Carbs In Sesame Chicken: Steamed Rice Counts

Sesame chicken is a popular dish in Chinese restaurants, often served with a side of fried rice. The breading and sugar in the chicken make the dish high in carbs, with around 51 grams of carbs per serving (nine pieces). Adding a side of rice will further increase the number of carbs in the meal. For example, one tray of sesame chicken with rice contains 88 grams of carbs. Sesame chicken with white rice from Pei Wei Asian Diner contains 57% carbs, but the absolute amount is not specified.

Sesame chicken with white rice: 57% carbs

Sesame chicken is a popular dish at Chinese restaurants and is often served with white or brown rice, although fried rice is another common option. The nutritional value of this meal varies depending on the specific ingredients and preparation methods used.

A serving of nine pieces of sesame chicken without any rice has around 554 calories. This includes 27 grams of fat, 5 grams of saturated fat, and 51 grams of carbohydrates. The dish is relatively high in sodium and cholesterol.

When paired with fried rice, the calorie count of sesame chicken increases significantly. According to the USDA, a one-cup serving of Chinese restaurant fried rice adds approximately 238 calories to the meal. This option also boosts the fat content to 31 grams and the sodium content to 1,441 milligrams, which is almost the full daily amount recommended by the American Heart Association.

As an alternative, opting for white rice instead of fried rice can lower the overall calorie count of the meal. For example, one serving of sesame chicken with white rice from Pei Wei Asian Diner contains 1319 calories. The macronutrient breakdown of this dish is 57% carbohydrates, 24% fat, and 20% protein. It is a good source of protein, providing 118% of the daily recommended value, as well as fiber, with 18% of the daily recommended value.

While the exact carbohydrate content of sesame chicken with white rice is not specified in grams, we can estimate it based on the available information. If we consider the dish mentioned above, with 1319 calories and a macronutrient breakdown of 57% carbohydrates, we can calculate the carbohydrate content as follows:

• Carbohydrates as a percentage of total calories = 57%
• Carbohydrates in grams = 57% of 1319 calories
• Carbohydrates in grams = 0.57 x 1319
• Carbohydrates in grams = 751.83 grams

Therefore, we can estimate that the sesame chicken with white rice dish contains approximately 751 grams of carbohydrates. This estimation assumes that the dish contains only carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and does not account for other potential ingredients or nutrients.

In conclusion, sesame chicken with white rice can be a nutritious meal, offering a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. However, it is important to be mindful of the sodium and cholesterol content, especially when ordering from restaurants where the exact nutritional information may vary. Preparing the dish at home allows for better control over the nutritional content and ensures a healthier option.

Sesame chicken nutrition

Sesame chicken is a popular dish at Chinese restaurants and is often served with white or brown rice, but fried rice is another common option. The nutritional value of this meal can vary depending on the specific ingredients and preparation methods used.

A serving of nine pieces of sesame chicken without any additions like rice contains around 554 calories. This dish provides 27 grams of fat, including 5 grams of saturated fat. It is also relatively high in cholesterol and sodium, with 35 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fibre, and 30 grams of sugar. Sesame chicken offers a substantial amount of protein, approximately 27 grams, which is beneficial for muscle building.

When paired with fried rice, the calorie count and fat content of the meal increase significantly. For example, a 1-cup serving of Chinese restaurant fried rice adds about 238 calories, bringing the total calories for the meal to 792. The fat content also rises to 31 grams, and the sodium content climbs to 1,441 milligrams, nearly the full daily amount recommended by the American Heart Association.

However, sesame chicken with fried rice can still be a nutritious meal if prepared with certain considerations. It provides energy-supporting carbohydrates and an excellent source of protein. Adding vegetables like peas and carrots can enhance the nutritional profile by contributing fibre, vitamins, and minerals.

To reduce the overall calories and fat in the dish, it is advisable to opt for white or brown rice instead of fried rice. For instance, one serving of sesame chicken with white rice from a particular restaurant contains 1319 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 57% carbohydrates, 24% fat, and 20% protein. This variation also provides a good amount of protein and fibre, covering 118% and 18% of the daily value, respectively.

Fried rice nutrition

Fried rice is a popular dish in many types of Asian cuisine. It is usually made with cooked rice, vegetables, eggs, and meat, fish, or poultry. The nutritional value of fried rice depends on its ingredients and how it is prepared.

A cup of fried rice with beef contains about 352 calories, along with a good amount of fat and protein. Fried rice with shrimp is nutritious but has high cholesterol. Chicken and pork fried rice also provide varying amounts of calories.

Fried rice is generally high in calories and fat. A 1-cup serving of Chinese restaurant fried rice has 238 calories. The fat content is 31 grams, and the sodium content is 1,441 milligrams, which is almost the full daily amount recommended by the American Heart Association.

To reduce the calories in fried rice, you can choose lean cuts of meat, use less oil, add more vegetables, or replace white rice with cauliflower rice.

When sesame chicken is paired with fried rice, the calories, fat, and carbs in the meal increase. A serving of nine pieces of sesame chicken has 554 calories, 27 grams of fat, and 51 grams of carbs. The total calories for the meal can go up to 792.

Health concerns

Sesame chicken with steamed rice can be a nutritious meal, offering energy-supporting carbohydrates and muscle-building protein. However, there are several health concerns to be aware of. Firstly, sesame chicken is typically made with a breading, which makes the dish high in carbohydrates. A serving of nine pieces of sesame chicken alone can provide about 51 grams of carbohydrates, with only 1 gram of fibre. When paired with steamed rice, the total carbohydrate content can increase significantly. For example, one tray of sesame chicken with rice contains 88 grams of total carbohydrates. While carbohydrates are essential for energy, consuming excessive amounts can lead to weight gain and potential health issues such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Another concern is the fat content of the meal. Sesame chicken, even without rice, contains a considerable amount of fat. For instance, Chinese restaurant sesame chicken without rice contains approximately 14 grams of fat per serving. When fried rice is added, the fat content increases further. The type of fat present is also important to consider. Sesame chicken contains saturated fat, which can raise "bad" LDL cholesterol levels in the blood, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke if consumed in excess.

The sodium content of sesame chicken with steamed rice is also a potential health concern. Sesame chicken itself is high in sodium, and when paired with steamed rice, the sodium levels can increase. Excessive sodium intake is linked to heart health issues, as it can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is essential to be mindful of the sodium content, especially for individuals with hypertension or heart-related conditions.

Additionally, sesame chicken may contain a significant amount of sugar. A serving of nine pieces of sesame chicken can have up to 30 grams of sugar, which is 30% of the recommended daily value. High sugar consumption is associated with an increased risk of weight gain, dental cavities, and type 2 diabetes. While the steamed rice itself does not contribute directly to sugar intake, it is important to consider the overall sugar content of the meal, especially when paired with other high-sugar foods or beverages.

Lastly, while sesame chicken with steamed rice can provide a good source of protein, it is important to consider the quality and source of the protein. The protein content can vary depending on the type of chicken used and the amount of meat versus other ingredients in the dish. Consuming adequate protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, but excessive protein intake, particularly from unhealthy sources, can lead to weight gain and potential kidney strain. Therefore, it is important to balance protein intake with other nutrients and consider the overall quality of the meal.

Healthier alternatives

Sesame chicken with steamed rice is a delicious meal, but it can be high in carbs, calories, and sodium. Here are some healthier alternatives to consider:

Lower-Carb Rice Substitutes

Rice is a staple in many people's diets, but it can be high in carbohydrates. If you're looking for a lighter alternative, you could try riced cauliflower or broccoli. These options have a similar texture and appearance to steamed rice but with a fraction of the calories and carbs, making them popular substitutes for people on low-carb diets. Other low-carb substitutes include shirataki rice, made from konjac root, and whole grains such as quinoa.

Healthier Sesame Chicken

Traditional sesame chicken is often deep-fried and breaded, making it high in fat and carbs. A healthier alternative is to cook the chicken on a stovetop with a small amount of oil, creating a crispy texture without the need for deep-frying. You can also use cornstarch or arrowroot to coat the chicken and thicken the sauce, resulting in a lighter batter.

Healthy Add-Ins

Sesame chicken can be made healthier by adding vegetables such as peas and carrots, and kale. These add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the dish. Using gluten-free tamari (or coconut aminos) instead of soy sauce can also reduce sodium intake, and fresh ingredients like lime zest and juice can add a nice twist.

Homemade Alternatives

Preparing sesame chicken with steamed rice at home allows you to control the nutrition of your meal. Making a homemade version of a restaurant favorite lets you reduce the oil, fat, and sodium content while retaining the flavors you love.

By incorporating these healthier alternatives, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious version of sesame chicken with steamed rice that fits your dietary needs and preferences.

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