Quick Answer
The number of calories in 6 dumplings can vary depending on the size, filling, and how they are prepared. However, on average, 6 medium-sized dumplings contain about 300-450 calories.
Calories in Different Types of Dumplings
Here is a breakdown of the calories for 6 pieces of some common dumpling varieties:
Potstickers
Potstickers are Chinese dumplings that are pan-fried on one side and steamed on the other. 6 average-sized potstickers (about 50g each) contain around:
| Filling | Calories |
|---|---|
| Pork | 330 |
| Chicken | 300 |
| Vegetable | 270 |
The calories come mostly from the refined wheat flour wrappers. The pork or chicken filling adds a bit more fat and calories.
Gyoza
Gyoza are Japanese pan-fried dumplings, similar to potstickers. 6 gyoza (50g each) contain approximately:
| Filling | Calories |
|---|---|
| Pork | 340 |
| Chicken | 320 |
| Vegetable | 290 |
The calories are comparable to potstickers since the wrappers and cooking method are similar. The pork filling adds slightly more calories.
Steamed Dumplings
Steamed dumplings are made of wheat flour wrappers and steamed instead of fried. 6 steamed dumplings (50g each) contain roughly:
| Filling | Calories |
|---|---|
| Pork | 300 |
| Chicken | 270 |
| Vegetable | 240 |
Steamed dumplings are lower in calories than fried since no oil is used. The pork filling adds more fat and calories compared to chicken or veggie.
Soup Dumplings
Soup dumplings, also known as xiaolongbao, are filled with meat and piping hot soup. 6 average-sized soup dumplings (50g each) have about:
| Filling | Calories |
|---|---|
| Pork | 350 |
| Crab and Pork | 370 |
The high-fat soup makes these dumplings slightly higher in calories than steamed or pan-fried. The crab adds extra calories to the pork filling.
Factors Affecting Dumpling Calories
Several factors influence the calorie content in dumplings:
Filling
– Pork, chicken, seafood fillings add more fat and calories vs. vegetable fillings
Cooking Method
– Pan-fried and deep-fried add ~50 more calories than steaming
Wrapper
– Wheat flour wrappers have more calories than wrappers made with lower-calorie options like cabbage leaves or shirataki noodles
Size
– Larger dumplings (~70-80g) can have up to 150 more calories than smaller ones (~50g)
Accompaniments
– Dipping sauces like soy sauce, hot sauce, duck sauce add 50-100 calories
Nutrition Facts for 6 Dumplings
Here are the nutrition facts for 6 average-sized mixed pork and vegetable dumplings (about 300 calories):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Carbs | 45g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 2g |
As you can see, the majority of calories come from refined carbohydrates in the wrapper. But the fat and protein from the pork filling also contribute significant calories.
Healthy Ways to Enjoy Dumplings
Here are some tips to lighten up dumplings if you’re watching your calorie intake:
– Choose vegetable, chicken, or shrimp fillings instead of pork or beef
– Opt for steaming instead of frying
– Use cabbage leaves or shirataki noodle wrappers
– Serve with lower-calorie dipping sauces like rice vinegar
– Balance with non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens
– Limit to 1-2 dumplings as a side dish rather than an entire meal
Conclusion
In summary, the calorie content in 6 dumplings can range from 240-370 depending on the filling, cooking method, size, and accompaniments. On average, 6 medium dumplings contain 300-450 calories. You can reduce the calories in dumplings by choosing healthier fillings, steaming instead of frying, using lower-calorie wrappers, and watching your portion sizes. Enjoying dumplings in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet is the healthiest approach.
