Calories in Ribeye Steak: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Ribeye is one of the most flavorful and richly marbled cuts of beef, prized for its tenderness and juiciness. The generous intramuscular fat gives ribeye its distinctive taste but also makes it one of the higher-calorie steak cuts. Here is a complete breakdown of ribeye nutrition by serving size.

Calories by serving (cooked, broiled, trimmed to 1/8" fat):

Ribeye steak is also an excellent source of vitamin B12, zinc, selenium, and iron — nutrients critical for oxygen transport, immune function, and nervous system health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many calories are in a ribeye with the fat cap left on versus trimmed?

A 3.5 oz serving of ribeye with the fat cap trimmed to 1/8 inch has about 291 calories, while the same cut with all exterior fat left on can reach 330-350 calories. Trimming visible external fat before or after cooking is one of the easiest ways to reduce the calorie content of a ribeye by 15-20%.

Does grilling versus pan-searing change the calories in ribeye?

Grilling typically results in slightly fewer calories because some fat drips off through the grill grates, while pan-searing retains all rendered fat in the pan. The difference is modest — roughly 10-20 calories per serving — and both methods produce comparable nutrition profiles when the steak is not cooked in additional oil or butter.

How does ribeye compare to sirloin in calories?

Ribeye is significantly higher in calories than sirloin. A 3.5 oz cooked ribeye has approximately 291 calories and 21 grams of fat, while the same serving of sirloin has about 200 calories and 10 grams of fat. Sirloin is the leaner choice, but ribeye offers more flavor and tenderness due to its marbling.

How much protein is in a ribeye steak?

A 3.5 oz serving of cooked ribeye provides about 24 grams of protein. A typical restaurant-sized 8 oz ribeye delivers approximately 55 grams of protein, making it a substantial protein source in a single meal, though it also comes with a significant amount of saturated fat.

Is ribeye steak healthy?

Ribeye can be part of a balanced diet when eaten in moderate portions. It provides high-quality complete protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins that are difficult to obtain in such concentrated amounts from other foods. However, its high saturated fat content means portion control is important, and health organizations recommend limiting red meat intake to a few servings per week.