Listen I’ve been obsessed with dim sum for years and shrimp shumai has always been my go-to order. But lately, I’ve been wondering – is this delicious dumpling actually good for me? After diving deep into the nutrition facts and research, I’m here to break it down for you in simple terms.
The Quick Answer
Shrimp shumai can be part of a healthy diet when eaten in moderation Each piece typically contains
- 30-40 calories
- 1g fat
- 4-6g carbs
- 3-4g protein
The Good Stuff
1. Protein-Packed
The shrimp in shumai gives you a nice protein boost. This helps:
- Build and repair muscles
- Keep you feeling full longer
- Provide essential amino acids
2. Nutrient Rich
These little dumplings pack some serious nutrients
- Vitamin B12 (from shrimp)
- Selenium
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Iron
- Phosphorus
3. Relatively Low-Cal
One serving (3 pieces) of shrimp shumai with sauce contains around 130 calories. Not bad for such a satisfying snack!
The Not-So-Good Stuff
1. Sodium Alert
Here’s the biggest downside – these dumplings can be pretty salty. A single serving can pack:
- 580mg sodium (25% of daily value)
- Even more if you’re heavy-handed with the soy sauce
2. Refined Carbs
The wrapper is usually made from refined wheat flour, which:
- Lacks fiber
- Can spike blood sugar
- Doesn’t offer much nutritional value
3. Watch Those Sauces
The dipping sauces can add:
- Extra sodium
- Added sugars
- Empty calories
Making Healthier Choices
I’ve found some great ways to make shrimp shumai healthier:
At Restaurants:
- Stick to 1-2 pieces
- Ask for low-sodium soy sauce
- Order steamed, not fried
- Balance with veggies
Making at Home:
Try my healthier recipe:- Use whole wheat wrappers- Add extra veggies (bok choy, carrots)- Steam instead of fry- Make lighter dipping sauce with: * Ponzu * Rice vinegar * Fresh citrusSpecial Diet Considerations
Good for:
- High-protein diets
- Mediterranean diet
- Seafood lovers
Not ideal for:
- Low-sodium diets
- Gluten-free diets
- Shellfish allergies
Bottom Line
Look, shrimp shumai isn’t a “health food” per se, but it’s not terrible either. The key is moderation. I usually stick to 2-3 pieces as part of a balanced meal with lots of veggies.
The nutrition facts from Eastern Fish Company’s shrimp shumai show that a serving of 3 pieces with sauce provides:
- 130 calories
- 3g fat
- 19g carbs
- 7g protein
- 1g fiber
So go ahead and enjoy your shrimp shumai – just keep portions reasonable and maybe skip the extra soy sauce. Your taste buds (and body) will thank you!
Pro Tips for Healthier Shumai Enjoyment
- Make it a meal by adding:
- Steamed vegetables
- Miso soup
- Green tea
- Best cooking methods:
- Steaming (8-10 minutes)
- Avoid deep frying
- Microwave when in a pinch
- Healthy swaps:
- Ponzu instead of soy sauce
- Brown rice wrappers
- Extra vegetables in filling
Remember, eating healthy doesn’t mean giving up foods you love – it’s all about balance and making smarter choices. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to steam some homemade shrimp shumai!
Would you like me to explain any part in more detail?
Log this food in SnapCalorie
Quantity: 396.8 calories 15.9 protein 47.6 carbohydrates 18.5 fat
| Calories | 396.8 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| % Daily Value* | |||
| Total Fat | 18.5 g | 23% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.9 g | 39% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 79.4 mg | 26% | |
| Sodium | 1296.3 mg | 56% | |
| Total Carbohydrates | 47.6 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.3 g | 18% | |
| Sugars | 10.6 g | ||
| protein | 15.9 g | 31% | |
| Vitamin D | 0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 68.8 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 370.4 mg | 7% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
How to prepare a Shrimp Shumai
FAQ
Are steamed shumai healthy?
Shumai Dumpling:
These are pretty filling which is great when you are focusing on your diet. Breakdown: 2.5 grams of fat, 5 grams of carbs, 3 grams of protein. This meal is fairly balanced when the ratios are close in grams. With the low fat, moderate carbs, and moderate protein.
How many calories are in shrimp shumai?
A serving of shrimp shumai typically contains between 150 to 180 calories. The exact calorie count can vary depending on the specific recipe, serving size, and whether it’s steamed or fried. For example, 6 pieces of Nissui shrimp shumai have around 150 calories.
Is shrimp shumai good?
Shrimp shumai are savory, juicy, and a little chewy. You get a hint of seafood from the shrimp, some freshness from the herbs, and umami from the soy sauce. There’s also toastiness from the sesame oil, and the lime juice brightens everything up nicely. So delicious!
Why is shumai so good?
The most common ingredients in shumai dim sum include ground pork and shrimp, along with a small amount of vegetables and unleavened dough. Additional spices and herbs are also included to give the fragrant, tasty dish its popularity.
Is shrimp shumai healthy?
Shrimp shumai can be a healthy food choice as it is low in calories and generally steamed, making it a lighter option compared to fried dumplings. However, the sodium content from sauces and seasonings should be taken into consideration when consuming shrimp shumai in larger quantities. Can shrimp shumai be made ahead of time?
Can you make shrimp shumai at home?
Shrimp shumai is a popular and delicious dim sum recipe that is easy to make at home. It’s also a perfect recipe make head of time and freeze in batches! One of my favorite things to grab for lunch is dim-sum, specifically shrimp shumai!
What are shrimp shumai?
Shrimp shumai are delicately flavored and elegant little bites that are perfect for a dim sum platter or as a party appetizer. Or, quite honestly, any excuse you like. Once you start, you’ll find them easier to make that you expect and such a delicious reward to eat. Enjoy! Plus get more Chinese recipes and appetizers in the archives.
What do you eat with shrimp shumai?
I love to serve my dim sum as an appetizer with soy sauce or chili oil for dunking. Shrimp shumai goes great with a kani salad (another seafood favorite!) or spring rolls before we tuck into chicken and broccoli or chicken fried rice as a main. I also love a Chinese-inspired surf-and-turf moment with shrimp shumai paired with kung pao beef.
What does shrimp shumai taste like?
Shrimp shumai stands out due to its distinctive appearance and unique taste. The dumpling wrappers are usually thin and open, allowing the exquisite filling to be visible. The combination of shrimp, vegetables, and seasonings creates a savory umami flavor that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Can you eat frozen shrimp shumai?
Shrimp shumai are best frozen before being cooked. Place the dumplings on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them until they’re solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and eat them within three months. To cook frozen shumai, steam them from frozen until they’re cooked through, 13 to 15 minutes.