How many calories are in Chinese fishball?

November 6, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition data, a single, plain Chinese fishball can contain as few as 15 to 20 calories, but this can change dramatically depending on how it's prepared. Knowing how many calories are in Chinese fishball is key to understanding its place in your diet, especially when considering different recipes and cooking methods.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for Chinese fishballs varies significantly based on preparation, with plain boiled versions being lower in calories than fried ones. Key factors include the ratio of fish to starch, the cooking method, and the addition of other ingredients. This guide explores the nutritional differences between various fishball types.

Key Points

Calorie variation is significant: The number of calories in Chinese fishballs is highly dependent on ingredients and cooking method, with ranges from 15-20 kcal per piece (boiled) to 25-35+ kcal (fried).
Boiling is the lowest-calorie option: Steaming or boiling fishballs is the healthiest way to prepare them, avoiding the added fats and calories from deep-frying.
Homemade fishballs are best for control: Making your own fishballs allows for better control over ingredients, enabling you to use leaner fish, less starch, and lower sodium levels.
Starch and fillers matter: Cheaper, store-bought fishballs often contain more starch and fillers than higher-quality versions, which increases the carbohydrate content.
Preparation style adds calories: The total calorie count is affected by how the fishballs are served, such as in a rich curry sauce or with fried noodles.

The calorie count for Chinese fishballs is not a single, fixed number, but rather a spectrum influenced by its ingredients and preparation method. At its core, a fishball is a simple mixture of fish paste (surimi), starch, and seasoning. However, variations in these components—particularly the type of fish, the amount of starch, and how it is cooked—can lead to a wide range of calorie counts. A plain, steamed, or boiled fishball is significantly lower in calories compared to its deep-fried counterpart.

Factors Affecting Chinese Fishball Calories

Ingredients: Fish, Starch, and Fillers

The most critical factor is the fish-to-filler ratio. High-quality fishballs are made with a high percentage of fish paste (often from fish like threadfin bream), resulting in a firm, springy texture and a higher protein content. Cheaper fishballs use more starch (such as potato starch) and fillers, which increases the carbohydrate content and can impact the overall nutritional profile. Some premium fishballs may even have a filling, such as minced pork, which adds a substantial amount of calories, especially from fat.

Cooking Method: The Calorie Multiplier

The way a fishball is cooked is a major determinant of its final calorie count. The difference between boiling and deep-frying is immense. When deep-fried, fishballs absorb oil, which dramatically increases their calorie density. For example, a single plain boiled fishball might be around 15-20 calories, whereas a single fried fishball can easily be 25-35 calories or more, depending on its size and the amount of oil absorbed.

Additives and Seasonings: Hidden Calories

Beyond the base ingredients, a fishball's calorie content can be influenced by what is added during and after cooking. For example, fishballs served in a spicy curry sauce (common in Hong Kong) will have a higher calorie count from the coconut milk and oil used in the curry base. Similarly, seasoning like sugar and certain thickeners also contribute to the final calorie count. The overall dish matters as much as the individual fishball.

Comparison: Homemade vs. Store-Bought Fishballs

Making fishballs at home offers a significant advantage in controlling calories. By using lean fish and minimal starch, you can produce a much healthier, high-protein snack. Store-bought versions, on the other hand, often contain a higher percentage of fillers, added sugar, and more sodium for preservation and flavor.

Nutritional Comparison of Fishballs (per 100g, approx.)


Feature	Homemade Fishball (Boiled)	Store-Bought Fishball (Boiled)	Store-Bought Fishball (Fried)
Calories	70-100 kcal	90-120 kcal	110-150 kcal
Protein	15-20g	8-15g	8-10g
Carbohydrates	< 5g	8-12g	10-15g
Fat	< 2g	1-4g	4-8g
Sodium	Low (controlled)	High (preserved)	High (preserved + fried)
Additives	Minimal	High (preservatives, MSG)	High

How to Enjoy Chinese Fishballs Healthily

To keep your calorie intake in check while enjoying fishballs, consider these tips:

Choose a low-calorie preparation method. Opt for boiled, steamed, or stir-fried fishballs over deep-fried versions. This simple switch can save you a significant amount of fat and calories.
Pair them wisely. Serve fishballs with a vegetable-rich broth, fresh vegetables, or a side of brown rice instead of fried noodles or calorie-dense sauces.
Read the label. When buying store-bought fishballs, check the nutrition label. Look for brands with a higher protein percentage and lower sodium content. Some brands specify the percentage of fish paste used.
Make your own. The healthiest option is to prepare fishballs from scratch. This allows you to control the quality of the fish, reduce starch, and avoid unnecessary additives.

Conclusion

Chinese fishballs are a versatile and delicious component of many Asian dishes. While their base can be lean and high in protein, how many calories are in Chinese fishball is largely determined by its specific ingredients and preparation. A simple, boiled fishball can be a light, healthy snack, but deep-frying and serving with heavy sauces can quickly escalate its calorie and sodium content. By being mindful of these factors, you can enjoy this culinary staple while maintaining your dietary goals. For more detailed nutrition information on various foods, consult reliable sources such as the USDA nutrient database.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chinese fishballs can be a healthy, low-fat source of protein, especially when boiled or steamed. However, their healthiness depends on the quality of ingredients, preparation method, and what they are served with, as deep-frying and high-sodium sauces can add significant fat and calories.

Fried fishballs are significantly higher in calories than boiled fishballs. The frying process causes the fishball to absorb oil, dramatically increasing its calorie count and fat content.

Surimi is a paste made from minced fish. Its nutritional impact on fishballs depends on its quality and composition. High-quality surimi provides lean protein, while lower-grade versions may contain more starch and fillers, impacting the overall calorie and carbohydrate count.

Yes, you can include fishballs in a weight loss diet by choosing boiled or steamed versions and watching your portion sizes. Paired with a vegetable broth, they can be a satisfying, low-calorie protein source. Avoid deep-fried versions and heavy sauces.

The sodium content in fishballs can be high, particularly in store-bought varieties that use salt as a preservative. Some brands contain hundreds of milligrams of sodium per serving, so checking the nutrition label is important, especially for those monitoring sodium intake.

To reduce calories, choose boiling or steaming instead of frying. Use fresh, high-quality fish for homemade fishballs to minimize fillers. Serve them in a clear, vegetable-based broth and avoid sugary or oil-heavy sauces.

No, fishballs can be made from various types of fish. High-quality fishballs often use threadfin bream, while cheaper alternatives may use a mix of fish or lower-grade surimi. The type of fish used contributes to the taste and nutritional profile.