How many calories are in a 20 oz bone-in ribeye?

November 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data from various restaurants and food databases, a 20 oz bone-in ribeye steak can contain between 1,200 and 1,500 calories, depending on preparation. This variation highlights the importance of understanding the factors that influence the final calorie count of your steak.

Quick Summary

A 20 oz bone-in ribeye can range from approximately 1,200 to 1,500 calories, influenced by fat content and cooking methods. Variations are also due to trimming, marbling, and additions like oil or butter.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Range: A 20 oz bone-in ribeye generally contains between 1,200 and 1,500 calories, though this can vary based on several factors.
Marbling is Key: The steak's fat content, or marbling, is the primary driver of its calorie count, with fattier cuts having more calories.
Cooking Method Matters: Cooking with large amounts of oil or butter significantly increases calories, while grilling can reduce some fat.
Post-Cook Weight is Lower: Steaks lose weight during cooking due to moisture loss, so the calorie count is based on the final, cooked weight.
High in Protein and Nutrients: Beyond calories, a 20 oz ribeye is an excellent source of protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
Preparation Impacts Nutrition: Restaurant preparations often include high-calorie additions, whereas homemade versions allow for better control over ingredients and fat.
Portion Control is Important: Due to its high calorie density, a 20 oz ribeye is a large portion and could be split to manage caloric intake.

Decoding the Calorie Count of a 20 oz Bone-In Ribeye

Determining the exact calorie count for a 20 oz bone-in ribeye can be complex, as it is not a fixed number. Several key factors influence the final nutritional value, from the steak's marbling to how it's prepared. While a general estimate falls between 1,200 and 1,500 calories, understanding these variables is crucial for anyone monitoring their dietary intake.

The Impact of Marbling and Fat Content

Marbling—the intramuscular fat that gives ribeye its signature flavor and tenderness—is the primary determinant of its calorie density. Ribeye steaks are known for their high marbling compared to leaner cuts like sirloin. The USDA grades steaks based on their marbling, with Prime being the highest grade and containing the most fat, followed by Choice and Select. A more marbled cut will naturally contain more calories per ounce than a leaner one. For example, a restaurant-quality ribeye from a premium steakhouse will likely have a higher fat content and, therefore, more calories than a grass-fed version purchased from a grocery store.

How Cooking Methods Affect Calorie Count

How you prepare your steak can dramatically alter its final nutritional profile. The most significant impact comes from the addition of cooking fats. While a simple grilled steak might use minimal oil, a pan-seared version often requires a generous amount of butter or oil, which significantly increases the calorie count. For example, cooking a 20 oz steak with two tablespoons of butter can add over 200 calories to the total. On the other hand, grilling allows much of the rendered fat to drip away, slightly reducing the final calorie total compared to pan-searing.

Weighing In: Raw vs. Cooked Weight

It is important to remember that a steak's weight changes during cooking. As it cooks, the meat loses water and some fat, causing the total weight to decrease. A 20 oz raw steak will weigh less once cooked. Nutritional information is typically based on the cooked, edible portion. Therefore, if you are tracking your intake, it is best to use a food scale to weigh the cooked meat before consumption for the most accurate calculation.

Comparison Table: 20 oz Bone-In Ribeye vs. Other Steak Cuts


Feature	20 oz Bone-In Ribeye	20 oz Sirloin Steak	20 oz T-Bone Steak
Calorie Range	~1,200–1,500+	~1,000–1,100	~1,300–1,600+
Marbling	High	Low to Moderate	High (with two cuts)
Fat Content	Higher	Lower	Moderate to High
Flavor Profile	Rich, buttery	Beefy, less intense	Bold, two distinct flavors
Texture	Tender, juicy	Firmer	Tenderloin side is very tender

Beyond Calories: The Full Nutritional Picture

While calories are a key metric, they don't tell the whole story. Ribeye steak is a powerhouse of protein and essential nutrients. A typical 20 oz ribeye provides well over 100 grams of high-quality protein, which is vital for muscle repair and growth. It is also a significant source of vitamins and minerals, including zinc, iron, selenium, and B vitamins like B12. These nutrients play crucial roles in energy metabolism, immune function, and overall health. However, the high content of saturated fat and sodium in many restaurant preparations should be taken into account, especially for those with specific health concerns.

Tips for a Healthier Ribeye Meal

Enjoying a delicious, large ribeye doesn't have to derail a balanced diet. Here are some tips to help you manage the nutritional impact:

Trim Visible Fat: Before cooking, trim some of the excess visible fat from the steak to reduce the overall fat and calorie content.
Use Minimal Oil: Opt for a non-stick pan or grill and use just enough cooking oil to prevent sticking instead of drenching the pan.
Portion Control: Consider splitting the 20 oz steak. Enjoy half for dinner and save the other half for a later meal, or share it with a companion.
Pair with Healthy Sides: Balance the richness of the ribeye with a large portion of steamed or roasted vegetables and a simple side salad instead of creamy sauces or carb-heavy sides like fries or loaded mashed potatoes.
Be Mindful of Sauces: Many sauces and marinades can add hundreds of extra calories. Stick to simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and herbs to let the steak's natural flavor shine.

Conclusion: A Delicious Indulgence with Intent

Knowing how many calories are in a 20 oz bone-in ribeye is the first step toward enjoying this decadent cut of meat responsibly. The calorie range, typically between 1,200 and 1,500, is heavily influenced by fat content and preparation methods. While it is a high-calorie meal, it also delivers a substantial amount of protein and vital nutrients. By making conscious choices about marbling, cooking style, and portion size, you can enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal without compromising your dietary goals. For more detailed information on beef nutrition, consult authoritative sources like the USDA.gov website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, grass-fed ribeye often has a leaner fat profile than conventionally raised beef, which typically results in a slightly lower calorie count for the same weight.

A significant portion of a ribeye's calories, often more than half, comes from its fat content. The high marbling contributes to its rich flavor but also its calorie density.

To reduce calories, trim excess fat before cooking, use minimal cooking oil, and choose lighter cooking methods like grilling instead of pan-searing with a lot of butter.

The calorie calculation for a ribeye does not include the weight of the bone, as it is not consumed. Nutritional information typically refers to the edible portion of the steak.

The edible portion of a 20 oz bone-in ribeye varies, but you can generally expect a loss of 2-5 ounces due to the bone and moisture loss during cooking. This leaves a cooked, edible weight of roughly 15-18 ounces.

Healthy side dishes include steamed or roasted vegetables, a large side salad with a vinaigrette, or grilled asparagus. These options add nutrients without significantly increasing the calorie count.

While high in calories, a 20 oz ribeye can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a weight-loss diet by focusing on portion control. Consider sharing the steak or saving half for another meal to manage your daily calorie budget.