How Many Calories are in Texas Roadhouse Steak Bites?

According to nutritional data, an order of Texas Roadhouse Lil' Dillo Steak Bites contains 170 calories, making it a surprisingly lean and protein-rich appetizer. Understanding this foundational fact is key to managing your overall intake when enjoying a meal at the restaurant.

Quick Summary

An order of Texas Roadhouse Lil' Dillo Steak Bites has 170 calories, with 31g of protein and 4g of fat. This makes it a protein-dense starter option.

Key Points

• Low Calorie Count: A serving of Texas Roadhouse steak bites contains only 170 calories, making it one of the lighter appetizers.

• High Protein Source: With 31 grams of protein per order, the steak bites provide significant satiety and muscle-building benefits.

• Minimal Carbs and Fat: The dish is low in carbohydrates (2g) and fat (4g), especially compared to fried alternatives.

• Choose Sides Wisely: The total calorie count is most affected by side dishes, with options like a loaded baked potato adding hundreds of calories.

• Healthier Appetizer Option: Compared to other starters like the 1700-calorie Cactus Blossom, steak bites are a much healthier choice.

• Manage Add-Ons: Be aware of extra calories from dipping sauces like garlic butter, which can significantly increase the total.

The Nutritional Profile of Lil' Dillo Steak Bites

The Texas Roadhouse Lil' Dillo Steak Bites, often an appetizer favorite, contain a relatively modest 170 calories per serving. This nutritional profile is notable for its high protein and low carbohydrate and fat content compared to many other starters on the menu. The key to this is the preparation method, which focuses on grilling or searing the beef tips rather than deep-frying them.

A Closer Look at the Macronutrients

To understand why the steak bites are a healthier appetizer choice, it's essential to examine their macronutrient breakdown.

• Protein (31g): At 31 grams per serving, the Lil' Dillo Steak Bites are an excellent source of lean protein. Protein is crucial for building muscle, repairing tissues, and helping you feel full and satisfied. This high protein content helps offset the potential for overeating later in the meal.
• Fat (4g): With only 4 grams of total fat, this dish keeps the fat content low, especially compared to deep-fried appetizers. The amount of saturated fat is just 1.5 grams.
• Carbohydrates (2g): The carbohydrate count is minimal, with only 2 grams total and 1 gram of dietary fiber. This low-carb profile makes it a suitable option for those following specific dietary plans, such as keto or low-carb diets.

How Side Dishes Impact the Total Calorie Count

While the steak bites themselves are a lean choice, the full meal's nutritional impact depends heavily on the sides and accompanying dipping sauces. For example, adding Texas Roadhouse's Garlic Butter to your steak bites would increase the calories by 170 per ounce. Similarly, opting for higher-calorie sides can quickly inflate your total meal calories.

Here is a list of side combinations that can significantly increase the total calories:

• Lil' Dillo Steak Bites + Loaded Baked Potato: 170 (bites) + 650 (potato) = 820 calories.
• Lil' Dillo Steak Bites + Steak Fries: 170 (bites) + 360 (fries) = 530 calories.
• Lil' Dillo Steak Bites + Loaded Mashed Potatoes: 170 (bites) + 500 (potatoes) = 670 calories.

For a more health-conscious meal, consider pairing the steak bites with a low-calorie alternative. Some excellent choices include a side salad with no dressing, steamed vegetables, or the fresh vegetables side.

Here is a list of side combinations for a lighter meal:

• Lil' Dillo Steak Bites + Fresh Vegetables: 170 (bites) + 190 (vegetables) = 360 calories.
• Lil' Dillo Steak Bites + Green Beans: 170 (bites) + 100 (green beans) = 270 calories.
• Lil' Dillo Steak Bites + House Side Salad (no dressing): 170 (bites) + 230 (salad) = 400 calories.

Calorie Comparison: Steak Bites vs. Other Texas Roadhouse Appetizers

Comparing the steak bites to other starters on the Texas Roadhouse menu highlights just how lean and protein-packed they are. The following table contrasts the calorie counts of several popular appetizers:

Appetizer	Calories (per order)	Key Macronutrient	Notes
Lil' Dillo Steak Bites	170	31g Protein	High protein, low fat appetizer.
Boneless Buffalo Wings (Mild)	860	760 (Hot)	Calorie count varies by sauce.
Cactus Blossom	1700	High Fat/Carbs	One of the highest-calorie items.
Fried Pickles (Combo)	280	High Fat/Sodium	Still higher than steak bites.
Rattlesnake Bites (Combo)	280	High Fat	Similar calorie count to Fried Pickles.
Tater Skins (Combo)	(Not specified on all menus)	High Fat/Carbs	Known for being high-calorie.

Tips for a Healthier Texas Roadhouse Meal

Making mindful choices can allow you to enjoy your meal while staying on track with your health goals. The steak bites are an excellent starting point.

1. Skip the Garlic Butter: While delicious, the extra garlic butter can add significant calories. Ask for the steak bites plain or with a light sauce if available.
2. Choose Lighter Sides: Pair the steak bites with fresh or steamed vegetables instead of heavier options like fries or a loaded baked potato.
3. Drink Water: Avoid high-calorie sodas or specialty margaritas. A frozen strawberry margarita, for example, can add another 460 calories to your meal.
4. Split the Appetizer: If you're dining with others, consider splitting the steak bites to reduce your portion size and overall calorie intake.
5. Focus on Protein: The high protein content of the steak bites will help you feel full, potentially reducing the temptation to indulge in less healthy options.

Conclusion

Texas Roadhouse Lil' Dillo Steak Bites offer a relatively low-calorie and high-protein appetizer option at 170 calories per order. Their nutritional value is impressive when compared to other starters like the high-calorie Cactus Blossom. However, the overall healthiness of your meal depends on your choices for sides and sauces. By pairing these savory bites with lighter sides and being mindful of add-ons, you can enjoy a satisfying Texas Roadhouse meal that aligns with your dietary goals.

For more detailed menu information and up-to-date nutrition facts, you can refer to the official Texas Roadhouse website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in a full order of Texas Roadhouse steak bites?

A full order of Texas Roadhouse Lil' Dillo Steak Bites contains 170 calories.

What is the protein content of the steak bites at Texas Roadhouse?

The Lil' Dillo Steak Bites have 31 grams of protein per serving, making them a very protein-rich appetizer.

Are Texas Roadhouse steak bites a healthy option?

The steak bites are a healthier appetizer option due to their high protein and low-fat content compared to many other fried starters.

What are the fat and carb counts for the steak bites?

Each order contains 4 grams of total fat and just 2 grams of total carbohydrates.

How can I keep my meal low-calorie with the steak bites?

Pair the steak bites with a low-calorie side like fresh vegetables or a house salad with light dressing to keep your total meal calories down.

Do dipping sauces add a lot of calories to the steak bites?

Yes, dipping sauces and extra butters can add significant calories. For example, a single ounce of garlic butter is 170 calories.

How do the steak bites compare to other Texas Roadhouse appetizers?

The steak bites are one of the lowest-calorie appetizers. For comparison, a Cactus Blossom has 1700 calories, and combo-sized fried pickles have 280 calories.