Healthy Versions of Your Favorite Asian Street Foods

Asian street food is adored in the world due to its spicy taste, colorful appearance, and scents that cannot be resisted. The sizzling noodles, spicy skewers, there is no resistance to such tasty ingredients. Nevertheless, most of the common street foods are either deep-fried or rich in sodium and sugar. The good news? You have not lost your favorites, but they have a healthier touch. This is how to prepare popular Asian recipes on the street but make them healthier, cleaner, and lighter without compromising their flavor.

1. Healthier Pad Thai (Thailand)

The classic Pad Thai is usually cooked in oil and dipped in sweet sauce. To make it healthier, one can use rice noodles stir-fried with a little olive oil, replace a part of the noodles with zucchini or carrot noodles, and use tamarind paste, lime juice, and honey as a natural sweetener. The lean proteins, such as shrimp or tofu, can be added, and crushed peanuts and fresh herbs may be added on top.

2. Baked Spring Rolls (Vietnam)

You should bake or air-fry spring rolls instead of deep-frying them in order to create a crispy and oil-free spring roll. Whole-wheat wrappers and a colorful combination of vegetables, lean chicken, or tofu are used. Serve with a dipping sauce of light soy-lime or homemade peanut dressing of natural peanut butter and a dollop of Coconut milk.

3. Steamed Dumplings (China)

Substitute the pan-fried dumplings with the steamed or boiled dumplings. Stuff them with chicken, shrimps, or mushrooms rather than fatty pork. You can use whole-grain wrappers where possible, and eat it with a soy-sauce of low sodium or ginger-vinegar dipping dip, which is guilt-free.

4. Satay Skewers (Indonesia/Malaysia) Grilled

Satay skewers are tasty, yet they are usually filled with fatty pieces of meat and sweet sauces. Use lean chicken or tofu and grill it rather than fry it, prepare your own peanut sauce with low-fat coconut milk, lime juice, and a little bit of honey instead of sugar.

5. Brown Rice Sushi (Japan)

To make sushi with low calories, replace white rice with brown rice, and omit fillings made with mayonnaise. It is nutrient-dense and should be supplemented with more fresh vegetables, avocado, and grilled fish. Do not overload on soy sauce, but use wasabi and lemon to season.

6. Fried Noodles and Vegetables (Turkey)

Instead of using greasy street noodles, use whole-wheat noodles or rice vermicelli, deep-fry them, pour in sesame oil, and fill them up with broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. A little dash of ginger, garlic, and light soy sauce gives it the real taste with no additional calories.

Eat Smart, Stay Flavorful

Eating well does not mean foregoing taste. By using some clever swaps, such as less oil, fresher vegetables, and careful preparation, you can still have the same comforting flavor of Asian street foods, but in a healthy manner. Be it in your kitchen or in your town, these healthier alternatives would help you enjoy the best of Asia, without any guilt.

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