Asian cuisine offers a diverse array of flavors, textures, and culinary traditions that are both delicious and nutritious. While some Asian dishes are low in calories, others can be quite indulgent. Here, we explore a variety of Asian meals that you should definitely try at least once in your lifetime.
Sushi and Sashimi
Sushi and sashimi are quintessential Japanese dishes that have gained global popularity. Sushi combines vinegared rice with various ingredients, including raw fish, vegetables, and sometimes tropical fruits. Sashimi, on the other hand, is simply thinly sliced raw fish or seafood. Common fish used include salmon, tuna (excluding the overfished bluefin), octopus, shrimp, abalone, salmon roe, eel, and flounder. For those who prefer not to eat raw fish, sushi can also be made with cooked ingredients like sweetened egg, cucumber, and avocado.
Interesting Fact:
The global sushi market was valued at approximately $22.5 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2021 to 2028 (source).
Dashi
Dashi is a fundamental broth in Japanese cuisine, made from kombu seaweed and dried bonito flakes. It has a delicate flavor and aroma, serving as the base for many Japanese soups. Dashi is particularly comforting to consume on cold winter nights.
Nutritional Information:
Dashi is low in calories, with a typical serving containing around 10-15 calories (source).
Tempura
Tempura involves dipping food items in a light batter and deep-frying them. This dish can be made with a variety of ingredients, including fish, shrimp, vegetables like carrots, eggplant, lotus root, and green onions. While tempura is higher in calories due to the frying process, it is best enjoyed fresh and hot.
Caloric Content:
A serving of vegetable tempura contains approximately 200-300 calories (source).
Hot and Sour Soup
This flavorful soup is a staple in Chinese cuisine, made with ingredients like tree fungus, dried tiger lilies, shiitake mushrooms, and tofu in a beef stock. The tree fungus, also known as cloud ears, expands significantly when rehydrated and adds a unique texture to the soup.
Nutritional Information:
A bowl of hot and sour soup typically contains around 90-100 calories 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