Pork Fried Rice and Chicken Wings: A Delicious Yet Calorie-Packed Combo

Craving a savory Chinese takeout meal but unsure about the calorie count? Pork fried rice and chicken wings make for a mouthwatering combination However, this classic takeout order can rack up the calories fast Let’s break down the nutrition facts so you can still enjoy this tasty duo while keeping your health goals on track.

Calorie Content of Pork Fried Rice

Fried rice is a staple of Chinese cuisine. It’s made by stir-frying cooked rice with vegetables, eggs, and meat. The addition of pork provides plenty of protein and gives the rice an irresistible savory flavor. However it also causes the calorie count to climb.

One cup of pork fried rice contains around 354 calories Here is the full nutrition profile

• Calories: 354
• Total fat: 8g
• Carbs: 55g
• Protein: 15g

So just one pork-stuffed cup offers over 1/3 of the calories the average adult needs in a day. While delicious, it’s easy to overdo it on the rice portion and take in excess calories without realizing it.

Wings Add Even More Calories

Of course, no Chinese takeout meal is complete without some finger-licking chicken wings on the side. These appetizers may be small, but they pack some bigtime calories and fat.

For 3 ounces (about 2-3 wings) of fried chicken wings with the skin on, you’re looking at:

• Calories: 221
• Total fat: 16g
• Carbs: 0g
• Protein: 15g

The skin contributes a good portion of the fat and calories. Go for a wing without batter or breading and you’ll save yourself some extra calories. Still, with over 200 calories in just a few wings, it’s super easy to overdo your portion size.

Total Calorie Count

When you put pork fried rice and chicken wings together, this takeout combo delivers a hefty calorie punch.

Let’s take a realistic meal:

• 1.5 cups pork fried rice (about 1 takeout container)
• 6 fried chicken wings

The totals shake out to:

• Calories: 903
• Total fat: 40g
• Carbs: 83g
• Protein: 45g

That’s nearly half of the FDA’s recommended daily calorie intake from just one meal! And with 40g of fat, it’s clearly a high fat choice as well.

Tips to Lighten Up Your Takeout

If you want to enjoy takeout while watching your calories, there are easy ways to make this meal combo a bit lighter:

• Opt for steamed rice instead of fried. This cuts around 50 calories per cup.

• Choose grilled, baked, or air-fried wings instead of fried.

• Go lighter on the rice portion – 1 cup instead of 1.5 cups.

• Skip the spare ribs appetizer and any sugary drinks or desserts.

• Request sauces on the side to control how much you use.

With a few simple tweaks, you can still satisfy your Chinese food craving without going way overboard on calories.

Build a More Balanced Meal

To make this takeout meal even more nutritious while keeping calories in check, round it out with extra veggies and fiber.

Some ideas:

• Add a side salad with low-cal dressing to get nutrients and fill up on greens.

• Order a bowl of hot and sour soup for an energizing, low-cal starter.

• Throw some steamed or stir-fried veggies like broccoli into your rice.

• Swap out a few wings for chicken and vegetable eggrolls, which add more bulk from veggies.

• Mix in cauliflower rice or brown rice for extra nutrients and fiber to help fill you up.

Healthy Homemade Alternatives

To control calories, sodium, and portions, another smart strategy is making these dishes yourself. Here are some healthier recipes to try at home:

Pork Fried Cauliflower Rice

• Ingredients: cauliflower rice, ground pork, peas, carrots, eggs, soy sauce
• Directions: Stir fry cauliflower rice with pork, peas, carrots, eggs and just 1-2 tbsp soy sauce.

Baked Chicken Wings

• Ingredients: chicken wings, baking powder, oil, sauce
• Directions: Toss wings in baking powder, oil and spices. Bake 20 minutes per side. Toss with sauce.

Kale Salad

• Ingredients: kale, carrots, bell pepper, edamame, ginger dressing
• Directions: Massage kale with dressing. Toss with carrots, peppers, edamame.

With some easy substitutions and fresh ingredients, you can recreate the flavors you crave while serving up a healthier, controlled portion meal.

The Bottom Line

Pork fried rice and chicken wings make for an indulgent, satisfying Chinese meal. But the calorie count can quickly climb into unhealthy territory if portions are too large. Stick to reasonable amounts, throw in extra veggies, or give the homemade versions a try. With a few simple tricks, you can still enjoy the bold flavors without overdoing it on calories or fat. Moderation and balance is key to keep this takeout treat from derailing your health goals.