Outback's 6 oz Filet Mignon: The Nutritional Lowdown
When ordering the popular Victoria's Filet Mignon at Outback Steakhouse, the base nutrition of the steak itself is a key consideration. The 6-ounce version, when served without additional butter or toppings, clocks in at approximately 380 calories. This makes it one of the healthier and leaner steak options on the menu, especially when compared to fattier cuts like the ribeye.
The macronutrient breakdown for this 380-calorie steak is highly favorable for those focused on high-protein, lower-carb meals. It typically contains around 19 grams of fat, only 1 gram of carbohydrates, and an impressive 47 grams of protein. This high protein content is excellent for muscle repair and satiety.
Factors That Alter the Calorie Count
While 380 calories is the baseline, the final count of your meal can differ due to several variables:
- Added Butter and Cooking Oil: Outback's menu notes that for grilling steaks, they cook without added butter or oil for lower calorie options. However, standard pan-searing or finishing with a pat of butter at a restaurant is common and can increase the calorie count. Just one tablespoon of butter can add over 100 calories.
- Toppings: Adding steak toppings can dramatically increase the calorie load. For instance, optional toppings can add between 130 and 200 calories per serving.
- Preparation Method: The specific searing method or preparation at a particular restaurant location could lead to slight variations. This might explain why some platforms show a higher 480-calorie figure for the base filet.
Pairing Your Filet with Sides
Choosing sides is where a seemingly healthy entree can become a calorie-dense meal. Outback's menu offers a variety of sides, each with its own nutritional impact.
Here is a list of popular Outback side dishes and their typical calorie counts:
- Baked Potato (plain): 440 cal
- Aussie Fries: 500 cal
- Homestyle Mashed Potatoes: 230 cal
- Steamed Asparagus: 60 cal
- House Salad (without dressing): 190 cal
- Caesar Salad (with dressing): 260 cal
As this list shows, pairing your 380-calorie filet with Aussie Fries (500 cal) and a Caesar Salad (260 cal) can result in a meal totaling over 1,100 calories, without even considering bread or drinks. Choosing the steamed asparagus and a house salad with a light balsamic vinaigrette is a much more calorie-conscious choice.
Comparison of Outback Steaks
To put the 6 oz filet in perspective, let's compare its nutritional profile to other popular Outback steaks. This comparison highlights why the filet is often considered one of the leanest options.
| Steak Cut | Size | Approximate Calories | Protein | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria's Filet Mignon | 6 oz | 380 | 47g | 19g |
| Center-Cut Sirloin | 6 oz | 370 | 46g | 20g |
| Victoria's Filet Mignon | 8 oz | 530 | 62g | 29g |
| Ribeye | 12 oz | 900 | 69g | 72g |
Note: Calorie counts are for the steak only, based on current or recent publicly available data.
As you can see, the 6 oz filet is very comparable in calories to the 6 oz sirloin but is significantly lower in calories than a larger 12 oz ribeye, which has a much higher fat content due to its marbling.
Making Healthier Choices at Outback
For those looking to keep their meal as healthy as possible, here are some actionable tips:
- Skip the Extra Butter: Request your steak be grilled and cooked without added butter or oil.
- Order Plain: Ask for seasoning on the side, as the standard seasoning can be high in sodium.
- Choose Lighter Sides: Opt for steamed asparagus (60 cal) or a house salad with a light dressing instead of richer, higher-calorie options.
- Control the Dressing: If you prefer creamy dressings like Ranch or Caesar, ask for it on the side to manage your portion size.
- Be Mindful of Upgrades: Be aware that adding a lobster tail, cheese, or other toppings will increase the calorie count.
Conclusion
The Outback 6 oz filet mignon is a solid choice for a high-protein, relatively low-calorie entree. By itself, the steak contains about 380 calories, with minimal carbs and a decent amount of healthy fat. However, the final calorie total of your meal is highly dependent on your choice of sides, toppings, and cooking method. To maintain a healthier profile, opt for lighter side dishes and request your steak be prepared with minimal added fats. Knowing these nutritional details empowers you to enjoy your meal while staying on track with your dietary goals.
For more specific nutritional information and menu updates, consulting the official Outback Steakhouse nutrition information is always recommended.
Note: Nutritional information can vary slightly by location and over time, so these figures are approximate.
