Mixed Vegetables
You’re probably not surprised that vegetables made the list. Bannan recommends ordering steamed (or even lightly stir-fried) veggies on the side—the more, the better. (Sorry, but tempura doesn’t count here.) Or, “ask for extra broccoli, carrots, or snow peas in any dish. These are three veggies that Asian restaurants typically have on hand,” adds Sarah-Jane Bedwell, R.D., L.D.N.—this tactic is one of her faves for filling up her plate.
Steamed Dishes
“I usually ask for my dish steamed with the sauce on the side,” says Scritchfield. “Steamed helps to reduce the oil in the dish, making it lighter in calories and possibly a bit easier to digest. You can get most any dish steamed.” This works for veggies, lean protein, rice, you name it.