The calorie count for a 150g portion of cooked steak is not a single, fixed number; it is a variable that is primarily determined by the cut of beef used and its fat content. A lean, trimmed piece of steak will naturally have fewer calories than a well-marbled, richer cut. For anyone tracking their macros or calories, being aware of these differences is essential for accurate meal planning.
Calorie Breakdown by Steak Cut (150g Cooked)
Leaner Cuts
Leaner cuts of steak generally come from areas of the cow that are used more frequently, resulting in less intramuscular fat, or marbling.
- Sirloin: A popular choice for those watching their calories, a 150g cooked sirloin steak contains approximately 300 calories. It offers a great balance of flavor and lower fat content.
- Eye of Round: Known for being one of the leanest cuts, 150g of cooked eye of round steak can have as few as 270-280 calories, making it a highly protein-dense option.
- Flank Steak: A 150g serving of cooked flank steak is also on the leaner side, with an approximate calorie count of 290-315. This is a flavorful cut that benefits from marinating and thin slicing.
Fattier Cuts
In contrast, fattier cuts are prized for their tenderness and rich flavor, but this comes at the cost of a higher calorie count due to increased marbling.
- Ribeye: A 150g portion of a cooked ribeye steak can contain between 400 and 450 calories, or even more depending on the level of marbling. The intricate fat networks melt during cooking, contributing to its signature rich taste.
- T-Bone and Porterhouse: These cuts include both a portion of the tenderloin and the strip steak. For a 150g portion, the calorie count can fall between 375 and 410 calories, reflecting the different fat content of the two muscle groups.
How Cooking Method Affects Calories
The way a steak is prepared can also influence its final calorie content.
- Grilling: Grilling a steak allows some of the fat to render and drip away from the meat, which can slightly reduce the overall calorie count. This is a good method for maximizing flavor while minimizing added fats.
- Pan-Searing: When pan-searing, especially with butter or oil, you may add extra calories. However, most of the fat rendered from the steak is reabsorbed. If you use minimal oil or choose a non-stick pan, the calorie increase is negligible.
- Broiling and Roasting: Similar to grilling, these methods involve radiant heat, which encourages fat to drip away. This results in a final product that is more aligned with the baseline calorie count of the raw meat.
Comparison Table: 150g Cooked Steak Calories
| Cut of Steak | Approximate Calorie Range (150g) | Fat Content | Flavor Profile | Best Cooking Method | 
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sirloin | 280-310 kcal | Moderate | Beefy, flavorful | Grilling, Pan-searing | 
| Eye of Round | 270-290 kcal | Lean | Mild | Roasting, Pan-searing | 
| Flank | 290-315 kcal | Moderate-Lean | Rich, full flavor | Grilling, Broiling | 
| Ribeye | 400-450+ kcal | High | Rich, juicy | Grilling, Pan-searing | 
| Tenderloin (Filet) | 280-310 kcal | Low-Moderate | Tender, mild | Pan-searing, Broiling | 
Factors Influencing Steak Nutrition
Beyond the cut and cooking method, a few other factors can play a role in the nutritional profile of your steak. The quality of the meat, including its grade (e.g., Prime vs. Select), can impact the fat content. Prime beef typically has more marbling and therefore more calories than a leaner Select cut. Portions are also critical; what one person considers a 150g steak might be different from another's perception, so using a food scale is the most accurate way to measure. The addition of sauces, marinades, and sides can also add a significant number of calories to a meal that is otherwise relatively low-caloric.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
For those looking for a delicious yet healthy meal, a lean cut of steak like sirloin or eye of round, cooked with minimal added fat, provides a high-protein, nutrient-rich option with a moderate calorie count. Conversely, for a more indulgent meal, a fatty ribeye offers a richer flavor but with a higher calorie price. By understanding these key differences, you can make smarter choices about how many calories are in 150 g of cooked steak and enjoy your meals while staying aligned with your nutritional goals.
For more in-depth nutritional data on various cuts of beef, you can consult reliable sources like the USDA FoodData Central database.
References
- fatsecret. (2007, August 21). Calories in Grilled or Baked Beef Steak (Lean Only Eaten) (150 g). fatsecret.co.za. https://www.fatsecret.co.za/calories-nutrition/generic/grilled-or-baked-beef-steak-(lean-only-eaten)?portionid=50043&portionamount=150.000
- Tesco. Tesco Quick Cook Sirloin Beef Steak 150g. Tesco.com. https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/317422237
- Eat This Much. 150 Grams Of Beef Flank Nutrition Facts. eatthismuch.com. https://www.eatthismuch.com/calories/beef-flank-5500?a=5.291005291005291%3A0
- Lawry's The Prime Rib Indonesia. (2025, March 12). Nutrition & Calorie Content of Steak: Check Your Intake!. lawrys.id. https://lawrys.id/blog/calorie-content-of-steak/
- Hone Health. (2023, January 18). Ranking the Leanest (and Fattiest) Cuts of Steaks. honehealth.com. https://honehealth.com/edge/leanest-cuts-of-steak-beef/
- Reddit. (2023, July 11). Does oil/butter add a meaningful amount of calories when pan frying.... AskCulinary subreddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskCulinary/comments/14wepur/does_oilbutter_add_a_meaningful_amount_of/
- Whistler Grills. A nutritionist's view of barbecuing as a cooking method. whistlergrills.com. https://www.whistlergrills.com/blog/a-nutritionists-view-of-barbecuing-as-a-cooking-method/
- Quora. (2020, January 18). How does cooking meat affect its nutritional value?. Quora. https://www.quora.com/How-does-cooking-meat-affect-its-nutritional-value-Are-the-calories-grams-of-fat-etc-on-the-nutrition-label-of-a-steak-or-burger-accurate-for-the-raw-meat-or-cooked-portion
- Noom. (2025, July 24). Steak: Calories, Weight Loss, Nutrition Facts & Health Benefits. noom.com. https://www.noom.com/blog/nutrition/steak-for-weight-loss/