Looking for a healthier low carb menu plan to enjoy during the holidays? Grab our Asian Keto Recipes for Chinese Thanksgiving. It’s an all-inclusive Asian-American Thanksgiving meal plan; complete with appetizers, mains, sides and even dessert.
Just because you need to watch your carbohydrates or follow a diabetic diet, does not mean that you need to miss out on all the holiday food and festivities. Our Asian Fusion menu is delicious, ketogenic diet friendly, and perfect for any special gathering.
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Do they celebrate Thanksgiving in China?
The world has become a very international place and giving “thanks” brings all of us together.
The Chinese word for Thanksgiving Day is 感恩节 (Gǎn’ēn jié).
- 感恩 (Gǎn’ēn) means to feel gratitude or to feel thankful.
- 节 (jié) translates to holiday.
- 快乐 (kuàilè) translates to happy.
So, if you put it all together, Happy Thanksgiving Day is 感恩节快乐! (gǎn’ēn jié kuàilè)!
Thanksgiving is not recognized as a national holiday in China or Hong Kong. However, many Chinese have lived in the US or Canada, visited or have friends living there. Many of our Chinese friends love to join in on the Thanksgiving food and festivities too, in their own special way.
Holiday Asian-Fusion Menu
A Chinese Thanksgiving is a delicious Asian fusion meal. It’s a melting pot of Asian and Western flavors combined into one. If they are living in the US or Canada, they may enjoy a whole baked turkey with Chinese spices and sauces. On the other hand, if they are without an oven, they may opt for a quick and easy stir fry or Spicy Sichuan Hot Pot instead.
In addition, many may enjoy Homemade Chinese Dumplings, French Canadian Meat Stuffing made with sticky rice, instead of bread, or even a Peking duck with pancakes as a part of the Thanksgiving meal.
Healthier Alternatives
How many of you were planning on wearing your FAT Trousers (pants) on Thanksgiving Day? You probably already know this but the average weight gain during the holidays is about 10 pounds. Crazy, right?
Wouldn’t it be better to eat in moderation and enjoy the foods you enjoy all whilst enjoying the holiday season? Many of the traditional Thanksgiving recipes are very HIGH in CARBOHYDRATES. Today, we want to share with you several Asian Keto Recipes that are a little lighter and healthier to enjoy. All the flavor but low in carbohydrates. If you want to learn more, be sure to checkout our post, "What is a Ketogenic Diet?"
If you are ready to take on the challenge, come and join us for a full menu of Asian Keto Recipes for a healthier Chinese Thanksgiving.
Appetizers
You are going to love these easy Chinese style appetizers. Bold in flavors but lightened up. As you know, Asian recipes have that blend of savory, spicy and sweet flavors that we all love. If a recipe requires sugar, just replace with your diabetic friendly sugar alternative of choice to lightly sweeten.
Mains
If you have an oven you can try our roasted keto Thanksgiving turkey or whole chicken recipes. However, you can also opt to make a delicious Hot Pot and use ingredients traditionally served at thanksgiving that are sliced super thin. Try slices of low carb turkey breast, shaved Brussel sprouts, mushrooms, etc. for this Asian fusion menu plan.
Sides
Here is your chance to take the usual fat laden green bean casserole topped with fried onions and serve something light and bright instead. Asian keto recipes are fast and easy and utilize low carbohydrate vegetables.
Desserts
It is just not Thanksgiving without a sweet ending to the holiday meal. Try these lighter keto diet options. Substitute honey or sugar with a diabetic sweetener alternative of choice.
We hope you enjoyed these 13 delicious ways to enjoy an Asian Thanksgiving. Who said this needs to be served at Thanksgiving? Try these recipes for a Keto Christmas or any time you are hosting a special occasion.
LOW CARB Chinese Recipes
Did You Like Our Recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and/or a review in the comments section below. Your feedback is always appreciated! Follow us for more delicious recipes on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook! Don't forget to sign up for our email list for more free recipes.
Wishing all of you a safe holiday from our family at Healthy World Cuisine to yours!
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that it was as good as all the photos that you shared.
Dana says
What a neat idea!
Michelle says
Such a great round up of ideas! That Layered Asian salad sounds amazing!
HWC Magazine says
Thank you Michelle. Creating super thin slices of vegetables makes for one decked out salad. Texture is so important in a salad, right?
Kelly | Foodtasia says
Bobbi, these all look wonderful! I'm always on the lookout for low carb Asian dishes - they're a staple in our house. That air-fryer eggplant is calling my name!
HWC Magazine says
Thanks so much Kelly. Chinese eggplant with garlic sauce is one of our favorite copycat dishes from the Crystal Jade Restaurant. hope you give it a try soon. Take Care
mjskitchen says
What an absolute feast! So many choices to make just about anyone happy. Love the non-traditional ideas. Change is good!
HWC Magazine says
Thank you MJ. We are all about making it delicious and healthy and sometimes that means going untraditional. Hope you happy a super holiday week ahead.
Balvinder says
They all look wonderful. Its hard to choose which one to try but I am planning in my head to make those tofu veggie pancakes.
HWC Magazine says
You are going to love those tofu veggie pancakes. The recipe inspiration came from a vegetarian temple in Diamond Hill in Hong Kong. A must stop visit if you ever come to HK. Stay well and take care
Heidi | The Frugal Girls says
These recipes you've shared really add some fresh, fun new flavors to Thanksgiving. My favorites were your amazing garlic ribs, that gorgeous turkey breast and your gorgeous Asian salad!
HWC Magazine says
Thank you Heidi. Sometimes the holiday rules, if there are any, are meant to be broken. Right? Wishing you a super day ahead.
Liz says
Yum!! Can I come to Thanksgiving dinner at your house? I love to shake up my holiday menu and these are some yummy and unique holiday recipes!
HWC Magazine says
Thank you Liz. There is always a spot at the dinner table for you. Take Care
Hannah says
What a wonderful lineup! This sounds so much more flavorful and healthy than typical Thanksgiving fare.
HWC Magazine says
Thank you Hannah. As you know we will certainly have leftovers for days. That is why we love that these recipes are a bit lighter and healthier than the usual Thanksgiving dinner
John / Kitchen Riffs says
So many great recipes! It's really easy to overdo the carbs for Thanksgiving, isn't it? Glad to see all these great healthy menu ideas. Thanks!
HWC Magazine says
Thanks John. It certainly is so easy to do with traditional Turkey Day fare... "One moment on the lips- forever on the hips..." LOL We just feel so much better eating a little lighter.
Ron says
Hi Bobbi, what a great idea. We're always looking for alternate menus for Thanksgiving. Even if it's not a holiday here, we always celebrate the holiday and have a feast the Saturday after for our Swedish friends and family.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours as well...
HWC Magazine says
Thanks so much Ron and so happy to see your comment. Been thinking about you and hoping you are doing well. It is fun and delicious celebrating all the holidays, even it is not one celebrated in your home country, right? Stay well and take care