10+ Macro Friendly Chinese Recipes for a Healthier Feast

Are you looking to enjoy delicious Chinese food while keeping your meals healthy? Macro-friendly Chinese recipes can help you satisfy your cravings without compromising your nutrition goals. These recipes focus on balanced ingredients, making it easier for you to enjoy tasty meals that fit into your dietary plans.

Chinese cuisine is known for its rich flavors and diverse ingredients. By preparing macro-friendly versions, you can recreate your favorite dishes at home with healthier substitutions. This allows you to indulge in the comforting tastes of Chinese food while staying aligned with your health objectives.

1) Macro-Friendly Orange Chicken

This Macro-Friendly Orange Chicken recipe gives you a healthier option that’s still full of flavor. You can enjoy this dish without the guilt of heavy frying or excess calories.

You will use fresh ingredients and simple cooking methods to create a tasty meal. The sauce has a nice balance of sweetness and tang.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) chicken breast, cubed
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) orange juice
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir.
5. Mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, then add it to the pan.
6. Cook until the sauce thickens.
7. Serve and enjoy!

2) Skinny Sesame Chicken Delight

You can enjoy a healthier version of sesame chicken with this recipe. It’s packed with flavor while being lighter on calories. This dish features tender chicken breasts in a sweet and savory sauce that is delightful.

To make this dish, you’ll need simple ingredients like chicken breast, sesame oil, and fresh veggies. It comes together quickly, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s great for meal prep!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or a sugar substitute
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned.
4. Stir in soy sauce, honey, and carrot slices.
5. Cook until the chicken is done and vegetables are tender.
6. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy!

3) Healthy Chow Mein Makeover

A Healthy Chow Mein Makeover can be a delicious and nutritious option. You can swap traditional noodles for whole grain spaghetti or low-calorie noodles. This change keeps the dish filling without adding too many calories.

Adding fresh vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and celery boosts the nutrition. These veggies add color and crunch to your meal. Make sure to use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier sauce option.

This recipe is easy to prepare and great for busy nights. You can enjoy the flavors of takeout without the extra calories.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces dry whole grain spaghetti
• 2 cups celery, sliced
• 2 cups cabbage, shredded
• 2 cups carrots, sliced
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
3. Add celery, cabbage, and carrots. Stir-fry for 5 minutes.
4. Push veggies to the side and add eggs, scrambling until cooked.
5. Add cooked spaghetti and chicken to the pan.
6. Pour in soy sauce and mix well. Cook for 2 more minutes.

4) Low-Calorie Sweet and Sour Chicken

Low-calorie sweet and sour chicken is a tasty dish you can enjoy without the guilt. It’s usually made with lean chicken breast, which keeps the calories low while still packing in protein.

You can use fresh vegetables like bell peppers and pineapple to add flavor and nutrition. A light sauce made from vinegar, soy sauce, and a touch of honey keeps the sweetness without adding too many calories.

This dish can be cooked in a skillet or an air fryer, making it quick and easy. It pairs well with brown rice or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Add bell peppers and pineapple; cook for 3–5 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, and vinegar.
5. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir until coated.
6. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, until everything is heated through. Enjoy!

5) Protein-Packed Asian Meatballs

These protein-packed Asian meatballs are easy to make and full of flavor. You can enjoy them as a snack or a main dish. They are perfect for meal prep, so you always have a healthy option on hand.

You can create these meatballs using ground turkey or chicken. Mixing in fresh ginger and garlic adds a nice kick. A sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce and honey will make them even tastier.

Serve these meatballs with steamed vegetables or brown rice for a complete meal. Top them with sesame seeds and green onions for a fun touch.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground turkey or chicken
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup (30 g) breadcrumbs
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the ground turkey or chicken with garlic, ginger, breadcrumbs, and sesame oil.
3. Form small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
4. In another bowl, mix soy sauce and honey to create the glaze.
5. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, then brush with the glaze halfway through.
6. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

6) Ground Turkey Rice Bowl Magic

Ground turkey rice bowls are a fantastic option for a tasty meal. They are healthy, easy to make, and full of flavor. You can use various sauces and veggies to create your perfect bowl.

Begin with ground turkey, which is lean and packed with protein. Brown it in a pan over medium heat until it’s fully cooked. Add your favorite Asian flavors, like soy sauce or ginger, for a delicious kick.

Serve the turkey over white or brown rice for a satisfying meal. You can also enjoy it in lettuce cups if you prefer a lighter option. This dish is good for meal prep too!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey
• 2 bell peppers, diced
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• Rice (white or brown)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned.
3. Stir in bell peppers and onion, cooking until soft.
4. Add soy sauce and ginger, mixing well.
5. Serve over rice or in lettuce cups.

7) Lighter Chinese Garlic Chicken

Lighter Chinese Garlic Chicken is a delicious option that you can make quickly at home. This recipe focuses on using less oil while keeping the flavors vibrant.

For this dish, you’ll cook tender chicken in a tasty garlic sauce. You can enjoy it with steamed vegetables or over brown rice for a healthy meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) chicken breast, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix chicken with soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook until golden, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add garlic, broccoli, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving. Enjoy!

8) Hoisin Pork and Noodles Treat

Hoisin Pork and Noodles is a delicious and easy dish to prepare. You’ll enjoy ground pork coated in flavorful hoisin sauce, alongside tender stir-fried vegetables and noodles. This recipe is perfect for a quick family meal.

For a balanced plate, you can add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. The whole family will love how vibrant and tasty this dish is.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) ground pork
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add ground pork and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in hoisin sauce, vegetables, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Toss in the noodles and mix well. Serve hot.

9) Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups

Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups are a delightful and healthy meal option. These wraps use crisp lettuce leaves as cups, filled with seasoned ground chicken and crunchy vegetables. They’re perfect for a light lunch or a fun dinner.

To make this dish, you can mix in ingredients like shiitake mushrooms and water chestnuts for extra flavor and texture. Serve them with a drizzle of hoisin sauce to add a delicious kick.

These lettuce cups are not just tasty; they’re also low in carbs and high in protein. So, enjoy these satisfying wraps guilt-free!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, chopped
• 1/2 cup water chestnuts, diced
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 head butter lettuce
• Chopped green onions and peanuts for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground chicken and cook until browned.
3. Stir in mushrooms and water chestnuts.
4. Mix in hoisin and soy sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6. Scoop the mixture into lettuce leaves and top with green onions and peanuts.

10) Sweet and Spicy Chinese Chicken

Sweet and Spicy Chinese Chicken is a delightful dish you can prepare in just 15 minutes. It combines crispy chicken pieces with a tasty sauce that has both sweet and spicy flavors. This dish is perfect for lunch or dinner.

You can mimic your favorite take-out flavors right at home. It’s macro-friendly, making it a healthier choice without sacrificing taste. You’ll enjoy every bite while keeping your meals balanced.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30g) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15g) sriracha sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon (15g) corn starch
• 2 green onions, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, garlic, and sesame oil.
3. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add chicken.
4. Cook chicken until it is browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in the sauce and corn starch.
6. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Top with green onions and serve.