Spice Up Your Diet with Healthy International Cuisine

Who said that diets needed to be bland or boring? You can totally eat delicious, flavorful dishes that are healthier for you!

Best of all, you can find all the ingredients you need for these yummy internationally-inspired dishes right at the commissary!

Spice Up Your Diet with Healthy International Cuisine

Yes, the commissary carries all the standard American basics: marshmallow fluff, Chef Boyardee and tons of peanut butter. In between all the basics are incredibly tasty international foods that will add variety and spice to your diet.

Many of these foods are connected to military duty stations around the world, from Asia to Europe and around the US, too.

Asian Cuisine to Enjoy Tonight

There are tons of duty stations through Asia, from South Korea all the way to Southeast Asia. The commissary carries a broad spectrum of cuisines and delicacies from all of these rich cultures.

Pick up a bottle of bulgogi sauce and thin cuts of steak. Marinate the steak in the sauce, then cook as preferred. Use your spiced up Korean-inspired steak to top a salad or rice bowl!

For salad, use whole peeled oranges, sliced radish, and slivered almonds to add crunch. In a rice bowl, top with kimchi, zucchini, and toasted sesame seeds.

You could also grab a package of noodles – ramen, udon, or soba – from Japan. Simmer your noodles in vegetable or chicken broth, or DIY your own soup base.

Serve them steaming hot in a bowl. Add in boiled eggs, pickled radish, bean sprouts and thin slices of meat like chicken or pork. You could even add tofu. It’s the ultimate Japanese comfort food on a chilly winter day!

Throughout Asia, stir fry is the quick meal of choice. It’s so simple to make and it’s a great way to use up leftovers.

In a hot pan, quickly cook up meat or tofu with the veggies of your choice. This is a great way to finish up leftover lean meats, like chicken or pork. You could add soy or teriyaki sauce, but it’s delicious with a little bit of ground ginger and sesame seeds, too.

Serve your stir fry with a bowl of rice, a side of noodles or as a stand-alone main dish.

Spicy Southeast Asian Cuisine

Even though Vietnam is known for balmy weather, soup is a mainstay of their traditional cuisine. Make your own pho at home with ingredients from the commissary!

Pick up rice noodles, fish sauce and the other ingredients in the baking and international aisles. You’ll love the delicious smells filling your kitchen while your soup simmers!

Serve piping hot with traditional toppings, like spicy chilis, Thai basil, bean sprouts and sliced lime.

For a spicy appetizer, or main course, pick up rice paper wrappers and sweet chili dipping sauce. Make your own fresh spring rolls!

Follow the directions on the rice paper wrappers to prep them. Then fill each wrapper with thinly sliced fresh veggies, cooked shrimp or shredded chicken. Dip your spring rolls into the chili sauce for a yummy way to eat healthy!

Enjoy the Flavors of Germany

Germany might be known for sausages and beers, but there are healthier dishes mixed in. In fact, sauerkraut is known to be particularly good for improving digestion!

Whip up pork chops and sauerkraut for a taste of Germany wherever you are stationed! Bread pork chops and bake until golden brown. For a healthier option, skip the breading and grill your meat instead!

Serve with a hearty helping of sauerkraut, your favorite green vegetable and a side salad.

Make breakfast for dinner with German pancakes. You won’t even have to shop for special ingredients. Everything you need is probably already in your pantry.

Dish up your pancakes with a side of sliced fruit or scrambled eggs. And remember to go light on the syrup!

Bring English Food to Your Table

It’s a small but mighty nation with yummy food to match. Add a British twist to your table with healthy versions of classic foods.

Make your own lightened up fish and chips with frozen fish from the commissary. Choose a white fish, like cod or tilapia, that has already been cut into small filets.

Skip options that already have breading and do it yourself. Add just a light coating of flour along with salt and pepper. Bake until cooked through.

You could buy pre-made fries, like sweet potato or traditional crinkle cut fries. But it’s fun to DIY this, too! Slice potatoes into fry-sized strips, season and bake until golden brown.

Another great British choice is bangers and mash, or sausages and mashed potatoes.

Lighten this up by choosing turkey sausage and using mashed cauliflower or a cauliflower/potato blend. Skip the heavy cream and dairy by opting for vegetable broth and just butter in the mash. Add an extra helping of your favorite vegetables to fill your plate with healthy choices.

What delicious international cuisine have you discovered at the commissary? Share your best finds in the comments!