut
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon chopped scallions
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Rinse the fish fillet and pat it dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, pepper, ginger, and scallions.
- Rub the marinade all over the fish fillet.
- Place the fish fillet on a plate that will fit in your steamer.
- Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the steamer.
- Place the plate of fish in the steamer and cover it.
- Steam the fish for 6-8 minutes, or until it is cooked through.
- Serve immediately with rice or noodles.
4. Drunken chicken
This classic Chinese dish is made with chicken that is marinated in rice wine. The rice wine helps to tenderize the chicken and it also adds flavor. Drunken chicken is a good source of protein and it is low in saturated fat.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice wine
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- Cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, soy sauce, rice wine, honey, ginger, garlic, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides.
- Add the marinade to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve over rice.
5. Lo mein noodles
Lo mein noodles are a type of Chinese noodle that is made with eggs. They are a good source of protein and fiber, and they are low in saturated fat. Lo mein noodles can be stir-fried with vegetables or meat for a healthy meal.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lo mein noodles
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup snow peas
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu, chopped
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the red bell pepper, carrot, broccoli, and snow peas and cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes more.
- Add the chicken, shrimp, or tofu and cook until heated through.
- Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute more, or until the sauce is heated through.
- Add the cooked lo mein noodles and toss to coat in the sauce. Serve immediately.
6. Wonton soup
Wonton soup is a popular Chinese dish that is made with wontons, a type of dumpling. Wontons are made with ground meat and vegetables, and they are a good source of protein and fiber. The broth in wonton soup is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 package wonton wrappers
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ground pork, onion, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Place a wonton wrapper in the palm of your hand. Add a teaspoon of the filling to the center of the wrapper.
- Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water. Fold the wrapper in half, then in half again to form a triangle. Press the edges together to seal.
- Repeat steps 2-3 with the remaining wontons.
- Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a large pot. Gently drop the wontons into the broth and cook for 5 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
- Remove the wontons from the broth with a slotted spoon and place them in a bowl.
- Ladle the broth into bowls and top with the wontons, green onions, and cilantro. Serve immediately.
7. Sesame chicken
Sesame chicken is a popular Chinese dish that is made with chicken that is coated in sesame seeds. The sesame seeds add flavor and texture to the chicken, and they also contain antioxidants. Sesame chicken is a good source of protein and it is low in saturated fat.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg and cornstarch.
- Dip the chicken pieces in the egg mixture, then coat them in the sesame seeds.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
- Add the sauce to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1 minute, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat.
- Garnish with green onions and serve over rice.
8. Kung Pao chicken
Kung Pao chicken is a spicy Chinese dish that is made with chicken that is stir-fried with peanuts, vegetables, and a spicy sauce. The chicken in this dish is a good source of protein, and the peanuts add healthy fats. The vegetables in this dish add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup water chestnuts, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the red bell pepper, water chestnuts, and peanuts to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes more.
- Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, sugar, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Serve immediately over rice.
9. Sweet and sour pork
Sweet and sour pork is a popular Chinese dish that is made with pork that is stir-fried with vegetables and a sweet and sour sauce. The pork in this dish is a good source of protein, and the vegetables add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The sweet and sour sauce in this dish is made with sugar, but you can reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce if you prefer.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks, drained
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the pork, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg and flour.
- Dip the pork cubes in the egg mixture, then coat them in the flour.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the pork from the skillet and set it aside.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the green bell pepper and pineapple chunks to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes more.
- Stir in the ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and cornstarch mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Return the pork to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Serve immediately over rice.
10. Fried rice
Fried rice is a classic Chinese dish that is made with rice, vegetables, and meat. Fried rice can be a healthy meal if you use brown rice and lean protein. You can also add vegetables to fried rice to make it even healthier.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup chopped ham or shrimp (optional)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the carrot and peas and cook for 2 minutes more.
- Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the eggs. Scramble the eggs until cooked through.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until the rice is heated through, about 2 minutes more.
- Serve immediately.
These are just a few of the many Chinese recipes that are good for people with heart disease. If you are looking for a healthy and delicious Chinese meal, be sure to try one of these recipes.
Conclusion
Chinese food can be a healthy option for people with heart disease if it is made with the right ingredients. By choosing recipes that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and that are high in vegetables and fiber, you can enjoy Chinese food without compromising your health.