How many calories are in one steak street taco?

November 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition tracking services, one standard steak street taco typically contains around 289 calories, though this can vary significantly based on ingredients and preparation. This classic dish, known for its simplicity and bold flavors, packs a solid amount of protein and flavor into a small package, making it a popular choice for a quick meal.

Quick Summary

A single steak street taco contains approximately 289 calories, depending on preparation. Key factors include the steak cut, cooking method, and type of tortilla. This breakdown explores the nutritional content and shows how simple ingredient swaps can influence the overall calorie count and health benefits.

Key Points

Standard Calorie Count: A typical steak street taco has approximately 289 calories, but this can fluctuate significantly based on ingredients and preparation.
Ingredient Impact: The type of steak (lean vs. fatty), cooking method (grilled vs. fried), and toppings heavily influence the final calorie count.
Healthier Toppings: Opt for fresh ingredients like onions, cilantro, and salsa to keep calories low while maximizing flavor.
Corn vs. Flour: Choosing corn tortillas over flour tortillas can reduce the calorie and fat content, while providing more fiber.
Portion Control: Street tacos are often served in multiples. Be aware that a full meal can easily accumulate a high number of calories if multiple tacos are consumed.

The Calorie Breakdown of a Standard Steak Street Taco

A typical steak street taco is a simple affair, consisting of seasoned, grilled steak served on a small corn tortilla and topped with fresh onions and cilantro. This minimalist approach is a key part of its appeal and nutritional profile. The core calorie contributors are the steak and the tortilla, with minimal additions from the traditional toppings. A widely cited nutrition estimate for one such taco is approximately 289 calories.

Core Components and Their Caloric Contribution

To understand the total calorie count, it's helpful to look at the individual parts of a standard steak street taco:

Corn Tortilla: A single, small corn tortilla typically contributes around 50-60 calories. The number of tortillas used (sometimes doubled for stability) can affect the total. Corn tortillas are also a good source of fiber compared to flour alternatives.
Grilled Steak: The amount and cut of steak are the biggest variables. A lean cut of steak like flank or skirt steak (around 2 ounces) can provide approximately 130 calories. Using a fattier cut or more oil during cooking will increase this number substantially.
Onions and Cilantro: These traditional street taco toppings add minimal calories, usually less than 5, while providing flavor and nutrients.
Salsa: A fresh, non-creamy salsa (like pico de gallo) is low in calories. A tablespoon or two will add negligible calories but boost flavor.

Factors That Increase the Calorie Count

While the simple version is relatively low-calorie, add-ons can quickly raise the total. When dining out, many places include non-traditional toppings that inflate the nutritional information.

Cheese and Sour Cream: These are significant calorie culprits. A tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese can add nearly 60 calories, while sour cream adds around 25 calories per tablespoon.
Avocado or Guacamole: While a healthy fat source, a dollop of guacamole can add 28 calories or more.
Cooking Method: Frying the tortilla or cooking the steak in a large amount of oil or lard will increase the fat and calorie content.
Portion Size: The most obvious factor is size. A "street taco" is traditionally small. A larger, Americanized taco with more fillings will have a higher calorie count.

Comparison: Steak Street Taco vs. Other Tacos

Understanding how a steak street taco compares to other popular taco styles can help with dietary choices. The minimal toppings and smaller size give it a distinct advantage over heavier alternatives.


Taco Type	Typical Calories (per taco)	Key Ingredients	Nutritional Considerations
Steak Street Taco	~289	Corn tortilla, grilled steak, onions, cilantro	Higher protein, low additives. Good base for a nutritious meal.
Restaurant Steak Taco	350-500+	Flour tortilla, steak, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes	Higher in calories, fat, and sodium due to larger size and extra toppings.
Chicken Street Taco	~180-250	Corn tortilla, grilled chicken, onions, cilantro	Lower in fat and calories than steak, especially if using a lean breast cut.
Fish Taco (Fried)	~300-400	Flour tortilla, fried fish, creamy sauce, cabbage slaw	Significantly higher in fat due to frying and heavy sauce.

How to Enjoy a Healthier Steak Street Taco

Making a few mindful adjustments can make your steak street tacos even more aligned with your nutritional goals.

Simple Ways to Reduce Calories

Choose Lean Steak: Opt for a lean cut of meat like flank or sirloin to reduce fat content.
Limit High-Calorie Toppings: Stick to fresh toppings like pico de gallo, salsa, onions, and cilantro instead of high-fat cheese and sour cream.
Mind Portion Sizes: Since street tacos are small, it's easy to eat several. Be aware of your total intake, as multiple tacos add up quickly.
Prioritize Corn Tortillas: They are lower in calories and higher in fiber than typical flour tortillas.

Making a Healthy Meal

To make a complete, balanced meal, pair your tacos with nutrient-dense sides. Instead of a large portion of chips and queso, consider a side salad or a small serving of black beans and rice. These additions provide extra fiber and nutrients without overloading on calories.

Conclusion

One steak street taco typically contains around 289 calories, though the actual number can vary widely based on the ingredients chosen. The classic, no-frills version with a corn tortilla, grilled steak, onions, and cilantro is a flavorful, protein-rich option. Being mindful of portion sizes and high-fat toppings like cheese and sour cream is key to keeping this delicious meal aligned with a healthy diet. By choosing lean cuts of steak and focusing on fresh, natural toppings, you can control the caloric intake and maximize the nutritional benefits of this popular dish. For a deeper dive into making your favorite meals healthier, consider consulting reputable nutritional guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, they are not inherently unhealthy. A simple steak street taco with lean meat and fresh vegetables can be a nutritious, high-protein meal. The caloric value increases when adding high-fat ingredients like cheese and sour cream.

A chicken street taco is generally lower in calories and fat than a steak version, assuming both are prepared with lean protein. A grilled chicken taco can be around 180-250 calories, compared to a steak taco at approximately 289.

To reduce calories, use a lean cut of steak (like flank steak), grill it instead of frying, and limit fatty toppings such as cheese and sour cream. Load up on fresh salsa, onions, and cilantro instead.

Yes, on average, a small corn tortilla has fewer calories and saturated fat than a typical flour tortilla, and also offers more fiber.

Based on a 289-calorie estimate, the macronutrient breakdown is roughly 16% carbohydrates, 53% fat, and 31% protein, providing a good source of protein.

This depends on your daily caloric goals. Given that one steak street taco is around 289 calories, two tacos would be approximately 578 calories, which can fit into a balanced meal, especially when paired with a healthy side.

The calorie count of carne asada depends on the cut of beef used and its preparation. When grilled from a lean cut like skirt or flank steak, it is a relatively lean protein. However, excessive oil used in cooking will add calories.