How many calories are in 2 pieces of shrimp tempura?

November 6, 2025 •

3 min read

The number of calories are in 2 pieces of shrimp tempura can range significantly, with some estimates placing the count between 60 to over 200 calories, a figure that varies dramatically based on size, batter, and cooking methods. The deep-frying process is the most impactful factor in this caloric variation.

Quick Summary

The calories for two shrimp tempura pieces fluctuate widely depending on size, batter thickness, oil, and preparation. The deep-frying method significantly increases the overall calorie and fat content.

Key Points

Calorie Variation: The number of calories in two pieces of shrimp tempura can range significantly (approximately 60-200+) depending on preparation.
Oil and Batter Influence: The majority of the calories come from the deep-frying process, specifically the oil absorbed by the batter, not the shrimp itself.
Size is a Factor: Larger, jumbo-sized shrimp tempura will have a higher calorie and fat content per piece than smaller or medium-sized ones.
Preparation Method: Restaurant tempura is often more calorically dense than homemade versions due to heavier batter and liberal use of oil.
Healthy Alternatives: Calorie intake can be significantly reduced by using methods like air frying or baking instead of deep-frying.

The Calorie Breakdown: What's in Your Tempura?

The calorie count for two pieces of shrimp tempura is not a single, fixed number. Instead, it's a dynamic figure influenced by several key components, primarily the shrimp itself, the batter, and the frying oil. A single, large shrimp is naturally low in calories and packed with lean protein. However, when it is coated in a batter and deep-fried, the final nutritional profile changes dramatically.

Size Matters for Calories

The most obvious factor affecting the calorie count is the size of the shrimp. Naturally, a large or jumbo piece of tempura will contain more shrimp, batter, and oil than a smaller one. For example, data from FatSecret shows that a medium piece of shrimp tempura has about 16 calories, while a jumbo piece contains 43 calories. This means two medium pieces could be as low as 32 calories, whereas two jumbo pieces would be 86 calories. Some brands or restaurants may serve even larger pieces, further increasing the count.

The Impact of Batter and Oil

The type and quantity of batter, along with the frying oil, contribute the most significant number of calories and fat. Traditional tempura batter is known for being lighter than other fried coatings, but it still absorbs oil during the frying process. Restaurant versions might use a heavier, thicker batter or reuse oil, both of which can hike up the calorie and fat content. For instance, a two-piece serving of a specific brand was found to have 208 calories, with fat contributing a substantial portion. This contrasts with a homemade version where using a lighter batter and fresh, neutral oil can result in a much lower calorie figure, potentially around 116 calories for two standard pieces based on ingredient breakdowns.

Comparison Table: Shrimp Tempura Calories by Size and Source

To better understand the calorie variation, here is a comparison table showing different estimated calorie counts for two pieces of shrimp tempura from various sources found in nutrition databases and articles:


Source	Shrimp Size	Estimated Calories (per 2 pieces)	Key Contributing Factors
FatSecret	Medium	~32 kcal	Based on size-specific data. Lighter batter assumed.
FatSecret	Jumbo	~86 kcal	Based on size-specific data. Larger size means more batter and oil.
Nutritionix	Standard	~116 kcal	A standard, average-sized piece (58 kcal each).
MyNetDiary	Standard	~133 kcal	A specific example serving size found in database.
Eat This Much	Brand-Specific	~208 kcal	For a specific pre-packaged brand (Bon Vivant).

Strategies for a Lighter Shrimp Tempura

If you're watching your calorie intake but still crave the crispy texture of shrimp tempura, several modifications can make it a healthier choice. The key is to reduce the oil absorbed during cooking while maintaining the desired flavor and crunch.

Use an air fryer: This is one of the most effective ways to slash calories. An air fryer circulates hot air to create a crispy exterior with minimal oil, mimicking the deep-fried texture without the excess fat. You can still achieve a golden-brown finish with just a light spritz of cooking spray. Many recipes specifically detail this process for a healthier alternative.
Bake instead of deep-frying: If you don't have an air fryer, baking in the oven at a high temperature is another excellent option. Coat the shrimp in a light batter and panko breadcrumbs, then bake until golden and crisp. This method significantly reduces the amount of oil absorbed by the batter.
Choose a lighter batter: While traditional tempura batter is thin, some recipes and frozen products can have thicker coatings. Opt for a simple batter made with icy cold water and a light flour mixture to minimize absorption. Panko breadcrumbs also offer a great crispiness without soaking up too much oil.
Blot excess oil: After frying, placing the tempura on paper towels will help absorb any excess oil, further reducing the overall fat and calorie content.

Conclusion: Enjoying Shrimp Tempura Mindfully

Two pieces of shrimp tempura can represent a wide range of caloric possibilities, from a relatively light snack to a more substantial contribution to your meal. The final count depends heavily on the specific preparation, including the size of the shrimp and the amount of oil used. While restaurant versions tend to be higher in calories, healthier cooking methods like baking or air frying at home offer a delicious, lighter alternative. By being mindful of these variables and opting for lighter preparation techniques, you can enjoy this popular Japanese dish as part of a balanced diet. To learn more about making a lighter version at home, consider consulting a recipe resource like Crunchy Creamy Sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count varies widely, but typically ranges from 60 to over 200 calories for two pieces. Factors like shrimp size, batter thickness, and cooking oil quality significantly impact the final number.

The main reason for the variation is the deep-frying process. The amount of oil absorbed by the batter differs based on the batter's composition and the cooking method, outweighing the relatively low calorie count of the shrimp itself.

While shrimp is a source of lean protein and minerals, the deep-fried preparation makes shrimp tempura relatively high in fat and calories. It can be part of a healthy diet in moderation, especially when paired with other low-calorie dishes like miso soup or vegetables.

You can reduce the calories by preparing it at home. Methods like air frying or baking instead of deep-frying can achieve a crispy texture with significantly less oil. Using a light batter and blotting excess oil after cooking also helps.

The deep-frying oil and the tempura batter are the primary sources of calories. The shrimp itself is quite low in calories, but the added fat and carbohydrates from the frying process dramatically increase the total count.

Restaurant tempura often uses a thicker, heavier batter and more frying oil, leading to a higher calorie count per piece. Homemade versions can be prepared with lighter batter and less oil, offering more control over the nutritional value.

Yes, grilled shrimp is a significantly healthier and lower-calorie alternative to tempura. Grilling adds flavor without requiring a high-fat cooking medium, preserving the shrimp's lean protein content.