How many calories are in 6 pork potstickers?

November 7, 2025 •

3 min read

The number of calories in 6 pork potstickers can range significantly, typically from 250 to over 330, depending on the brand and how they are prepared. The average calorie count is highly dependent on factors such as the type of pork used, the filling-to-wrapper ratio, and whether they are steamed or pan-fried.

Quick Summary

A serving of 6 pork potstickers contains a variable number of calories, often falling between 250 and 330. The cooking method, ingredients, and brand are major determinants of the final calorie and fat content.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The calories in 6 pork potstickers typically range from 250 to 330, but can vary widely based on brand and preparation method.
Cooking Method is Key: Steaming is the healthiest method, while pan-frying and deep-frying significantly increase the calorie and fat content due to the added oil.
Filling and Ingredients Matter: The type of meat (lean vs. fatty) and the ratio of pork to vegetables directly impact the total calorie count.
Dipping Sauces Add Calories: Many store-bought dipping sauces contain sugar and sodium, which contribute extra calories that are often overlooked.
Healthier Options Exist: You can reduce the calorie load by steaming your potstickers, using lean fillings, and making your own lower-sugar dipping sauces.

Understanding the Calorie Range

When you're curious about how many calories are in 6 pork potstickers, the answer is rarely a single number. This popular appetizer's nutritional value depends on a variety of factors, including its cooking method, the specific ingredients in the filling, and whether it's from a store-bought brand or a restaurant. Different frozen food brands show a clear discrepancy in their nutrition labels.

For example, some brands report around 300 calories for a 6-piece serving, while others list 250 calories. A key reason for this variation is the recipe itself, which can use different proportions of lean pork, vegetables, and seasoning. It is also important to note that the preparation method at home or in a restaurant will dramatically change the calorie count.

Key Factors Influencing Potsticker Calories

Cooking Method: Steamed vs. Pan-Fried

The most significant factor determining the calorie count is the cooking method. Potstickers get their name from being pan-fried until the bottom is crispy, then steamed to cook the rest of the dumpling. This technique adds more calories than simply steaming them.

Steaming: This method is the healthiest, as it requires no oil. Steamed dumplings are generally lower in fat and calories, highlighting the flavor of the fillings rather than the frying oil.
Pan-Frying: The classic potsticker method involves adding oil to a hot pan. The dumplings absorb some of this oil, increasing their fat and calorie content compared to steamed versions.
Deep-Frying: The unhealthiest option, deep-frying, fully submerges the potstickers in oil, resulting in a crispy texture and a very high calorie count.

Ingredients and Filling

The filling plays a crucial role in the total calories. The type of meat used can cause a significant difference.

Pork-to-Vegetable Ratio: Recipes with a higher proportion of vegetables, such as cabbage, chives, or onions, will have fewer calories per potsticker. Leaner pork will also contribute fewer calories from fat than fattier cuts.
Wrapper Thickness: The wrapper is essentially carbohydrate-based. A thicker wrapper means more dough and, consequently, more carbs and calories per dumpling.

Dipping Sauces

Don't forget the sauce! Many dipping sauces, especially store-bought varieties, contain a notable amount of sugar and sodium. These can add unexpected calories to your meal. For example, a sweet and tangy sauce might contain more sugar than a simple vinegar and soy sauce blend.

Calorie Comparison: Steamed vs. Pan-Fried Pork Potstickers

The table below illustrates how the calorie and fat content can differ between cooking methods for an average 6-piece serving of pork potstickers. These are estimates, but they provide a clear picture of the impact of cooking style.


Attribute	Steamed Pork Potstickers (6 pcs)	Pan-Fried Pork Potstickers (6 pcs)
Estimated Calories	170-220 calories	250-330 calories
Fat Content	Lower fat content	Higher fat content due to oil absorption
Texture	Soft and tender wrapper	Crispy, golden-brown bottom with a soft top
Flavor	Mild, highlighting the filling	Richer, more decadent flavor from frying

Tips for a Healthier Potsticker Meal

Steam Your Potstickers: This is the easiest way to significantly reduce the fat and calorie count without sacrificing flavor.
Use Leaner Fillings: When making homemade potstickers, opt for lean ground pork, chicken, or shrimp. You can also increase the amount of vegetables like cabbage and carrots in the filling.
Make Your Own Sauce: Control your sodium and sugar intake by creating a simple dipping sauce with soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and a dash of sesame oil.
Bulk Up the Veggies: Serve your potstickers alongside a large portion of steamed broccoli or a salad to create a more balanced and filling meal with fewer potstickers.
Consider Portions: As with any food, moderation is key. A single serving of potstickers is a great snack or appetizer, but be mindful of total consumption if you're watching your calorie intake.

Conclusion

While a definitive single number for how many calories are in 6 pork potstickers is impossible to give due to brand and preparation variability, the typical range is 250 to 330 calories for a pan-fried serving. The simplest way to control the caloric intake is to be mindful of the cooking method, with steaming being the healthiest option. Being aware of the nutritional implications of ingredients and portion sizes can help you enjoy this classic dish guilt-free. For more detailed nutritional breakdowns of specific brands or foods, you can consult a reliable database like Nutritionix(https://www.nutritionix.com/food/pork-potstickers).

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count varies due to differences in cooking methods (steamed vs. fried), the fat content of the pork used, the ratio of meat to vegetables in the filling, and the ingredients and thickness of the wrapper used by different brands or restaurants.

Potstickers can be a relatively healthy choice if prepared correctly. Steamed potstickers with lean meat and plenty of vegetables are a good option. They become less healthy when pan-fried or deep-fried and served with high-sugar sauces.

Fried potstickers have significantly more calories than steamed ones. The oil used for frying is absorbed by the wrapper, drastically increasing the fat and calorie content.

To reduce calories, steam your potstickers instead of frying them. Additionally, use a homemade dipping sauce with less sugar and serve with a side of vegetables to increase the meal's volume without adding many calories.

Yes, dipping sauces can add a surprising amount of calories, especially if they are high in sugar or made with extra oil. A simple sauce of soy sauce and vinegar is a lower-calorie choice.

Vegetable potstickers generally have fewer calories than pork ones because they contain no meat. However, the exact calorie difference depends on the specific ingredients and preparation, including any oil used.

The classic method for cooking potstickers involves both pan-frying and steaming. They are first pan-fried to crisp the bottom and then steamed by adding a small amount of water and covering the pan.