Decoding Nutrition: How many calories are in tung ting shrimp?

October 18, 2025 •

4 min read

While raw shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein food containing approximately 84 calories per 3-ounce serving, the total calorie count for a prepared dish can vary significantly. Answering the question, how many calories are in tung ting shrimp?, depends heavily on the specific ingredients, cooking method, and portion size used, which can range from under 150 to over 300 calories per serving.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for Tung Ting shrimp varies based on preparation, with different recipes and restaurant versions ranging significantly. Key factors include the amount of oil, sauce ingredients, and portion size, making homemade versions easier to control.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The number of calories in Tung Ting shrimp is not fixed and varies significantly depending on the recipe, cooking method, and portion size, ranging from around 128 kcal to over 300 kcal per serving.
Oil and Sauce Influence: The primary factors affecting the calorie count are the amount of cooking oil used for stir-frying and the ingredients in the sauce, which often contains cornstarch and sugar.
Nutrient-Dense Shrimp: Shrimp itself is a low-calorie, high-protein food rich in essential nutrients like iodine, selenium, and vitamin B12.
Homemade for Control: To manage calorie intake, preparing Tung Ting shrimp at home is recommended, as it allows for better control over the amount of oil, sugar, and sodium.
Healthier Preparations: Reduce calories by using less oil, thickening the sauce with minimal cornstarch, and increasing the volume of low-calorie vegetables.
Balance Your Diet: Integrating nutrient-rich seafood like shrimp into your meals, while being mindful of added fats and sauces, supports overall health.

Understanding the Calorie Count in Tung Ting Shrimp

Tung Ting shrimp is a classic Chinese dish, but nailing down a single calorie count is tricky. As with most restaurant and takeout meals, the final nutritional value is influenced by numerous factors beyond just the main ingredient. While shrimp itself is a lean protein source, the total caloric intake is heavily dependent on the cooking oil, the sauce, and the portion size.

The Variability of Calorie Information

Searching for the calories in Tung Ting shrimp will reveal a wide range of figures. For example, some recipes report a per-serving estimate as low as 128 calories, while other nutritional trackers show figures closer to 247 or 303 calories. This discrepancy isn't an error; it's a reflection of the dish's diverse preparations. The primary drivers behind these variations are:

Amount of Oil: Many recipes call for a significant amount of cooking oil to stir-fry the ingredients. A single tablespoon of oil can add over 100 calories, and using more than this will increase the total dramatically. Healthier versions might use less oil or an oil-free steaming method.
Sauce Ingredients: The signature 'heavenly' or 'egg-white' sauce that accompanies Tung Ting shrimp can vary. Ingredients like cornstarch, sugar, and high-sodium broth contribute to the calorie and sodium count. A sauce thickened with cornstarch and made with a savory broth will differ greatly from a light, clear sauce.
Added Vegetables: While vegetables like broccoli, water chestnuts, and mushrooms are low in calories and add fiber, their quantity can affect the overall portion size and how much sauce is used to coat them.
Portion Size: Restaurant portions are often larger and contain more oil and sauce than a standard, health-conscious serving. What's considered 'one serving' can vary from one source to the next.

Deconstructing the Nutritional Profile

Beyond the raw calorie number, a balanced diet requires looking at the macronutrient breakdown. A typical serving of Tung Ting shrimp provides a good source of protein from the shrimp and fiber and vitamins from the vegetables. A breakdown of the nutritional components includes:

Protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building muscle and promoting satiety.
Fats: The fat content mostly comes from the cooking oil and is typically a mix of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, with lower saturated fat compared to many other meat dishes.
Carbohydrates: The carbs primarily come from the cornstarch used to thicken the sauce, as well as the natural sugars and starches in the vegetables.
Micronutrients: The vegetables contribute essential vitamins and minerals, while the shrimp provides a significant source of iodine, selenium, and B12.

How to Create a Healthier Tung Ting Shrimp

For those watching their calorie intake, making Tung Ting shrimp at home is the best way to control the ingredients. Here are some tips to reduce the calorie count without sacrificing flavor:

Use a non-stick pan and a minimal amount of a heart-healthy oil like sesame or peanut oil. A small spritz can go a long way.
Enhance flavor with fresh herbs and spices like ginger and garlic, rather than relying on heavy sauces.
Substitute some or all of the cornstarch with a thickener like arrowroot powder, or simply reduce the amount used.
Load up on extra vegetables like snow peas, bok choy, or carrots to increase the portion size and fiber content without adding many calories.
Use a low-sodium soy sauce or broth to reduce the sodium content, which can be particularly high in takeout versions.

Comparison of Calorie Sources in Tung Ting Shrimp

To illustrate the impact of different ingredients, consider this comparison table for a single serving. This shows how choices can significantly alter the calorie count.


Component (per serving)	Restaurant (Approx.)	Healthier Homemade (Approx.)
Shrimp (lean protein)	~85 calories	~85 calories
Cooking Oil	~150-200 calories	~50 calories
Cornstarch/Sugar Sauce	~50-70 calories	~15-30 calories
Vegetables (broccoli, etc.)	~20 calories	~40 calories
Total Calories (Estimate)	~305-375 calories	~190-215 calories

Conclusion

While it’s clear there is no single answer to how many calories are in tung ting shrimp?, the variations offer an opportunity for informed dietary choices. Understanding that the caloric differences arise from the sauce and cooking method empowers you to make healthier decisions. Opting for a homemade version with less oil and a lighter, flavorful sauce is an excellent way to enjoy this delicious dish as part of a balanced and nutritious diet. Making small adjustments can transform a potentially high-calorie meal into a healthy, satisfying option.

For more information on the nutritional benefits of seafood, explore reliable resources like Healthline's guide on shrimp nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Calorie counts for Tung Ting shrimp vary because of different recipes, cooking methods, and portion sizes. The amount of oil, sugar, and cornstarch in the sauce can dramatically change the total calorie content.

No, shrimp on its own is relatively low in calories. A 3-ounce (85-gram) serving of cooked shrimp has only about 84 calories, with the bulk of the calories in a dish like Tung Ting shrimp coming from the added oil and sauce ingredients.

Tung Ting shrimp typically consists of jumbo shrimp, a variety of vegetables like broccoli, water chestnuts, and mushrooms, and a light, savory egg-white sauce thickened with cornstarch and flavored with ingredients like ginger, garlic, and cooking wine.

To make a healthier version, use less cooking oil, opt for a low-sodium broth or soy sauce for the sauce base, and increase the amount of low-calorie vegetables. Steaming or using a minimal amount of oil are effective strategies.

Yes, the preparation method significantly impacts the nutritional value. For instance, a stir-fried version with more oil will have a higher fat and calorie content than a lightly sautéed or steamed version.

Besides protein from the shrimp, the dish provides vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, such as vitamin C from broccoli, and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids from the shrimp. It also contains trace minerals like iodine and selenium.

Yes, you can eat Tung Ting shrimp on a diet, especially a homemade version where you can control the ingredients. By minimizing oil and excess sauce, it can be a great source of lean protein and vegetables for a calorie-conscious meal.