How many calories does a Chinese eggplant have?

October 30, 2025 •

4 min read

Raw Chinese eggplant contains only about 25 calories per 100 grams, making it an incredibly low-calorie vegetable. However, the total calorie count for a meal depends heavily on the cooking method, as eggplant readily absorbs oil during preparation.

Quick Summary

Raw Chinese eggplant is very low in calories, around 25 kcal per 100g, but cooking with oil significantly increases this total. The final calorie count is heavily dependent on the chosen cooking method and added ingredients.

Key Points

Low Raw Calories: A 100-gram serving of raw Chinese eggplant contains only about 25 calories, making it a low-calorie vegetable.
Cooking Method is Key: The final calorie count is heavily influenced by how it's prepared, with oil absorption being the main factor for calorie increase.
Healthy Alternatives: Steaming, roasting, and air frying are excellent, low-calorie cooking methods that minimize oil usage.
Rich in Nutrients: Chinese eggplant is a good source of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants like anthocyanins.
Avoid Greasiness: To prevent excessive oil absorption during frying, consider pre-cooking by steaming or salting the eggplant first.
Versatile Ingredient: Can be adapted for a wide range of healthy and flavorful dishes by controlling fat intake.

The Baseline: Calories in Raw Chinese Eggplant

When considering how many calories a Chinese eggplant has, it is crucial to start with its raw state. In this unprocessed form, it is one of the most diet-friendly vegetables available. According to multiple nutrition sources, 100 grams of raw eggplant, which is approximately two-thirds of a cup cubed, contains only about 25 to 30 calories.

This low-energy density is due to its composition, which is mostly water. In addition to being low-calorie, raw eggplant offers a range of other nutritional benefits, including:

High in Fiber: An excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Low in Fat: Contains less than 1 gram of fat per 100g serving.
Antioxidants: Rich in plant compounds like anthocyanins, which provide its deep purple color and offer antioxidant benefits.
Vitamins and Minerals: Provides manganese, potassium, Vitamin K, and Vitamin C.

Why Cooking Methods Drastically Increase Calories

While raw eggplant is a nutritional powerhouse, its unique spongy texture is the key factor in why cooked eggplant can have a high calorie count. The porous flesh of the eggplant quickly soaks up any oil or fat it is cooked with, much like a sponge absorbs water. For example, a popular Chinese eggplant recipe involving stir-frying with garlic sauce and other ingredients can contain upwards of 379 calories per serving, primarily from the absorbed cooking oil. This is a stark contrast to the original vegetable's negligible calorie contribution.

The Impact of Added Ingredients

The final calorie count is not just about the cooking oil but also about the other ingredients added to the dish. Traditional Chinese recipes often include:

Sugar: Often used to balance the savory flavor, adding carbohydrates and calories.
Soy Sauce: Can increase sodium content, and while not directly contributing high calories, it can affect fluid balance.
Sweet and Sour Sauce: A sauce with a base of sugar, vinegar, and other components can significantly boost the overall calorie count.
Ground Pork: Adding meat or other high-fat proteins further increases the total fat and calorie content of the dish.

Calorie Comparison: Raw vs. Cooked Chinese Eggplant

The following table illustrates the significant difference in calories depending on the cooking method. Values are approximate and can vary based on specific recipes and portion sizes.


Cooking Method	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Key Factors Affecting Calories
Raw	100g	25-30 kcal	Naturally low in calories and fat.
Steamed	100g	~35 kcal	Minimal calorie increase, retains moisture and nutrients.
Roasted (Light Oil)	100g	~60-80 kcal	Calories increase with the amount of oil used during roasting.
Pan-Fried (Stir-fried)	100g	~120-200+ kcal	Highly dependent on oil absorption; eggplant can soak up a large amount.
Deep-Fried	100g	~200+ kcal	The most calorie-dense method due to maximum oil absorption.

Healthy Cooking Techniques to Keep Calories Low

To enjoy the nutritional benefits of Chinese eggplant without the high calorie cost, consider these preparation methods:

Steaming: Steaming is one of the healthiest ways to prepare Chinese eggplant. It makes the flesh tender without adding any oil. You can then toss the steamed eggplant in a light, flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, and a small amount of sesame oil for flavor.
Baking or Roasting: Roasting eggplant slices or cubes in the oven is a great alternative to frying. Lightly brush the eggplant with a small amount of olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Air Frying: An air fryer circulates hot air to create a crispy texture with significantly less oil than traditional frying. It's an excellent method for achieving a satisfying texture while minimizing calories.
Microwaving: For a quick, low-calorie method, you can microwave eggplant until tender before adding it to a dish.
Pre-Cooking Steps: To reduce oil absorption even when stir-frying, some cooks recommend pre-cooking the eggplant by steaming or microwaving it first. Since the eggplant is already full of water, it won't absorb as much oil in the wok. Salting the eggplant beforehand can also draw out moisture. For more on comparing Chinese eggplants, check out this guide on Tasting Table.

Health Benefits of Chinese Eggplant

Beyond its low-calorie nature, Chinese eggplant provides a range of health benefits:

Heart Health: The fiber, potassium, and antioxidants in eggplant can support cardiovascular health by helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Antioxidant Power: Eggplant contains anthocyanins, which are potent antioxidants that protect cells from damage and may reduce inflammation.
Digestive Health: The dietary fiber promotes regular bowel movements and a healthy digestive system.
Immune System Support: Nutrients like Vitamin C and Vitamin K help strengthen the immune system and support overall wellness.

Conclusion

In summary, the calorie content of Chinese eggplant is very low when raw, but this number can increase significantly depending on the cooking method. While stir-frying and deep-frying result in high-calorie dishes due to the vegetable's ability to absorb oil, healthier preparation techniques like steaming, roasting, and air frying allow you to enjoy all the nutritional benefits without the excess fat. By being mindful of how you cook, Chinese eggplant can be a delicious and healthy addition to any meal plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raw Chinese eggplant has a very low calorie count, approximately 25-30 calories per 100 grams. When cooked, particularly with oil, the calories increase significantly as the eggplant absorbs the fat, sometimes reaching over 100-200 calories or more per serving depending on the amount of oil used.

Chinese eggplant is nutritionally similar to other eggplant varieties like the Italian or Japanese eggplant, with comparable low-calorie counts and good fiber and antioxidant content. Its primary difference is its thinner skin and often sweeter, more tender flesh.

Yes, the skin of a Chinese eggplant is completely edible and is a good source of nutrients and fiber. It is thin and tender, and most recipes do not require peeling it.

To reduce calories in a stir-fried dish, pre-cook the eggplant by steaming or boiling it first. This fills the eggplant with water, preventing it from soaking up too much oil during the stir-frying process. You can also use minimal oil and pat the eggplant dry before adding it to the pan.

Salting Chinese eggplant helps draw out moisture and can improve the texture, but its primary effect is on reducing bitterness and making the cooked eggplant creamier. While it doesn't directly remove calories, the reduced moisture can sometimes lead to slightly less oil being absorbed if you pat it dry completely.

Some healthy cooking methods for Chinese eggplant include steaming, roasting, and air frying. These techniques require little to no oil, preserving the eggplant's naturally low-calorie profile.

Yes, Chinese eggplant is good for weight loss because it is low in calories and high in fiber. The fiber promotes a feeling of fullness, which helps reduce overall food intake, as long as it is prepared using low-oil methods.