How many calories are in tartare meat?

January 2, 2026 •

3 min read

A 100-gram serving of steak tartare with egg typically contains between 210 and 353 calories. The caloric value fluctuates based on the cut of beef and the recipe used. The fat content of the meat, and ingredients like egg yolk, capers, and oil, influence the final count.

Quick Summary

The calorie count in tartare meat varies due to the beef cut and additions such as egg yolk and oil. Leaner cuts and simple recipes have fewer calories. The entire recipe, not just the raw beef, determines nutritional content.

Key Points

Calorie Variability: Tartare meat's calorie count varies with beef fat content and recipe, often including high-fat ingredients.
High-Fat Additions: Steak tartare with egg yolk and olive oil contains significantly more calories than just raw beef alone.
Elevated Fat Content: Classic tartare recipes are often rich in fat, mainly from the beef and egg yolk, which increases the calorie count.
Prioritize Food Safety: Eating raw meat, like tartare, poses health risks from microorganisms, making careful sourcing and handling crucial.
Consider Portion Size: A large restaurant serving of tartare can exceed 400 calories, so knowing portion sizes helps manage intake.
Cooking's Calorie Impact: Contrary to misconceptions, cooking doesn't inherently add calories. Cooked meat can sometimes be lower in calories if fat renders out.

The Calorie Breakdown of Steak Tartare

Steak tartare, a classic dish of finely minced raw beef, is more complex than a simple piece of meat. The total calorie count is a sum of its components, primarily the beef, the egg yolk, and other dressings and condiments. A leaner cut of beef will result in a dish with fewer calories, while a richer cut or generous use of ingredients like olive oil can increase the total substantially. The specific ingredients and preparation methods vary widely from chef to chef, meaning there is no single answer to how many calories are in tartare meat.

Factors Influencing Tartare Calories

Several key ingredients contribute to the total caloric value of a steak tartare dish:

The Beef: The cut and fat content of the beef are the most significant factors. A lean tenderloin will have fewer calories per ounce than a more marbled cut.
The Egg Yolk: A traditional component, one large raw egg yolk adds approximately 55 calories.
Oil and Dressings: Ingredients like olive oil and mustard, used to bind and flavor the mixture, add calories and fat. The amount used can greatly impact the dish's nutritional profile.
Condiments and Garnish: Capers, onions, and parsley contribute minimal calories, but rich additions like anchovy paste or extra sauces will increase the total.

Comparison: Raw Beef vs. Cooked Beef Calories

It is a common misconception that cooking adds calories. In reality, cooking often causes water and fat to render out, potentially concentrating the nutritional value of the remaining meat. The caloric content of raw meat is similar to its cooked counterpart, but the total calories in a finished dish like steak tartare often exceed those of a simple cooked steak due to the high-fat ingredients added. For instance, a 4-ounce portion of lean raw beef might contain about 199 calories, while a serving of classic tartare with its accompaniments can be significantly higher.

Nutritional Comparison: Tartare vs. Cooked Beef

This table illustrates the general caloric and macronutrient differences between a lean steak tartare and a cooked lean steak per 100g serving.


Feature	Lean Steak Tartare (approx. 100g)	Cooked Lean Beef Steak (approx. 100g)
Calories	210-250 kcal	155-220 kcal (depending on doneness)
Fat	14-17g	5-10g
Protein	18-36g	22-30g
Carbohydrates	~1g	0g
Sodium	Variable, depending on salt/capers	Low (before seasoning)

Understanding the Macronutrient Profile

Beyond just calories, it's helpful to understand where those calories come from. In a typical steak tartare, the macronutrient breakdown is dominated by protein from the meat and fat from the added oil and egg yolk. It is naturally very low in carbohydrates. For example, a classic steak tartare recipe might break down as 4% carbs, 73% fat, and 23% protein, highlighting its richness. For those on low-carb or keto diets, the rich fat content might be beneficial, but it's important to be mindful of the portion size and overall calorie intake.

Health Considerations for Raw Meat

It is crucial to note the health implications of consuming raw meat. As highlighted by the Government of Québec, there is always a risk of contamination from microorganisms, which are typically destroyed by cooking. To minimize risk, tartare should be prepared with the highest quality, freshest beef and handled with impeccable food safety practices. Individuals with compromised immune systems, the elderly, or pregnant women are advised to avoid raw meat dishes due to this inherent risk. A reputable butcher or restaurant will be able to provide the necessary assurances regarding the meat's handling. For further information on food safety best practices, consult reliable sources like the FDA or local food safety authorities.

Conclusion

The number of calories in tartare meat is not fixed but is a result of the collective ingredients and their proportions. While the core component is raw beef, which is calorie-dense, the addition of rich fats from egg yolks and olive oil pushes the final calorie count significantly higher than that of simple cooked meat. A typical serving of classic steak tartare often falls between 210 and 400+ calories, depending on the recipe. For those monitoring caloric intake, asking about the specific ingredients and portion size is advisable. For anyone preparing or consuming this dish, prioritize food safety above all else by sourcing the freshest ingredients and practicing proper handling to minimize health risks. Enjoying tartare is a delight, but a mindful approach to its caloric content and safety is always the best path forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

A serving of classic steak tartare generally contains more calories than a comparable serving of cooked lean beef due to the addition of high-fat ingredients such as egg yolk and olive oil.

A 100-gram serving of classic steak tartare typically ranges from approximately 210 to 353 calories, depending on the recipe and the fat content of the beef.

Aside from the fat content of the raw beef, the addition of ingredients like egg yolk and olive oil significantly contributes to the overall calorie count in steak tartare.

Yes, steak tartare is an excellent source of protein, with a typical serving providing a substantial amount of protein from the high-quality, lean beef used in its preparation.

You can reduce the calories in tartare by using a very lean cut of beef, minimizing the amount of olive oil, and using a substitute for the traditional egg yolk or simply using less.

Yes, the calorie count varies widely across different tartare types. For example, a beef tartare with minimal ingredients will have fewer calories than a Korean-style beef tartare that often includes a sugary marinade.

To ensure tartare is safe, always source the highest quality, freshest beef from a reputable butcher. The meat should be prepared and consumed immediately, and vulnerable populations like pregnant women or those with weak immune systems should avoid it.