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Water Meatballs Calories
Boiled meatballs, low fat, classic Turkish dish
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
5 piece (medium) of Water Meatballs (120 g) has 144 calories. That works out to 120 calories per 100 g. It contains 6 g of carbs, 16.8 g of protein, 6 g of fat and 1 g of fiber. Its 1.3 µg of B12 covers 55% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 35 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Water Meatballs Nutrition Facts
Selected: 5 piece (medium) · 120 g
144
KCAL / 120G
Carbs
6g
· 2% DV
Protein
16.8g
· 34% DV
Fat
6g
· 8% DV
Fiber
1g
· 4% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 17% · Protein 46% · Fat 37%
Water Meatballs nutrition facts table · 5 piece (medium) (120 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 144 kcal | |
| Total fat | 6 g | 8% |
| Saturated fat | 2.52 g | 13% |
| Trans fat | 0.06 g | |
| Sodium | 408 mg | 18% |
| Total carbohydrate | 6 g | 2% |
| Fiber | 1 g | 4% |
| Protein | 16.8 g | 34% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 5 Pieces of Water Meatballs?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 5 piece (medium) | 120 g | 144 kcal |
| 3 piece (small) | 70 g | 84 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 120 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 150 g | 180 kcal |
| 1 cup (medium) | 160 g | 192 kcal |
| 8 piece (large) | 190 g | 228 kcal |
| 2 serving (large) | 300 g | 360 kcal |
Calculated from 120 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Meatballs
What are Water Meatballs?
Water Meatballs are a Turkish dish of small meatballs simmered in water or broth. Recipes vary: the mixture may include minced meat, fine bulgur or rice, egg, and seasonings, with yogurt or a sauce sometimes served alongside.
How do you make Water Meatballs?
To make Water Meatballs, mix and shape the meatball ingredients into small pieces, then simmer them gently in water or broth until cooked through. Keeping the liquid at a gentle simmer helps the meatballs hold their shape.
What is the difference between Water Meatballs and sulu köfte?
Water Meatballs generally refers to meatballs cooked in water or broth, while sulu köfte is commonly a saucier Turkish stew with vegetables and tomato paste. The names and recipes vary by region, and some home versions overlap.
Why do Water Meatballs fall apart while cooking?
Water Meatballs can fall apart if the mixture is under-mixed, lacks enough binding, or is boiled too vigorously. Knead the mixture well, shape small meatballs, and lower them into gently simmering liquid without stirring the pot roughly.
What ingredients go into Water Meatballs?
Minced meat is the base of Water Meatballs; recipes may also use fine bulgur or rice, egg, flour, and spices. Ingredients differ between Turkish home recipes, so there is no single fixed formula.
What do you serve with Water Meatballs?
Water Meatballs are often served with yogurt, lemon, or a butter-and-spice topping, depending on the recipe. Rice or a simple salad can make them a fuller meal, while the traditional accompaniments vary across households.
Are Water Meatballs served with yogurt?
Yes, some versions of Water Meatballs are served with yogurt, often seasoned with garlic. Other recipes use lemon or a spiced butter topping instead, so follow the serving style of the recipe you are making.
Can you make Water Meatballs with bulgur instead of rice?
Yes, many Water Meatballs recipes use fine bulgur, while others call for rice. Use the type specified in your recipe because the grains absorb liquid differently and can change how firmly the meatballs hold together.
How long do leftover Water Meatballs keep?
Leftover Water Meatballs keep in the refrigerator for about three to four days when stored promptly in a covered container. Reheat them gently in their cooking liquid until thoroughly hot, so they are less likely to dry out.
Can you freeze Water Meatballs?
Yes, Water Meatballs can be frozen, though the cooked meatballs may soften slightly after thawing. Freeze them in an airtight container with some cooking liquid, thaw in the refrigerator, and reheat thoroughly.
Water Meatballs Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B12
1.32µg · 55% DV
B3
2.64mg · 17% DV
B5
0.72mg · 14% DV
B2
0.17mg · 13% DV
Minerals
Zinc
2.52mg · 23% DV
Phosphorus
144mg · 21% DV
Sodium
408mg · 18% DV
Selenium
8.4µg · 15% DV
Potassium ⭐
264mg · 8% DV
Water Meatballs Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Water Meatballs
To burn the 144 calories in 5 piece (medium) (120 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Water Meatballs?
Water Meatballs, known in Turkey as su köftesi, are small meatballs usually made with minced meat and fine bulgur, simmered in water or broth. Recipes vary between households and regions, and the finished dish may be served in its cooking liquid or as a simple meatball stew.
The meatballs are tender and mild, and are usually eaten hot; a squeeze of lemon or a spoonful of yoghurt can make a good accompaniment. With 14 g of protein and 5 g of fat per 100 g, they offer a protein-rich option that is relatively light. Pair them with a crisp salad for a fresh meal, or use broth for a deeper savoury flavour.
How Nutritious Is Water Meatballs?
Nutrient density
Medium
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Water Meatballs Processed?
NOVA 2
Minimally Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Water Meatballs Contain Allergens?
Contains these allergens:
Which Diets Is Water Meatballs Good For?
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
— Not suitable
Gluten-Free
— Not suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Water Meatballs Fat Profile
SATURATED
2.52g
MONOUNSATURATED
2.52g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.24g
Omega 6:3 ratio 2.7:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.