How many calories in a bison ribeye steak?

November 13, 2025 •

4 min read

A 4-ounce serving of cooked bison ribeye steak can contain as little as 130 calories, making it a lean and nutrient-dense alternative to traditional red meat. This guide explores exactly how many calories in a bison ribeye steak, examining the factors that influence its nutritional content.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a bison ribeye depends on its weight and trim, but it is generally lower in calories and fat than a beef ribeye. Its nutritional profile is rich in protein, iron, and B vitamins.

Key Points

Calorie Count Varies: The exact number of calories in a bison ribeye depends on the serving size, fat trim, and cooking method.
Leaner than Beef: Bison is a significantly leaner protein, with less fat and fewer calories than its beef equivalent, making it an excellent healthier alternative.
Packed with Nutrients: Bison meat provides more iron, B vitamins (especially B12), and zinc compared to beef, contributing to better energy levels and immune function.
Heart-Healthy Benefits: Its lower saturated fat and higher omega-3 content make bison a favorable choice for supporting cardiovascular health and reducing inflammation.
Requires Different Cooking: Due to its leanness, bison ribeye cooks faster than beef and should be cooked to a medium-rare or medium temperature to prevent it from drying out.
Natural and Sustainable: Most bison are grass-fed and raised without hormones or antibiotics, promoting sustainable farming practices and a cleaner meat product.

Understanding the Calorie Count of Bison Ribeye

Determining the precise number of calories in a bison ribeye steak is not a single-number answer, as it can vary based on several factors, including the specific cut, portion size, and how it is prepared. However, bison is consistently recognized as a leaner protein source compared to conventional beef. For instance, a 12-ounce bison ribeye steak from Nebraska Bison contains 390 calories and 8g of fat, while a smaller 4-ounce version might have significantly fewer calories, such as 130, as cited by SmartLabel. The fat content is a primary driver of the overall calorie count, and since bison is typically leaner, it presents a lower-calorie alternative for those monitoring their intake.

Raw bison meat, specifically separable lean trim, offers an even lower calorie density, with about 33 calories per ounce. However, cooking methods and the retention of fat will affect the final nutritional profile. For example, broiling will retain a higher calorie count than a raw trim, with one ounce reaching approximately 50 calories. Always consider the specific portion size when evaluating a meal's total caloric impact.

Factors Influencing Bison Ribeye Calories

Cut and Marbling: While generally lean, ribeye is a cut known for more marbling than, for example, a sirloin. This affects its fat and calorie content compared to leaner cuts of bison.
Fat Trim: The amount of visible fat trimmed from the steak before cooking will directly lower the calorie count. Some nutrition facts are based on 'separable lean only' meat.
Cooking Method: Grilling, searing, or broiling with minimal added oil will keep the calorie count lower. Drowning the steak in butter or fatty sauces will significantly increase the caloric value.
Grass-Fed vs. Grain-Finished: Most bison are grass-fed, which contributes to their leaner profile. However, some might be grain-finished, which could slightly increase the fat and calorie content, though typically not to the levels of conventional beef.

Bison vs. Beef: A Nutritional Comparison

Bison is often hailed as a healthier red meat option, and for good reason. It offers a more favorable nutritional profile, particularly for those focused on heart health and managing fat intake. Here's a comparison based on information from various nutritional sources, for a standard 3.5-ounce (100g) cooked portion:


Nutrient	Bison (Lean)	Beef (Lean)	Source(s)
Calories	~143 kcal	~201 kcal	,
Total Fat	~2.4 g	~8.1 g	,
Protein	~28.4 g	~29.9 g
Iron	~3.4 mg	~3.0 mg
Cholesterol	~82 mg	~86 mg
Vitamin B12	High concentration	High concentration	,
Zinc	High concentration	High concentration	,

Health Benefits of Choosing Bison

Opting for a bison ribeye over its beef counterpart offers a range of health advantages beyond just lower calories. A nutrient-dense profile means every bite delivers more essential vitamins and minerals.

Leaner Protein: With significantly less fat and fewer calories, bison is an excellent choice for managing weight while maintaining high protein intake.
Heart Healthier: Its lower saturated fat content and favorable omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio promote cardiovascular health.
Rich in Iron: Bison meat is a particularly rich source of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body than the iron found in plants. This is crucial for red blood cell function and energy.
Vitamin Powerhouse: Bison is packed with energizing B-vitamins, especially Vitamin B12, essential for nerve function and overall energy levels.
Antioxidant Properties: It contains selenium, a mineral that acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect the body from cellular damage.
Clean and Natural: Most bison are raised ethically without the use of hormones or antibiotics, making it a pure protein choice.

Cooking Your Bison Ribeye

Due to its lower fat content, bison ribeye should be cooked differently than beef to prevent it from becoming dry. Following these tips will ensure a tender and juicy result.

Bring to Room Temperature: Let the steak sit for 20-30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Use High Heat: Sear the steak quickly over high heat to lock in juices.
Finish on Lower Heat: Once seared, move the steak to a lower temperature to finish cooking.
Do Not Overcook: For the best flavor and texture, cook bison to a medium-rare or medium doneness. It cooks faster than beef, so monitor it closely.
Let it Rest: Allow the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute, ensuring a tender bite.

For more detailed cooking inspiration, you can visit resources like those at Buck Wild Bison.

Conclusion: Making the Healthier Choice

When considering how many calories in a bison ribeye steak, the answer points to a leaner, more nutrient-dense protein option than beef. With a lower fat and calorie count, while offering more iron and B vitamins, bison is an excellent choice for those focused on healthy eating and weight management. By understanding the factors that affect its calorie count and preparing it correctly, you can enjoy a delicious and guilt-free meal. Its heart-healthy benefits and rich mineral content further solidify its reputation as a superior protein source. The next time you're looking for a flavorful and healthy red meat, a bison ribeye steak is a standout option worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, bison ribeye is generally considered healthier than beef ribeye. It contains fewer calories, less total fat, and less saturated fat, while often providing more iron and other essential nutrients.

While calorie counts can vary, a 6-ounce bison steak is roughly around 180 calories, based on data provided by suppliers like Nebraska Bison for comparable cuts.

Yes, trimming the fat has a significant effect. Nutritional data for trimmed, lean bison ribeye shows a lower fat and calorie count compared to cuts with more visible fat.

Due to its high protein content and low-calorie nature, bison ribeye is an excellent addition to a weight loss diet. The protein helps increase satiety, keeping you fuller for longer and reducing overall calorie intake.

Bison is lower in fat and calories but higher in protein, iron, and B vitamins. The fat profile is also more favorable for heart health, with a better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio compared to conventional beef.

Cook bison ribeye at a lower temperature and for less time than you would with a beef steak. It is recommended to cook it to medium-rare to medium at most, and to allow it to rest before serving.

Yes, grass-fed bison is typically leaner and has less fat than grain-finished beef or even some grain-finished bison. This contributes to a lower overall calorie count.

Bison is raised in smaller numbers than cattle, and the animals are generally allowed to graze freely rather than being confined to feedlots. This makes the production process more resource-intensive and leads to a higher cost.