How many calories are in a steak taco with corn tortilla?

January 1, 2026 •

3 min read

While a single street-style steak taco with a corn tortilla and minimal toppings can be as low as 150-200 calories, the calorie count can skyrocket to over 500 with a few simple additions. The answer to how many calories are in a steak taco with corn tortilla largely depends on the portion sizes and the specific toppings used.

Quick Summary

The calories in a steak taco with a corn tortilla vary significantly, ranging from approximately 150 for a basic version to over 500 with generous toppings like cheese and guacamole. The final total is influenced by the cut of steak, preparation method, and ingredient choices.

Key Points

Variable Calories: A steak taco with a corn tortilla can range from under 200 calories to over 500, depending heavily on toppings and preparation.
Corn vs. Flour Tortillas: Corn tortillas are a lower-calorie and healthier base compared to flour tortillas.
Toppings Add Up: Calorie-dense toppings like cheese, guacamole, and sour cream can significantly increase the total calorie count.
Lean Protein is Key: Choosing a lean cut of steak and grilling it reduces excess fat and calories.
Fresh Veggies are Low-Cal: Load up on low-calorie, flavorful toppings like fresh salsa, onions, and cilantro to keep the taco healthy.

The Core Components: A Calorie Foundation

To understand the total caloric value of your steak taco, it's essential to first look at its foundational ingredients: the corn tortilla and the steak. The choices you make here set the baseline for the entire meal.

Corn Tortilla Calories

A standard, single corn tortilla contains approximately 52 calories. This makes it a significantly lower-calorie option compared to its flour counterpart, which can have almost double the calories per tortilla. The simple composition of corn tortillas—just masa, water, and salt—keeps the calorie count down, especially when not fried in oil.

Steak Calories

The type of steak and its preparation are major calorie contributors. A lean cut of steak like flank or sirloin will be much lower in calories than a fatty cut. For example, a standard 2-ounce (56.7g) serving of grilled steak can be around 130 calories. However, this can change based on how it's cooked. Frying the steak in oil will increase the fat and calorie content considerably compared to grilling.

The Impact of Toppings and Condiments

While the steak and tortilla form the core, the toppings can easily become the most calorically dense part of the taco. Each addition, from the refreshing salsa to the creamy guacamole, adds another layer to the nutritional profile.

Low-Calorie Toppings

Salsa: Fresh tomato or tomatillo salsa is very low in calories, adding flavor without guilt.
Onions and Cilantro: The classic street taco topping adds a negligible amount of calories but provides significant flavor.
Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime adds zero calories and brightens all the flavors.

High-Calorie Toppings

Cheese: Just one tablespoon of cheddar cheese adds about 58 calories. Many tacos use much more.
Guacamole/Avocado: While a source of healthy fats, avocado is calorie-dense. A small serving can add 28 calories or more.
Sour Cream: A single tablespoon of full-fat sour cream can add around 30 calories.

A Tale of Two Tacos: Comparison Table

To illustrate how different topping choices affect the overall calorie count, let's compare a simple street-style steak taco with a more generously loaded version.


Ingredient	Simple Street Taco (Approx. Calories)	Loaded Steak Taco (Approx. Calories)
Corn Tortilla (1)	52	52
Steak (2 oz)	130	130
Salsa	10	20
Onions & Cilantro	<5	<5
Cheddar Cheese (1 tbsp)	0	58
Guacamole (1/4 avocado)	0	70
Sour Cream (1 tbsp)	0	30
Total Calories	~197	~365

*Note: Calorie counts are approximations and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. The loaded taco calculation shows how just a few extras can significantly increase the total calories.

Making Healthier Choices

If you are watching your caloric intake, here are a few tips to enjoy a steak taco with a corn tortilla without overdoing it:

Opt for Lean Steak: Choose a lean cut like sirloin or flank steak to minimize the fat and calorie content.
Grill, Don't Fry: Grilling your steak instead of frying it with oil is a healthier preparation method.
Control the Toppings: Focus on fresh, low-calorie additions like pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, and a squeeze of lime. Use high-calorie toppings like cheese and guacamole sparingly.
Load Up on Veggies: Add more nutrient-dense, low-calorie vegetables like diced onions, chopped bell peppers, or shredded cabbage for extra crunch and nutrients.

Conclusion: The Final Tally

In short, the number of calories in a steak taco with a corn tortilla is not a fixed figure. It's a spectrum, ranging from a relatively low-calorie meal for a standard street taco to a much higher-calorie dish with added ingredients. By being mindful of your protein choice, cooking method, and the quantity of toppings, you can easily control the nutritional impact of this delicious Mexican staple. The key is understanding that every extra ingredient, especially fatty ones like cheese and avocado, adds to the total count. A simple, fresh-focused approach is the best way to enjoy this meal while keeping calories in check.

For a detailed nutritional breakdown, see the Nutritionix database.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, they can be, depending on preparation. By choosing a lean steak, grilling it, and using low-calorie toppings like salsa and fresh vegetables, a steak taco is a high-protein, relatively low-calorie meal. Adding large amounts of cheese, sour cream, and guacamole can make it less healthy.

A single, standard corn tortilla typically contains around 52 calories.

Carne asada tacos can vary. Some estimates place a single taco around 140 calories, while others with more toppings can exceed 300 calories. It depends on the cut of beef and the added ingredients.

Corn tortillas are generally considered the healthier option. They contain fewer calories and less fat than flour tortillas and offer more fiber and magnesium.

For a low-calorie taco, consider toppings like fresh pico de gallo, diced onions, cilantro, lime juice, or shredded lettuce. These additions provide flavor and texture without significant calories.

Yes, grilling is the healthier choice. Frying steak requires added oil, which increases the fat and calorie count. Grilling provides a similar flavor with fewer added calories.

It's best to use cheese sparingly. A small amount of cotija or a light sprinkle of cheddar can be fine, but a generous helping can quickly add over 100 calories, impacting your total significantly.