Steamed shrimp, grilled salmon, and fried fish baskets at King Seafood offer very different nutritional paths, with preparation method often mattering more than the type of seafood itself. When you are watching your waistline or tracking macros, understanding King Seafood Nutrition and Calories is the first step to making a smart order. This guide breaks down the real numbers so you can enjoy your meal without the guesswork.
Most people assume fish is always the healthy option. That is only half true. A 6-ounce piece of grilled salmon and a 6-ounce order of fried catfish can differ by over 300 calories. The sauces, batters, and sides at King Seafood also stack up quickly. Let’s look at the actual menu math.
King Seafood Nutrition And Calories
King Seafood is a regional chain known for its casual atmosphere and generous portions. The menu spans from simple broiled fillets to massive platters of crispy shrimp. Because the chain does not publish a full nutrition guide for every location, we have to rely on standard restaurant data and typical preparation methods. Still, you can build a reliable estimate by focusing on the cooking style you choose.
Grilled And Broiled Seafood Options
Grilling is your best friend when counting calories. A standard 6-ounce portion of grilled salmon at King Seafood runs about 320 calories. That number includes a light brush of oil and basic seasonings. Grilled shrimp skewers are even lighter, coming in around 200 calories for a 6-ounce serving. Broiled white fish like tilapia or cod sits near 250 calories for the same portion.
- Grilled salmon (6 oz): 320 calories, 22g fat, 34g protein
- Grilled shrimp (6 oz): 200 calories, 6g fat, 36g protein
- Broiled cod (6 oz): 240 calories, 8g fat, 40g protein
Protein content stays high across all these choices. That helps you feel full. The fat in salmon is mostly the heart-healthy omega-3 kind, which is a bonus. If you want to keep the meal lean, ask for the sauce on the side. The lemon butter sauce that comes with many grilled platters adds about 150 calories per small cup.
Fried Seafood Basket Breakdown
Fried baskets change the picture completely. A classic fried fish basket with three pieces of breaded fish, fries, and coleslaw lands near 1,100 calories. The fish alone accounts for roughly 600 of those calories because the batter absorbs oil during frying. Fried shrimp baskets are similar, with a 10-piece order hitting about 950 calories including sides.
- Fried fish fillets (3 pieces): 600 calories
- French fries (medium): 320 calories
- Coleslaw (small): 150 calories
- Total basket: 1,070 calories
That single meal nearly covers your entire daily fat allowance if you eat 2,000 calories per day. The sodium is also a concern. Fried seafood at King Seafood can pack over 1,500 milligrams of sodium, which is two-thirds of the recommended daily limit. If you have high blood pressure, this matters a lot.
Shrimp And Scallop Platters
Shrimp and scallops are popular picks, but the prep method splits them into two different worlds. Grilled scallops are relatively light at 250 calories for 8 ounces. However, the “scallops wrapped in bacon” appetizer jumps to 450 calories for just four pieces. Bacon adds fat and salt, turning a lean protein into a heavier choice.
King Seafood also offers a “shrimp trio” which gives you grilled, fried, and coconut shrimp. That platter is a calorie bomb. The combination of three cooking styles pushes the total to about 1,300 calories before sides. If you want variety, split this with a friend or take half home.
Sides And Sauces That Add Up
Your side dish can double the calories of your meal. A plain baked potato is 160 calories. Load it with butter, sour cream, and cheese, and it becomes 400 calories. The seasoned rice is a safer bet at 200 calories per cup. Steamed vegetables are the lowest option at just 60 calories.
- Hush puppies (3 pieces): 250 calories
- Garlic bread (1 slice): 180 calories
- Side salad with ranch: 220 calories
- Steamed broccoli: 60 calories
Tartar sauce is a hidden danger. Two tablespoons add 140 calories and 15 grams of fat. Cocktail sauce is lighter at 50 calories for the same amount. If you are dipping fried shrimp, ask for cocktail sauce instead of tartar to save nearly 100 calories.
Healthier Ordering Strategy At King Seafood
You do not need to avoid King Seafood to stay on track. You just need a plan. Start by choosing grilled or broiled items over fried ones. Swap the fries for a double order of vegetables. Put sauces on the side and use them sparingly. Watch the portion size, since restaurant servings are often double what you would cook at home.
- Pick grilled salmon or shrimp as your main protein
- Request steamed vegetables or a plain baked potato
- Use cocktail sauce instead of tartar sauce
- Drink water or unsweetened tea instead of soda
- Skip the appetizer and save room for the entree
If you really want the fried fish, order the smaller portion or share with someone. A single fried fillet with a side salad is around 500 calories, which is reasonable for a restaurant meal. You get the flavor you want without blowing your daily budget.
Nutritional Comparison Table
Here is a quick reference for common King Seafood menu items. These estimates assume standard preparation and no extra sauces.
- Grilled salmon dinner: 450 calories
- Fried shrimp basket: 950 calories
- Grilled shrimp skewers: 300 calories
- Fish and chips: 1,100 calories
- Blackened catfish: 400 calories
- Seafood gumbo (bowl): 350 calories
Blackened fish is a great middle ground. The spice rub adds almost no calories, and the cooking method uses minimal oil. A blackened catfish dinner with rice and vegetables comes to about 650 calories total. That is a filling meal that still leaves room for a small dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is King Seafood Healthy For Weight Loss?
Yes, if you choose grilled or broiled items and watch your sides. A grilled salmon dinner with vegetables is under 500 calories and high in protein. Skip the fried baskets and creamy sauces to stay in a calorie deficit.
How Many Calories Are In A King Seafood Fried Fish Basket?
A standard fried fish basket with three fillets, fries, and coleslaw is approximately 1,070 calories. Removing the fries and coleslaw drops it to around 600 calories.
What Is The Lowest Calorie Meal At King Seafood?
The grilled shrimp skewers with steamed broccoli is likely the lowest, coming in near 260 calories. Broiled cod with vegetables is also a light option at about 300 calories.
Does King Seafood Offer Nutritional Information Online?
Some locations provide PDF menus with calorie counts, but it is inconsistent across the chain. Your best bet is to ask for the nutrition guide at the counter or check the specific franchise website.
Are The Sides At King Seafood High In Calories?
It depends. Hush puppies and fries are high, ranging from 250 to 320 calories per serving. Steamed vegetables and plain rice are lower, staying under 200 calories per serving.
King Seafood can fit into a balanced diet when you pay attention to how your food is cooked. The type of fish matters less than the batter and oil. Grilled shrimp and salmon give you protein and healthy fats without the extra calories. Fried options are fine as an occasional treat, but they should not be your regular order. Use the numbers above as a guide, and you can walk into King Seafood with confidence. Your waistline will thank you later.