Cantonese pork chow mein is a type of stir-fried noodle dish made with deep-fried crunchy noodles. Inspired by the cuisine of China’s southern Guangdong province, Cantonese chow mein is served in a thick sauce made of garlic and soy sauce, and typically contains a variety of different vegetables. Despite its relatively high caloric value, Cantonese pork chow mein can provide a significant amount of your daily recommended value of protein.
Definition
The primary meat ingredient used in Cantonese pork chow mein is a type of roast pork called char siu. According to ChinaDaily.com, Cantonese-style chow mein typically contains a wide array of ingredients, including: green peppers, pea pods, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, bok choy and deep-fried crunchy golden egg noodles. Since the noodles and pork contribute the majority of the calories in Cantonese pork chow mein, you can opt for a healthier meal by having whole wheat noodles and tofu.
Calories and Fat
Each serving of pork chow mein contains roughly 400 calories, according to the Livestrong Daily Plate website. Additionally, each serving provides 14 grams of total fat, or roughly 21 percent of your recommended daily value. Since these estimates are based on a serving size of 1 1/2 cups, it is possible that some diners might consume larger portions, contributing even more to their daily calorie and fat intake.
Protein
Like most meat dishes, Cantonese pork chow mein is an abundant source of dietary protein, containing an estimated 24 grams per 1 1/2 cup serving. According to the Harvard School of Public Health website, meat protein is particularly nutritious due to its high quantity of all 10 essential amino acids. Since most adults are advised to eat around 8 grams of protein per 20 pounds of body weight, Cantonese pork chow mein can help you reach your daily intake goals.
Other Nutrients
Cantonese chow mein contains an estimated 198 milligrams of sodium per serving, or roughly 8 percent of your recommended daily value. Additionally, each serving provides between 25.9 to 46 grams of carbohydrates, or roughly 8 to 15 percent of your daily recommended values, according to the Livestrong Daily Plate website. Lastly, Cantonese chow mein contains an estimated 1.8 grams of dietary fiber per serving, or 7 percent of your daily recommended value. Since much of the sodium content comes from the meal’s sauce, you can effectively reduce the saltiness of your chow mein by using low-sodium soy sauce or other sauce alternatives. Similarly, you can boost the amount of fiber in your dish by adding vegetables, such as cabbage, kale and other dark leafy greens.
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