How Many Calories Are in 1 Ribeye Steak?

November 17, 2025 •

3 min read

According to USDA data, a 100-gram serving of ribeye steak contains approximately 291 calories. However, the total calorie count for a single ribeye steak can vary significantly depending on its size, marbling, and preparation method, making precise calorie counting more complex than it first appears.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of a ribeye steak depends on its size, fat content, and how it is cooked. A standard 100g portion has around 291 calories, but a full steak can be much higher due to its inherent marbling. Cooking techniques and added fats also influence the final nutritional value.

Key Points

Size Matters: The total calories in a ribeye steak are primarily determined by its weight, with larger steaks having a much higher count.
Fat is Flavor (and Calories): Ribeye's high marbling adds flavor but also makes it one of the most calorie-dense beef cuts due to its fat content.
Cooking Method Impacts Calories: Grilling or broiling adds minimal calories, while pan-searing with butter or oil can significantly increase the total.
Trim the Fat for Less Calories: Removing the excess, visible fat from the steak before or after cooking is an easy way to reduce the calorie intake.
Leaner Options Exist: For lower-calorie meals, alternative cuts like sirloin or filet mignon offer less fat and fewer calories per serving.
Weight After Cooking: Since meat loses water during cooking, for the most accurate calorie tracking, weigh the steak after it's been cooked.

Understanding Ribeye Steak Calories

Determining exactly how many calories are in 1 ribeye steak is not a simple, one-size-fits-all answer. The calorie count is highly dependent on several factors, including the steak's raw weight, its fat content (marbling), and the preparation method. Because of its generous marbling, the ribeye is known for being one of the more calorie-dense cuts of beef, offering rich flavor and tenderness.

The Role of Weight and Portion Size

The most significant factor in a ribeye's calorie count is its size. A restaurant-sized steak is often much larger than the standard 3.5-ounce (100-gram) nutritional serving used for reference. For instance, while a 100g portion might be around 291 calories, a larger, 12-ounce (approx. 340g) ribeye can easily contain over 1,000 calories before adding any cooking oils or fats.

Here’s a general guideline for different sizes:

4-ounce (113g): Approximately 330 calories
8-ounce (227g): Approximately 660 calories
12-ounce (340g): Approximately 990 calories

These figures can change based on the specific grade of beef and the amount of trimable fat present. For precise tracking, weighing your steak after cooking is the most accurate method.

The Impact of Marbling and Trimmed Fat

Ribeye steak is famous for its intramuscular fat, or marbling, which contributes to its juicy texture and robust flavor. However, this marbling is also the primary source of its calories. A choice-grade ribeye will have less marbling and therefore fewer calories than a prime-grade ribeye of the same size. Trimming the external, visible fat before or after cooking can significantly reduce the overall calorie count of your meal.

How Cooking Methods Change the Calorie Count

The way you prepare your steak adds another layer of complexity to the calorie calculation. Cooking methods that use extra fats or oils will increase the final calorie total.

Grilling: This is one of the lowest-calorie cooking methods. By grilling or broiling, you avoid adding extra fats and some of the natural fat from the steak will render and drip away.
Pan-searing: This method often involves adding butter or oil to the skillet to achieve a perfect crust. This can add an extra 100 to 200 calories or more to your steak depending on the amount used.
Deep-frying: While uncommon for a quality ribeye, this method would add a substantial amount of oil and fat, drastically increasing the calories.

Nutritional Comparison: Ribeye vs. Other Steaks

When managing calorie intake, it is helpful to compare the ribeye to other popular cuts. This table highlights how a 3.5-ounce (100g) cooked portion of ribeye stacks up against other options.


Steak Cut	Approximate Calories (per 100g, cooked)	Protein (per 100g, cooked)	Fat Content	Flavor	Best for Calorie Control	Reference
Ribeye	291	~24g	High	Rich, beefy	No	****
Sirloin	150-200	~30g	Lower	Lean, robust	Yes
Filet Mignon	150-200	~30g	Low	Tender, mild	Yes
Skirt Steak	~215	~27g	Medium	Juicy, flavorful	Moderately

Conclusion

Ultimately, the number of calories in 1 ribeye steak is not a fixed number but a variable influenced by weight, fat, and preparation. While a 100g portion provides around 291 calories, a typical full steak is significantly more caloric. For those focused on a precise calorie count, weighing the cooked steak and trimming visible fat are the most effective strategies. Opting for grilling over pan-searing and considering portion control are practical ways to enjoy this delicious cut while staying mindful of nutritional goals. For detailed dietary information on all beef cuts, refer to the official USDA FoodData Central database.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, compared to leaner alternatives like sirloin or filet mignon, the ribeye is a higher-calorie cut due to its generous marbling (intramuscular fat).

Cooking does not change the total calories, but the steak's weight decreases as water is lost. A cooked portion will be more calorically dense by weight than a raw portion. Any added fats will also increase the final calorie count.

Yes, you can reduce the calories by trimming the visible external fat before or after cooking. You can also opt for healthier cooking methods, such as grilling or broiling, instead of pan-frying with oil or butter.

An 8-ounce (approx. 227g) ribeye steak contains approximately 660 calories, based on an average of 291 calories per 100 grams. This can vary based on marbling.

Prime ribeye has more marbling than a choice ribeye, which means it will have a higher fat content and, consequently, a higher calorie count per comparable weight.

Yes, ribeye is a great source of high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins. When consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet, it can be a nutritious food choice.

For consistency and accuracy, it is best to stick to one method. Most nutrition information is based on cooked weight. If you're weighing it yourself, weigh it after cooking since the final mass and density change.