I have been where you are! My cholesterol was 240 and the doctor said lifestyle change or meds. I decided to eat all Japanese food all the time (mostly because my grandma is Japanese and I knew the food tasted good and was low in fat!) After only 1 month, my cholesterol was 177 and I am still doing this one year later :) Now, I don't suggest that everyone do what I did, that is between your family and your doctor. But here is my favorite recipe for you to try. (It is not a raw dish!)
SUKI-YAKI
PLACE A COUPLE HANDFULS RICE NOODLES (you can find these in the oriental section of most grocery stores) IN A BOWL WITH HOT WATER TO SOAK UNTIL THE END OF THE RECIPE. I USUALLY BREAK THESE NOODLES UP A BIT FOR EASIER HANDLING.
1 ONION SLICED UP ANY WAY YOU LIKE
PLACE INTO FRYING PAN WITH A FEW TABLESPOONS OF OIL (I USE OLIVE OIL BUT WHATEVER) AND BEGIN BROWNING.
ADD 1 CUP ANY KIND OF MEAT (I normally use chicken) YOU HAVE, COOKED OR UNCOOKED.
ADD 2 TABLESPOONS SUGAR WHILE MEAT AND ONIONS COOK.
ADD ¼ CUP SOY OR TAMARI SAUCE,(this is just wheat free soy sauce, again it is found in the oriental aisle of any grocery store) CONTINUE COOKING.
CHOP UP MEDIUM HEAD OF NAPA (CHINESE) CABBAGE (produce aisle of any grocery store). YOU CAN USE MORE OR LESS CABBAGE DEPENDING ON WHAT YOU LIKE. ADD TO THE POT A LITTLE AT A TIME AND COOK UNTIL DONE TO YOUR LIKING. IF IT BEGINS TO STICK AND NEEDS LIQUID, CONTINUE ON TO NEXT STEP.
ADD ½ CUP MIRIN (sweet rice cooking wine - oriental aisle)- CONTINUE COOKING FOR A COUPLE MINUTES.
ADD ¾ CUP SAKE (this is rice wine and is found in the wine section of most grocery stores) – CONTINUE COOKING FOR A COUPLE MINUTES.
ADD CUBED TOFU (I usually use firm), IF YOU LIKE
DRAIN AND ADD RICE NOODLES AND CONTINUE COOKING TILL NOODLES ARE DONE TO YOUR LIKING.
TIME TO EAT!
Good luck with whatever you decide :)