How Many Calories Are in Fish Tartare?

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

A single serving of salmon tartare can contain approximately 285 calories, while a serving of tuna tartare might be closer to 250 calories, but the exact count can vary significantly based on ingredients. Understanding the composition of this elegant seafood dish is key to knowing its true caloric impact.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for fish tartare changes depending on the fish used, the amount of added fats like oil or mayonnaise, and the serving size. Caloric density ranges from low to moderate, with different preparations affecting the total nutritional profile.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The number of calories in fish tartare changes significantly based on the type of fish and added ingredients like oil, mayonnaise, and avocado.
Lean vs. Fatty Fish: Tartare made with leaner white fish will have fewer calories than one made with fattier fish like salmon or tuna.
Sauce Matters: The dressing is a major calorie contributor; a light citrus vinaigrette is much lower in calories than a creamy, oil-based or mayo-heavy sauce.
Nutrient-Dense Dish: Regardless of preparation, fish tartare provides high-quality protein, essential omega-3 fatty acids, and other key vitamins and minerals.
Customize for Lighter Fare: For a low-calorie version, use leaner fish, minimal oil, and serve with low-carb dippers like cucumber slices instead of crackers.
Food Safety is Crucial: Always use sashimi-grade fish from a trusted source and maintain proper refrigeration to prevent bacterial contamination.

The calorie content of fish tartare is not fixed, but rather depends on several variables including the type of fish, the dressing, and any additional ingredients. While fish is a good source of lean protein, the common addition of high-fat components in tartare can increase the overall calorie count. A preparation using citrus is generally lighter than one with mayonnaise or heavy oils.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Beyond the raw fish, several elements contribute to the total calories in fish tartare.

Type of Fish

Leaner Options: Fish like sea bream or cod are lower in calories.
Fattier Options: Salmon and some tuna varieties are higher in calories and beneficial omega-3s.

Dressing and Sauce

Dressings often contribute significantly to calories due to ingredients like:

Oils: Olive or sesame oils add considerable calories.
Mayonnaise: Creamy sauces using mayo are high in fat.
Lighter alternatives: Citrus juices reduce calorie content.

Other Ingredients

Mix-ins and how the tartare is served also matter:

Avocado: Adds calories but also healthy fats.
Serving method: Serving with bread or chips adds more calories than serving with vegetables.
Nuts/Seeds: These also increase calorie count.

Tuna vs. Salmon Tartare Calorie Comparison

The table below provides an estimated comparison of calorie ranges for typical preparations.


Feature	Light Tuna Tartare	Rich Tuna Tartare	Light Salmon Tartare	Rich Salmon Tartare
Fish Type	Yellowfin/Ahi	Yellowfin/Ahi	Atlantic Salmon	Atlantic Salmon
Base Calories	~130 kcal	~130 kcal	~180 kcal	~180 kcal
Typical Additions	Citrus juice, scallions, ginger	Sesame oil, avocado, mayo	Citrus juice, herbs, shallots	Avocado, cream cheese, oil
Estimated Per Serving	~150-250 kcal	~300-400 kcal	~200-300 kcal	~350-500+ kcal
Key Flavor Profile	Fresh, zesty	Umami, creamy	Bright, herbaceous	Rich, decadent

Making a Lighter Version

To create a lower-calorie fish tartare without sacrificing flavor, consider these adjustments:

Use citrus juice or broth instead of oil for dressing.
Opt for leaner fish varieties.
Add more low-calorie vegetables.
Use avocado sparingly as a garnish.
Serve with cucumber or endive instead of crackers.

Nutritional Value

Despite varying calorie counts, fish tartare offers nutritional benefits from its raw seafood base:

Protein Source: Fish provides high-quality protein.
Omega-3s: Fattier fish offer heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Vitamins/Minerals: Seafood is a source of essential nutrients like Vitamin D and B vitamins.

Food Safety

Proper handling of raw fish is critical for tartare. Ensure you use sashimi-grade fish, keep it chilled, and prepare it hygienically.

Key Safety Measures:

Source high-quality, sashimi-grade fish.
Inform your fishmonger it will be consumed raw.
Prepare and eat on the same day of purchase.
Maintain chilling throughout.
Sanitize equipment to avoid contamination.

By following these safety steps, you can enjoy fish tartare safely. The dish remains nutritious, offering protein and omega-3s, while calorie control is achievable through ingredient choices.

Conclusion

Understanding the components is key to knowing how many calories are in fish tartare. The calorie count varies based on the type of fish and the additions, particularly high-fat dressings and accompaniments. By selecting leaner fish and lighter ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy version of this dish while managing calorie intake. Fish tartare can be a nutritious option, providing protein and omega-3s, with possibilities for both light and rich preparations. For further details on raw fish safety, consult resources like the Government of Quebec website. Government of Quebec Website

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count for a serving of tuna tartare can range from approximately 250 to 350 calories or more, depending on the recipe. A lightened version might be closer to 250 calories, while a richer preparation with more oil or avocado could exceed 350 calories.

Yes, salmon tartare typically has more calories than tuna tartare because salmon is a fattier fish, meaning it has a higher natural calorie and omega-3 fatty acid content. A standard serving of salmon tartare can be around 285 calories, depending on the preparation.

The most significant calorie additions in fish tartare come from high-fat ingredients like avocado, mayonnaise, rich oils (such as sesame or olive oil), and accompaniments like toasted bread or chips.

Fish tartare can be a low-calorie appetizer if prepared simply with lean fish and a light, citrus-based dressing. However, many restaurant versions are higher in calories due to added oils, avocado, and creamy sauces.

To reduce calories, use a lean white fish instead of a fatty one, substitute creamy ingredients with fresh citrus juice or broth, and replace bread or crackers with low-carb vegetable options like cucumber slices.

No, the core health benefits from the raw fish—like protein and omega-3 fatty acids—remain. However, a high-calorie preparation with excessive oil or mayo can negate some of the positive dietary aspects by increasing overall fat and calorie intake.

A true tartare uses raw fish, so cooking is not involved. However, if the same fish is cooked, the calories would remain essentially the same unless high-calorie cooking fats are added. Tartare preparation, particularly the dressing, is the main differentiator in caloric content.