Healthy Asian-Inspired Recipe Ideas
I’ve enjoyed my fair share of Asian foods and wanted to highlight some of my favourite recipes made healthier!
Asian foods and flavours are so delicious, but can pack on the calories with the variety of sauces and oils they are cooked in. I compiled some of my favourite recipes that take Asian flavours and put a healthy twist on them for foods you can enjoy anytime and feel great about!
1. Fresh Rolls
I love a good fresh roll as an appetizer when out for dinner or lunch. I created a lighter version without the rice noodles (although the option is there), and made a lower fat peanut dipping sauce to accompany it! You can use any veggie or protein option in the rolls you wish, but my favourites are cucumbers, peppers, carrots and lettuce! Find how to create your own fresh rolls and dipping sauce here.
2. Pineapple Chicken
Pineapple chicken is a common find on the menu at the majority of Asian restaurants. They can be higher in calories with the pineapple sauce added. I created two versions with slight twist on each to create healthier versions of this favourite.
A. Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Marinate cut pineapple, diced chicken breast, peppers and onions in my teriyaki sauce and place on kabobs, cooking on the BBQ once they are ready! Full recipe and instruction breakdown can be found here.
B. Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken
Canned pineapple chunks are used in this recipe along with veggies and chicken, all topped on a bed of rice for an Asian-esque inspired meal that comes together quick in the slow cooker. Full recipe can be found here.
3. Korean Beef Bowl
This recipe is one of the quickest to put together without compromising flavour. All you need is some extra lean ground beef, soy sauce, onion and some spices to make this meal come to life. I like to pair it with sliced veggies such as cucumber and peppers and serve on a bed of rice. Check out how easy the recipe is here!
4. Chicken Fried Rice
If you’ve never made chicken fried rice before, you’re going to want to after seeing this recipe! Simple ingredients, minimal dishes and loads of flavour, this “Better-Than-Takeout” Chicken Fried Rice recipe comes together in under 20 minutes! If you are looking for a lower carb option, consider swapping the full portion of rice for riced cauliflower or split the serving between the two and do 1/2 rice and 1/2 cauliflower rice.
5. Thai Peanut Chicken
One of my favourite world travels was our trip to Thailand. Their cuisine is like no other and after tasting some of their amazing dishes, I knew I had to try my hand at making a slightly healthier version! Thai Peanut Chicken is one of my top recipes and oh so delicious!
6. Butter Chicken
Can’t forget about Indian cuisine!For an easy Butter Chicken inspired recipe, cut up and cook chicken breast until cooked through and add some KFI Butter Chicken sauce that can be found at Costco! Serve it on a bed or rice, or for lower carb, cauliflower rice (or a mix of both). Easy, delicious and takes no time to prepare.