The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between self-efficacy and fat-related dietary behavior among a sample of first and second generation Chinese Americans living in New York City. A survey questionnaire was administered to a purposive sample of 743 Chinese Americans, ranging from ages 21 to 73. The questionnaire measured self-efficacy, fat-related dietary behaviors, demographic factors, and variables from social psychological theories. In the U.S.-born sample, self-efficacy was the premier variable contributing to 33% of the variability of behavioral intention. In the foreign-born sample, attitude, overall health concern, and self-efficacy contributed to a total variance of 58% for behavioral intention. In this group, attitude, perceived barriers and self-efficacy contributed to 19% of the variance of a combined index of fat reduction behaviors. For the entire sample, self-efficacy was significantly related to this dietary index (r = 0.36, p less than 0.001). First generation individuals scored higher on behaviors related to replacing high-fat foods with fruit and vegetables, and self-efficacy items related to low-fat food purchase. Second generation individuals scored higher on self-efficacy items related to using less oil in food preparation. Nutrition educators need to acknowledge the role of self-efficacy as a salient predictor of dietary behavior in Chinese Americans. (Contains 4 tables.) [Abstract is provided in both English and Spanish.]