What Chinese dishes are gluten free?

Gluten is a plant protein that is found in some grains, such as barley, rye and wheat. Over the years, protein has been problematic for patients of celiac disease as well as people with gluten intolerance. Celiac disease is a disorder that can lead to intestinal damage, if the patient consumes food containing gluten. If you are one of such people, it is highly advisable that you avoid gluten containing foods. Currently, there is an array of gluten free Chinese food in Chinese restaurants for such people, some of which will be discussed in this article.

1. Rice

Rice is highly nutritious and gluten free. In this regard, you should consider including steamed white rice in your Chinese diet because it is also low in calorie and fat. Alternatively, you may also opt for brown rice, which is gluten free and is a rich source of fiber. You may also order for vegetable fried rice in a Chinese restaurant. Other gluten free food alternatives you may ask for in a Chinese restaurant include steamed meat, such as chicken or shrimp meat, with rice and gluten-free soy sauce with rice. You should specify that you need gluten-free soy sauce because the conventional soy source is made with caramel color and brewed with wheat, both of which contain traces of gluten.

2. Steamed Vegetables

In their pure form, vegetables do not contain gluten. However, fried vegetables may contain traces of the protein. This is because the breeding process of the fried vegetables incorporates bread crumbs or wheat floor, both of which contain gluten. Additionally, you should not order for brown sources with steamed vegetables in Chinese restaurants because they are made of ingredients that contain gluten, such as flour. Instead, you should order for white source with steamed vegetables. If you would like to have vegetables in a Chinese restaurant and are trying to avoid gluten, you may order for the Buddha's feast. This comprises of steamed vegetables over steamed rice.

3. Steamed Meat

The majority of main course meat meals in Chinese restaurants comprise of either deep-fried or breaded meat. Such food options contain gluten, hence not ideal for Celiac disease patients. If you would like to have a meat entrée meal in a Chinese restaurant, you should order for steamed meat because it is one of the Gluten free Chinese foods you can have in a Chinese restaurant. Additionally, you need to enquire from the chef whether the meat was marinated before it was steamed as some marinades comprise of ingredients that contain gluten. Some of the meals you may order for, that have meat as the main courses, yet gluten-free include Sauteed chicken, pork and beef. All these meals are gluten-free, low in calories and rich in proteins. Alternatively, you may order for sautéed or steamed seafood or meat with steamed rice, along with steamed vegetables.