The Restaurant vs. The Breed: A Key Distinction
There is a widespread misconception that LongHorn Steakhouse serves meat from the Texas Longhorn cattle breed due to the restaurant's name and branding. However, this is not the case. The Texas Longhorn breed is naturally leaner than most commercial cattle and is not the primary source for the restaurant's steaks. The restaurant's beef, like many commercial chains, comes from various suppliers and its leanness is determined by the specific cut and cooking method.
Comparing LongHorn Steakhouse's Leanest and Fattiest Cuts
When dining at LongHorn Steakhouse, your choice of cut will have the biggest impact on the meal's fat content. Here's a look at some popular steaks on their menu, illustrating the wide range of leanness:
- Flo's Filet (6oz): This center-cut filet is one of the leanest options available. A 6oz serving contains just 15g of total fat, with only 5g being saturated fat, and 330 calories. It's prized for its tenderness and mild flavor.
- Renegade Sirloin (6oz): As a center-cut top sirloin, this is another lean and hearty choice. The 6oz serving contains 320 calories and 15g of total fat, making it a solid lean option.
- Ribeye (12oz): Known for its rich marbling, the Ribeye is a much fattier cut. A 12oz ribeye contains 810 calories and a substantial 54g of total fat.
- The LongHorn® Porterhouse (22oz): This large cut, which includes both a strip steak and a filet, is the least lean option. The massive 22oz serving has a whopping 1280 calories and 67g of fat.
A Detailed Look at LongHorn's Steaks by Leanness
Choosing a steak that fits your dietary needs means understanding its fat content. The following table provides a clear comparison of some common LongHorn cuts based on available nutritional data.
| Steak Cut | Serving Size | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Saturated Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flo's Filet® | 6 oz | 330 | 15 | 5 |
| Renegade Sirloin* | 6 oz | 320 | 15 | 6 |
| New York Strip* | 12 oz | 630 | 38 | 15 |
| Ribeye* | 12 oz | 810 | 54 | 22 |
| The LongHorn® Porterhouse* | 22 oz | 1280 | 67 | 27 |
*Note: Nutritional values can vary based on seasoning, cooking method, and portion size.
Factors That Influence a Steak's Leanness at the Restaurant
It's not just the cut that determines the final nutritional profile of your meal at LongHorn. The preparation can significantly alter the calorie and fat count. For example, adding an extra pat of butter, using rich sauces like Bordelaise, or opting for cheese crusts can substantially increase the fat content. Additionally, sides play a major role. Choosing steamed broccoli over a loaded baked potato or cheesy mashed potatoes can save hundreds of calories.
Here are a few ways preparation impacts leanness:
- Added Fats: LongHorn often uses butter to enhance the flavor of their steaks, but a single pat can add 120 calories and 13g of fat.
- Toppings and Sauces: Topping your sirloin with hickory-smoked bacon, a sunny-side-up egg, and bordelaise sauce, as was done with the special Rancher's Sirloin, significantly increases the fat and sodium.
- Cooking Method: The simple act of grilling versus pan-searing with added oil can subtly affect the final product's caloric value, though the cut's inherent marbling is the main factor.
The Leanness of Actual Texas Longhorn Beef
For clarification, actual beef from the Texas Longhorn breed is naturally very lean. The breed's genetics and the fact that it is often grass-fed result in a meat profile that is low in fat and cholesterol, comparing favorably to white meats like chicken. The Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America (TLBAA) highlights this leanness, noting that the beef typically contains 10% less saturated fat than other cattle breeds. For consumers actively seeking extremely lean beef for health reasons, sourcing directly from a Texas Longhorn ranch might be the most suitable option, though it is not widely available in commercial restaurants.
Conclusion
In short, the leanness of LongHorn meat is not a fixed attribute but rather a function of which specific cut you choose from the menu. The Flo's Filet and Renegade Sirloin are your best choices for lower-fat, lower-calorie options, while the Ribeye and Porterhouse are high in fat and calories due to their extensive marbling. Don't be misled by the restaurant's branding, as they do not source the naturally leaner Texas Longhorn cattle. By reviewing the nutritional information provided on the official website, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your health and diet goals. For more details, consult LongHorn Steakhouse's nutritional information provided on their website.
