How many calories are in 1 cup of sotanghon guisado?

November 24, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition tracking databases, a single cup of sotanghon guisado can contain between 212 and 296 calories, depending heavily on the specific ingredients and preparation method. This variation highlights the importance of understanding what goes into your dish if you're watching your caloric intake.

Quick Summary

The caloric content of sotanghon guisado varies significantly based on ingredients like meat type, vegetables, and oil usage. This guide breaks down the typical calorie count, explores influencing factors, and offers tips for preparing a healthier version without sacrificing flavor.

Key Points

Caloric Range: 1 cup of sotanghon guisado can contain approximately 212–296 calories, with variations depending on ingredients.
Protein's Impact: The type of meat used, whether lean chicken or fattier pork, is a major factor in the final calorie count.
Oil and Fat: The amount of cooking oil, including annatto-infused oil, directly influences the dish's fat and calorie content.
Vegetable Density: Increasing vegetables relative to noodles can boost nutrients and lower the overall caloric density of the dish.
Lighter Preparation: Healthier versions can be achieved by using leaner meats, less oil, and more vegetables.
Noodle Base: The base vermicelli (glass) noodles are often gluten-free and cholesterol-free, offering a healthy foundation for the dish.

Sotanghon guisado is a beloved Filipino noodle dish, known for its mix of glass noodles, meat, and vegetables. However, pinning down an exact calorie count can be challenging due to the wide array of recipe variations. A standard 1-cup serving can range from approximately 212 kcal to upwards of 296 kcal. Understanding what drives this variation is crucial for anyone monitoring their diet.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

The total calories in a serving of sotanghon guisado are a sum of its components. The primary factors are the type and quantity of protein, the amount of cooking oil, and the proportion of vegetables to noodles.

Protein Choices

Chicken vs. Pork: Many recipes use chicken, which tends to be leaner. A chicken-based sotanghon guisado will generally have fewer calories than one made with pork, especially if pork belly is used. For example, a version with chicken can be around 241 kcal per cup, while a pork-heavy version might be higher.
Seafood: Some variations include shrimp or other seafood, which often contain fewer calories and less fat than pork, contributing to a lighter dish.

Cooking Method and Ingredients

Oil Usage: The amount of oil used for sautéing and flavoring is a major caloric contributor. Traditional recipes may call for a generous amount of oil to cook aromatics and meat, but reducing this can significantly cut calories.
Annatto Oil: The vibrant orange color of some versions comes from annatto seeds infused in oil, which adds to the total fat and calorie count.
Sauces and Seasonings: High-sodium sauces like soy sauce and oyster sauce, along with bouillon cubes, add flavor but also contribute calories and sodium.

Ratio of Components

Vegetable-to-Noodle Ratio: Increasing the amount of low-calorie vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms can bulk up the dish and increase fiber content without adding many calories. This shifts the dish's nutritional balance towards a healthier profile.

Comparison of Calorie Counts in Sotanghon Guisado Varieties


Sotanghon Guisado Variety	Approximate Calories (per 1 cup)	Primary Protein/Feature	Key Caloric Contributors
Chicken Sotanghon	212–241 kcal	Chicken	Moderately high carbs from noodles, moderate protein, medium fat.
Pork Sotanghon	296+ kcal	Pork slices	Higher fat content from pork, especially if fatty cuts are used.
Vegetarian Sotanghon	180 kcal (Noodle Only)	Vegetables, Mushrooms	Lowest in calories due to no meat, relies on vegetables and noodles.
Seafood Sotanghon	Variable	Shrimp, Fish Balls	Depends on seafood used; generally lower fat than pork.

How to Reduce the Calorie Count of Sotanghon Guisado

For those looking to enjoy this classic dish while keeping it healthier, several adjustments can be made:

Leaner Protein: Opt for chicken breast or tofu instead of fatty pork cuts.
Oil Reduction: Measure your cooking oil precisely and use non-stick pans to minimize its use. You can also make annatto oil with less oil.
Add More Veggies: Increase the amount of nutrient-dense, low-calorie vegetables. Carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, and snow peas are excellent choices that add volume, fiber, and nutrients.
Control Portion Size: While 1 cup is a good reference, being mindful of your serving size is key to managing overall caloric intake.
Use Water/Broth: Use more chicken or vegetable broth and less oil to cook the noodles and vegetables.
Healthy Toppings: Garnish with toasted garlic (using minimal oil) or fresh scallions instead of fried chicharon.

Health Benefits of Sotanghon Guisado

Beyond just the calorie count, sotanghon guisado can offer some health benefits when prepared correctly. The key ingredient, vermicelli (glass noodles), is typically gluten-free, fat-free, and cholesterol-free, making it a good option for people with celiac disease or those watching their cholesterol. Additionally, a recipe rich in vegetables provides a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Incorporating lean protein boosts the dish's protein content, helping to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Conclusion

To determine how many calories are in 1 cup of sotanghon guisado, you must consider the specific recipe used. The average is around 212–296 kcal per cup, but this figure can be significantly altered. By choosing leaner proteins, using less oil, and incorporating more vegetables, you can create a delicious and satisfying version of this Filipino favorite that fits your dietary goals. Understanding the impact of each ingredient empowers you to make informed decisions for a healthier meal. For more nutritional details, reputable sources like FatSecret can be useful.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main factors are the type of protein used (e.g., chicken vs. pork), the amount of cooking oil, and the ratio of vegetables to noodles.

Compared to other noodle dishes, it can be moderately high in calories, but the total depends on the ingredients. Leaner versions are lower in calories and can be part of a healthy diet.

The glass noodles themselves are relatively low in fat and cholesterol. The calories mostly come from the oil, meat, and other additions. They are often gluten-free.

Yes, you can reduce calories by using lean chicken breast, minimal cooking oil, and adding a larger proportion of low-calorie vegetables like cabbage and carrots.

Great options include carrots, cabbage, snow peas, mushrooms, and bell peppers. These add fiber, vitamins, and bulk without significantly increasing calories.

Yes. Stir-frying with less oil and using a flavorful broth instead of excess sauce can lower the calorie count while maintaining taste.

When prepared with lean chicken or other protein sources, it can be a good source of protein. Recipes often include meat and sometimes eggs to boost protein content.