Low Sodium Chinese Recipes That Taste Like Takeout

By Andrea Cohen
Published 3/4/2026
In This Article
Low Sodium Chinese Recipes That Taste Like Takeout
Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

If you love Chinese takeout but worry about how much sodium it packs, you aren’t alone. Many classic Chinese dishes are loaded with sauces and seasonings that can push sodium levels sky high. But the good news is that you don’t have to give up your Chinese food favorites just because you’re trying to consume less salt. Making low sodium Chinese recipes at home gives you control, and they’re still deeply satisfying.

When you cook Chinese food, you decide how much sodium-filled sauces and ingredients go into the dish. That means you can still enjoy the ethnic flavors you love even if you’re limiting salt. There’s no reason to sacrifice taste to eat in a heart-smart way. With a few simple swaps, it’s possible to recreate your favorite takeout-style meals at home while keeping sodium in check. These traditional Chinese recipes will satisfy your cravings in a lighter, healthier way.

10 Low Sodium Chinese Dishes That Taste Authentic

This collection of low sodium recipes has been created by the chefs and dietitians at Health eCooks to deliver classic, traditional tastes. The dishes are lower in sodium than typical Chinese takeout and many traditional Chinese dishes, but it’s important to note that some of these recipes do not meet Health eCooks’ strict low sodium guidelines. So although they’re better-for-you alternatives, pay attention to the sodium content if you need to keep daily totals to a minimum.

  1. 01

    Low Sodium Stir-Fry

    Low Sodium Stir-Fry
    Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
    30 mins

    This simple stir fry focuses on fresh vegetables and lean protein, making it a flexible option for any night of the week. By using reduced-sodium ingredients, it delivers flavor without relying on excess salt and is the lowest sodium Chinese recipe on our site at only 138 mg.

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  2. 02

    Sweet and Sour Chicken

    Heart Healthy Sweet and Sour Chicken
    Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
    45 mins

    This lighter take on a takeout favorite balances sweet and tangy flavors while keeping fat and sodium lower than restaurant versions. It’s a great choice when you’re craving something comforting but still want to eat mindfully. And at only 145 mg of sodium, it’s a low sodium Chinese food powerhouse.

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  3. 03

    Sesame Shrimp Stir-Fry

    Heart Healthy Sesame Shrimp Stir-Fry
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    30 mins

    This dish features shrimp paired with a lightly flavored sauce and notes of sesame. It delivers that takeout-style taste but is one of those low fat, low sodium Chinese food recipes you’ll want to make again and again. And with less than 250 mg of sodium, you can.

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  4. 04

    Stir-Fried Rice

    Heart Healthy Stir-Fried Rice
    Photo Credit: Taylor Ann Spencer, Baldwin Publishing
    15 mins

    This recipe offers a smarter spin on fried rice by using heart-smart ingredients and controlling the amount of seasoning. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic dish without the heavy sodium load (it has just 212 mg of sodium per serving).

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  5. 05

    Easy Egg Drop Soup

    Easy Egg Drop Soup
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    30 mins

    Egg drop soup is often thought of as light, but restaurant versions can still be high in sodium. This homemade option keeps things simple and comforting while dialing back the salt, clocking in at just over 350 mg per cup.

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  6. 06

    Asian Shrimp Rolls

    Heart Healthy Asian Shrimp Rolls
    Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
    30 mins

    These fresh shrimp rolls are a lighter alternative to fried appetizers. They offer crisp textures and bright flavors, making them a refreshing addition to a low sodium Chinese menu. If you’re eating these alongside another dish, keep in mind that their 281 mg of sodium can send the overall count of the meal over the top.

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  7. 07

    Chicken Stir-Fry

    Heart Healthy Chicken Stir Fry (Low Cholesterol Dinner)
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    30 mins

    A classic combination of chicken and vegetables comes together quickly in this dish. It’s flavorful and satisfying without being heavy, making it a solid go-to for homemade Chinese-style meals. However, with a little over 400 mg per serving, it has more sodium than some of our other Asian-inspired dishes.

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  8. 08

    Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Brown Rice

    Heart Healthy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Brown Rice
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    45 mins

    Beef and broccoli is a staple in Chinese takeout, and this version keeps the familiar flavors while using brown rice for added fiber. The sauce is lighter, helping reduce overall calories and fat while keeping the sodium count under 500 mg.

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  9. 09

    Cauliflower Rice

    Heart Healthy Cauliflower Rice
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    30 mins

    Cauliflower rice is a popular swap for traditional rice, and this version fits perfectly into Chinese-inspired meals. It’s lower in sodium (285 mg) and carbohydrates (10 g) than many Chinese rice dishes and is great at soaking up the flavor of anything you serve it with.

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  10. 10

    Chicken Egg Rolls

    Heart Healthy Chicken Egg Rolls
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    60 mins

    These baked egg rolls offer the flavors you crave without deep frying. They’re a fun way to enjoy a takeout favorite with less sodium (under 300 mg) and fat (4 g) and are a great choice for kicking off your homemade Chinese meal.

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Want Lower Sodium Takeout Food? Make It Yourself!

Low sodium Chinese food recipes are especially helpful for people watching their blood pressure, managing heart health, or simply trying to follow low sodium dietary guidelines. Cooking Chinese food at home allows you to use lower-sodium sauces, control portion sizes, and focus on whole ingredients like vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Even when recipes aren’t strictly low sodium, they’re typically far healthier than takeout options. They’re also surprisingly easy to make. Often you can cook a meal faster than you can order and pick up food from your local restaurant. The low sodium Chinese recipes we’ve shared also allow you to enjoy your favorite foods more often, without worrying about the high sodium content in traditional Chinese food.

If you’re looking for more low sodium ethnic food ideas, check out these other low sodium Asian recipes, as well as our collection of low sodium Mexican food recipes. They’re all delicious!

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