How Many Calories Are in 5 Dumplings? A Detailed Breakdown

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

The calorie count for five dumplings can fluctuate significantly, ranging from approximately 150 to over 500 calories, primarily influenced by the filling and cooking method. This wide variation makes understanding the factors that determine precisely how many calories are in 5 dumplings essential for mindful eating and managing dietary intake.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for five dumplings varies widely based on key factors, including the filling (pork, chicken, veggie), cooking method (steamed, pan-fried, deep-fried), and accompanying sauces.

Key Points

Calorie Variation: The number of calories in 5 dumplings can range from 150 to over 500, with variations depending on the filling and preparation.
Cooking Method is Key: Steamed dumplings are significantly lower in calories than pan-fried or deep-fried dumplings due to the oil used in the latter.
Filling Matters: Fillings like pork and beef tend to have higher calories and fat compared to leaner options like chicken or vegetable fillings.
Hidden Calories in Sauces: Dipping sauces, particularly those with added sugar or oil, can substantially increase the total calorie and sodium count of your meal.
Homemade Offers Control: Preparing dumplings at home allows for precise control over ingredients, enabling you to choose leaner fillings and healthier cooking methods.
Portion and Size: Be aware that dumpling sizes can differ, and five small dumplings can have a much lower calorie count than five larger ones.

The Core Question: Calorie Averages for 5 Dumplings

When asking how many calories are in 5 dumplings, there is no single, straightforward answer. The number of calories can differ dramatically based on how the dumplings are prepared and what they are filled with. The average range can span from as low as 150 calories for five small, steamed vegetable dumplings to well over 500 calories for five large, deep-fried pork dumplings. Frozen, pre-made dumplings can have their own set of nutritional values, which are usually printed on the packaging, but restaurant-style or homemade versions require a more detailed evaluation of their components.

For instance, some online nutrition databases suggest that five pork and napa cabbage dumplings might contain around 160 calories, while another source reports that five pork dumplings could have as many as 479 calories, indicating a significant difference in portion size or preparation. This demonstrates that simply knowing the count isn't enough; context is critical. To accurately estimate your intake, you must consider the specific type of dumpling you are consuming.

What Impacts the Calorie Count of Dumplings?

Several factors contribute to the final calorie count of a plate of dumplings. Recognizing these variables is the key to understanding the nutritional profile of your meal. The following are the most influential elements:

Cooking Method: This is arguably the most significant factor. Steaming and boiling add virtually no extra calories, making them the healthiest options. In contrast, pan-frying, often using oil to create a crispy bottom, and especially deep-frying, significantly increase the fat and calorie content. A deep-fried taro dumpling can contain over 150 calories each, compared to a steamed shrimp dumpling at 40–50 calories.
Filling Type: The ingredients inside the wrapper play a major role. Lean protein fillings, like chicken or shrimp, are typically lower in calories and fat than fattier options, such as pork or beef. Vegetable-only fillings often have the lowest calorie counts, though some vegetable dumplings can still be high if they include added oil or starchy vegetables.
Wrapper Thickness and Composition: While the wrapper is usually made of flour and water, its thickness and size can affect the carbohydrate content. Thicker wrappers or larger dumplings will naturally increase the total calorie count.
Dipping Sauces and Add-ons: The soy sauce or chili oil you dip your dumplings in can add a considerable amount of calories and sodium. A small drizzle of chili oil or a generous dunk in a sugary sauce can easily add 50-100 calories or more to your meal.
Portion Size: As shown in the conflicting search results, dumpling size can vary. Five small, restaurant-style mini-wontons will have a drastically different nutritional impact than five large, generously stuffed homemade dumplings. Always consider the serving size relative to the count.

Steamed vs. Fried: A Calorie Comparison

To illustrate the impact of cooking method, here is a comparison table showing approximate calorie ranges for five dumplings based on preparation and filling.


Type of Dumpling	Cooking Method	Estimated Calories for 5 Dumplings	Notes
Vegetable	Steamed	150–250	Typically the lowest-calorie option.
Chicken	Steamed	200–300	A lean protein choice, still low in fat.
Pork	Steamed	200–350	A popular choice with slightly higher calories than chicken.
Pork & Napa	Steamed	~160	A lighter pork option reported by some sources.
Chicken	Pan-fried	300–400+	The addition of oil increases both fat and calories.
Pork	Pan-fried	350–500+	Frying in oil significantly boosts the calorie count.
Beef	Pan-fried	300–450	Contains more calories than leaner proteins when fried.
Unknown	Deep-fried	~230	Even a small size can add calories due to oil absorption.

Navigating Restaurant vs. Homemade Dumplings

When ordering at a restaurant or opting for a frozen, pre-packaged variety, you have less control over the ingredients. Restaurant dumplings, especially those that are pan-fried or deep-fried, may use an abundance of oil and fattier meat cuts to maximize flavor. Pre-made frozen versions can contain higher levels of sodium and preservatives. In these cases, it is best to check nutritional information if available.

Making dumplings at home, on the other hand, gives you complete control. You can use leaner meats, like ground chicken or turkey, or focus on a variety of fresh vegetables for the filling. By using a steamer instead of a frying pan, you can prepare a delicious and healthy meal that is significantly lower in calories. For those managing specific dietary needs, such as a low-sodium diet, making your own dipping sauces can also make a big difference.

The Role of Dipping Sauces

A simple dumpling can become a calorie and sodium bomb with the wrong dipping sauce. Standard soy sauce is high in sodium, and many commercial dipping sauces contain added sugar or oil. For example, a thick, sweet sauce or a chili oil can easily add a substantial number of calories. For healthier alternatives, consider a light sauce made with a low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, a touch of fresh ginger, and minimal sesame oil. This approach enhances flavor without overloading your meal with extra calories.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Ultimately, the calorie count of five dumplings is highly variable. The most influential factors are the cooking method and the choice of filling. For a lighter, healthier option, steamed dumplings with a lean chicken or vegetable filling and a low-sodium sauce are your best bet. If you prefer the crispy texture of pan-fried dumplings, be mindful of the added oil and consider a smaller portion size. Homemade dumplings offer the ultimate control over ingredients and preparation, allowing you to tailor the meal to your specific dietary needs. By understanding these variables, you can enjoy this versatile and delicious dish while staying on track with your health and wellness goals. For more detailed nutrition facts, a resource like the USDA FoodData Central is a valuable tool.

Note: All calorie counts are estimates. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Steamed dumplings are significantly lower in calories because they are cooked without oil. For example, five small, steamed vegetable dumplings might have around 150-250 calories, whereas the same number of pan-fried or deep-fried dumplings could easily exceed 400-500 calories, depending on the oil used.

Vegetable dumplings are generally lower in calories than meat-filled varieties. However, the overall calorie count still depends on the cooking method. A pan-fried veggie dumpling will have more calories than a steamed one due to oil absorption.

The calorie count for 5 chicken dumplings can range. Steamed chicken dumplings, using a leaner protein, could be around 200-300 calories. Pan-frying would increase this count due to the added fat from cooking oil.

Dipping sauces can add a surprising number of calories and sodium to your meal. Sweet sauces, like certain chili sauces, and high-fat ones, like chili oil, should be used sparingly. Even seemingly simple soy sauce is high in sodium and can impact your dietary goals.

Yes, you can include dumplings in a weight-loss plan by making smart choices. Opt for steamed or boiled dumplings with lean protein (like chicken or shrimp) or vegetable fillings. Control your portion size and be mindful of high-calorie dipping sauces.

The nutritional content of frozen dumplings can vary by brand and recipe. Always check the nutritional label on the packaging, as some may contain higher sodium or fat levels than fresh, homemade versions. Homemade dumplings generally offer the most control over ingredients.

Calorie counts differ between restaurants due to variations in recipe, ingredient ratios, size, and specific cooking techniques. Some restaurants use more oil, fattier meat, or thicker wrappers, all of which affect the final nutritional profile.