How Many Calories Are in Teriyaki Shrimp?

November 23, 2025 •

4 min read

A single serving of teriyaki shrimp can range from roughly 170 to over 500 calories, a significant variation that depends heavily on the specific ingredients and cooking method. This delicious dish combines tender, protein-rich shrimp with a sweet and savory glaze, but the final caloric impact can vary dramatically between a light, homemade meal and a restaurant-style serving loaded with added sugar and oil.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for teriyaki shrimp is not fixed, varying significantly based on preparation. It is influenced by the type of sauce, amount of oil, and accompanying ingredients like rice or vegetables. Homemade versions allow for greater calorie control by using low-sugar sauces and minimal oil. In contrast, restaurant meals often contain more hidden sugars and fats.

Key Points

Calorie Variation: The number of calories in teriyaki shrimp ranges widely, from around 170 to over 500 per serving, depending on preparation.
Sauce is Key: Teriyaki sauce is the main calorie driver; commercial glazes are often high in sugar and sodium, unlike lighter homemade versions.
Homemade vs. Restaurant: Homemade teriyaki shrimp is generally lower in calories and sodium due to controlled ingredients and less oil, while restaurant versions often use more sugar and fat.
Cooking Method Matters: Opting for baking or grilling the shrimp instead of pan-frying can further reduce the overall fat and calorie content.
Enhance with Veggies: Adding more vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas increases the meal's volume, fiber, and nutritional value without adding many calories.
Choose Healthier Bases: Swapping fried rice or noodles for steamed brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice is an easy way to lower the meal's total calories.

Decoding the Calories in Teriyaki Shrimp

Determining precisely how many calories are in teriyaki shrimp requires a look beyond the main ingredient. While shrimp itself is low in calories and high in protein, the teriyaki sauce and cooking method are the primary factors that cause calorie counts to fluctuate widely. A straightforward, homemade preparation can be a very healthy, low-calorie meal, whereas a restaurant version with a thick, sugary glaze and rich side dishes can be substantially higher in calories.

The Caloric Impact of Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki sauce is the biggest variable in the dish's nutritional profile. Traditional teriyaki sauce is a mix of soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), sake, and sugar. Many commercial or restaurant sauces, particularly those used for glazing, are much sweeter and often contain higher quantities of sugar and thickening agents like cornstarch, significantly boosting the caloric load. One tablespoon of teriyaki sauce can contain around 14 calories, but thicker, sweeter glazes can have more, and restaurants often use generous amounts. For example, one source notes that a serving of restaurant teriyaki shrimp might have 40 to 43 calories just from the sauce.

Comparison: Homemade vs. Restaurant Teriyaki Shrimp

The difference in ingredients and preparation between home and restaurant cooking can create a huge disparity in calorie content.


Feature	Homemade Teriyaki Shrimp	Restaurant Teriyaki Shrimp
Calorie Range	~170-250 kcal per serving	~240-560+ kcal per serving (often larger)
Teriyaki Sauce	Typically made with minimal sugar or low-sodium soy sauce. Uses natural sweeteners or sugar alternatives.	Often thick, sweet, and high in sugar. Glazes are used liberally and sometimes contain extra oil.
Cooking Method	Often stir-fried in a small amount of healthy oil like olive or canola oil.	Can be sautéed with more oil or deep-fried in some preparations, increasing fat content.
Side Dishes	Served with steamed brown rice or quinoa and lots of vegetables for a balanced, high-fiber meal.	Frequently served with fried rice or heavy noodles and fewer vegetables, adding significant calories.
Sodium Content	Easier to control by using low-sodium soy sauce.	Tends to be much higher in sodium due to high-salt sauces and additives.

Calculating Calories and Healthier Preparations

To accurately estimate calories for your own teriyaki shrimp, calculate each component separately:

Shrimp: Raw, uncooked shrimp is very low in calories, with about 80 calories in a 3-ounce (100g) serving. A larger serving, such as one pound of raw shrimp, is about 360 calories, so a quarter-pound serving is around 90 calories.
Sauce: A simple homemade sauce using low-sodium soy sauce, a minimal amount of honey or brown sugar, and some ginger and garlic will add far fewer calories than a store-bought, sugar-laden version. Some recipes use as little as 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar, which is about 48-96 calories total for the entire sauce.
Oil: The amount and type of oil used for cooking is a key factor. Using just 1 teaspoon of olive or canola oil adds about 40 calories. Some restaurant dishes may use much more.

By controlling these variables, a homemade teriyaki shrimp meal can be a lean source of protein. For example, a single serving might break down roughly as:

90 calories for 1/4 pound of shrimp
20 calories for a low-calorie homemade teriyaki sauce
40 calories for 1 teaspoon of oil
150 calories per cup of steamed vegetables and brown rice
Total: 300 calories per serving with side dishes

This is considerably different from a restaurant-sized portion, which can easily exceed 500 calories, especially when served with fried rice or heavy noodles.

Making Teriyaki Shrimp Healthier

Creating a lower-calorie version of teriyaki shrimp is straightforward. The key lies in strategic ingredient substitutions and mindful cooking techniques. To start, opt for a homemade sauce where you can control the amount of sugar and sodium. Use natural, lower-calorie sweeteners like agave or honey in moderation, or even consider sugar substitutes. Cooking with a minimal amount of heart-healthy olive or canola oil for sautéing is preferable to deep-frying.

Here are some tips for a healthier meal:

Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce overall salt intake.
Load up on vegetables by adding broccoli, bell peppers, snow peas, and carrots. This increases fiber and nutrients while making the meal more filling.
Serve with a healthier base like steamed brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice instead of fried rice or high-calorie noodles.
Control portion sizes, particularly when using higher-calorie ingredients like sauce or oil. An average serving size of shrimp is typically 3 to 4 ounces.
Bake or grill the shrimp instead of sautéing to reduce the need for added cooking oils.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the calorie content of teriyaki shrimp is not a fixed number but a variable influenced heavily by preparation methods and portion sizes. While the shrimp itself is a low-calorie, high-protein food, the sauce and accompaniments can dramatically increase the total. A mindful, homemade approach focusing on low-sugar teriyaki sauce, minimal oil, and plenty of vegetables can create a satisfying and healthy meal, proving that you have significant control over the nutritional outcome of this popular dish. Opting for a grilled or pan-seared preparation with a light sauce is a sure way to enjoy the flavors while keeping the calories in check. For those concerned about weight management or sodium intake, making simple modifications can turn this versatile meal into a healthy staple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, teriyaki shrimp can be a very healthy meal option, especially when prepared at home. By using a low-sugar sauce, minimal oil, and serving it with lots of vegetables, it becomes a high-protein, nutrient-rich dish. However, restaurant versions can be less healthy due to high-sugar sauces and added fats.

A typical serving of homemade teriyaki shrimp (around 1/4 lb of shrimp, a light sauce, and minimal oil) generally contains between 170 and 250 calories. The final count depends on how much oil and sugar are used in the sauce.

The calorie difference can be significant. A restaurant serving might contain 240 calories or more just for the shrimp and sauce, not including sides. A homemade version, made with care, can be much lower by controlling ingredients like sugar, oil, and portion sizes.

To reduce calories, use a low-sugar or sugar-free teriyaki sauce, minimize the use of cooking oil, add more vegetables to the dish, and serve it with a low-calorie base like cauliflower rice instead of traditional fried rice.

The calories from teriyaki sauce depend on its ingredients and quantity. A simple, light homemade sauce can add just a few calories per serving, while a thick, sugary restaurant-style glaze can add 40 calories or more from the sauce alone.

Grilled teriyaki shrimp is typically lower in calories than pan-fried, as it requires little to no added cooking oil. Pan-frying, while quick, adds calories from the oil used, so using a minimal amount is recommended.

Adding nutrient-dense vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas adds minimal calories while significantly increasing the dish's fiber and vitamin content. This helps you feel fuller with a lower overall calorie count.