Calories in Chinese Takeout Dishes, Per Order (2026)

Explore calorie counts in popular Chinese takeout dishes.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Typical Chinese takeout dishes range from 200 to 1,400 calories per order. Fried and sauce-heavy dishes tend to be higher in calories.

This article provides a detailed overview of calorie counts in common Chinese takeout dishes. Data is sourced from USDA FoodData Central, chain nutrition data, and manufacturer labels for accuracy.

How Many Calories Are in Chinese Takeout Dishes?

Chinese takeout dishes vary widely in calorie content based on ingredients and cooking methods. Fried dishes typically contain more calories than steamed options.

Dish Serving Calories Protein (g) Carbs (g)
General Tso's Chicken 1 order 800 30 70
Orange Chicken 1 order 700 25 65
Sesame Chicken 1 order 650 28 60
Sweet and Sour Pork 1 order 750 20 75
Beef and Broccoli 1 order 600 35 50
Kung Pao Chicken 1 order 650 30 55
Mongolian Beef 1 order 700 30 60
Lo Mein 1 order 600 15 80
Chicken Fried Rice 1 order 800 25 90
Chow Mein 1 order 500 15 70

Comparing these dishes reveals that fried options are generally more calorie-dense than steamed alternatives.

What Are the Calories in Appetizers and Sides?

Appetizers and sides can add significant calories to your meal. Understanding their nutritional content helps in making informed choices.

Dish Serving Calories Protein (g) Carbs (g)
Egg Roll 1 150 3 20
Spring Roll 1 100 2 15
Crab Rangoon 3 pieces 300 6 30
Pork Dumplings 6 400 20 50
Steamed White Rice 1 cup 200 4 45
Fried Rice 1 cup 300 8 60
Wonton Soup 1 cup 150 5 20

Appetizers like crab rangoon and fried rice can significantly increase the total calorie count of your meal.

Which Chinese Takeout Dish Has the Fewest Calories?

The lowest-calorie option among common Chinese takeout dishes is notable.

  1. Spring Roll (serving): 100 kcal
  2. Egg Roll (serving): 150 kcal
  3. Wonton Soup (1 cup): 150 kcal
  4. Steamed White Rice (1 cup): 200 kcal
  5. Crab Rangoon (3 pieces): 300 kcal

Which Chinese Takeout Dish Has the Most Calories?

The highest-calorie option among popular Chinese takeout dishes is significant.

  1. General Tso's Chicken (1 order): 800 kcal
  2. Chicken Fried Rice (1 order): 800 kcal
  3. Sweet and Sour Pork (1 order): 750 kcal
  4. Orange Chicken (1 order): 700 kcal
  5. Mongolian Beef (1 order): 700 kcal

How to Track Chinese Takeout Calories Accurately

Estimating calories in takeout can be challenging due to portion sizes, ingredient density, and hidden ingredients in sauces. Nutrola is an AI nutrition tracking app that identifies Chinese takeout dishes from a photo and returns calories and macros from a database of more than 1.8 million verified foods. It also supports barcode scanning for packaged items and voice logging for quick entries. Nutrola is available from €2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.

For related references, see calories in Mexican dishes, calories in common breakfast foods, and calories in every soup.

How We Calculated These Numbers

Data was gathered from USDA FoodData Central, chain nutrition data, and manufacturer labels. Serving sizes were standardized for consistency, and values were rounded to the nearest whole number.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many calories are in a serving of lo mein?

A typical serving of lo mein contains about 600 calories, with 15 grams of protein and 80 grams of carbohydrates.

What is the calorie count for chicken fried rice?

Chicken fried rice typically has around 800 calories per serving, along with 25 grams of protein and 90 grams of carbohydrates.

Are there lower calorie options in Chinese takeout?

Yes, options like spring rolls and wonton soup are lower in calories, with spring rolls at about 100 calories each.

How do fried dishes compare to steamed ones?

Fried dishes generally have higher calorie counts due to added oils and sauces, while steamed options are lower in calories.

What is the calorie content of crab rangoon?

Three pieces of crab rangoon contain approximately 300 calories, with 6 grams of protein.

Is there a significant difference in calories between beef and chicken dishes?

Yes, beef dishes like Mongolian beef can have higher calories, averaging around 700, compared to chicken dishes that range from 650 to 800 calories.

Key Takeaways

  • Fried and sauce-heavy dishes are generally higher in calories.
  • Steamed options tend to have fewer calories.
  • General Tso's chicken is one of the highest-calorie dishes.
  • Spring rolls are among the lowest-calorie appetizers.
  • Caloric content can vary significantly between dishes.
  • Understanding portion sizes is key to managing calorie intake.

Ready to Transform Your Nutrition Tracking?

Join millions who have transformed their health journey with Nutrola!