Is Angus Steak High in Calories? An In-Depth Nutritional Guide

December 23, 2025 •

3 min read

According to USDA data, the calorie count of beef can vary significantly based on the cut and grade. The question of whether angus steak is high in calories is therefore more complex than a simple yes or no, depending largely on which specific cut you choose and how it is prepared.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of Angus steak varies significantly based on the cut, marbling, and preparation method. Fattier cuts like ribeye are calorie-dense, while leaner options such as sirloin or tenderloin offer a lower-calorie alternative. The beef's diet (grass-fed vs. grain-fed) also affects its fat and calorie levels.

Key Points

Not a Single Answer: Whether an angus steak is high in calories depends entirely on the specific cut, not just the 'angus' label.
Fattier vs. Leaner Cuts: Cuts with more marbling, like ribeye, are significantly higher in calories than leaner cuts such as sirloin or tenderloin.
Cooking Method Matters: Frying a steak in oil or butter can add a substantial amount of calories, while grilling or broiling keeps the calorie count lower.
Portion Control is Key: A larger steak, regardless of the cut, will naturally contain more calories.
Grass-Fed vs. Grain-Fed: Grass-fed angus beef is typically leaner and lower in calories than its grain-fed counterpart.
Rich in Nutrients: Despite calorie variation, angus beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins.

Angus beef is highly prized for its flavor, tenderness, and excellent marbling, but this superior quality can lead to confusion about its caloric impact. The calorie content of any steak is determined by its fat and protein content, and since Angus is known for its fat marbling, it often carries a reputation for being high in calories. However, a closer look at the different cuts reveals a much more nuanced picture.

The Factors That Influence Angus Steak Calories

To truly understand the calorie count of an Angus steak, it is essential to consider several key variables that affect its nutritional profile.

The Specific Cut: The most significant factor is the specific cut of beef. A fatty, well-marbled cut like a ribeye will naturally have more calories than a lean cut from the same animal, such as a sirloin or tenderloin.
Marbling: Angus is known for superior marbling—the white, intramuscular fat that melts during cooking, contributing to flavor and tenderness. More marbling means more fat, and since fat contains more calories per gram than protein, this directly increases the total calorie count.
Cooking Method: The way you prepare your steak has a major impact. Grilling or broiling without added fats is the healthiest option. Cooking in a pan with butter or oil can significantly add to the final calorie count, with each tablespoon of butter adding around 100 calories.
Portion Size: This is a basic, yet often overlooked, variable. A 10-ounce ribeye will have more calories than a 6-ounce ribeye. Monitoring portion sizes is a straightforward way to manage calorie intake.
Animal's Diet: The cattle's diet can influence the beef's fat profile. Grass-fed Angus tends to be leaner and lower in calories compared to grain-fed Angus.

Breaking Down Angus Cuts: High vs. Low Calorie

Not all Angus steaks are created equal when it comes to nutrition. By understanding the calorie differences between popular cuts, you can make more informed choices.

The Leanest Angus Options

For those watching their calorie intake, these cuts offer a leaner profile without sacrificing the quality of Angus beef:

Tenderloin (Filet Mignon): Renowned for its tenderness and mild flavor, this cut is exceptionally lean and therefore has a lower calorie count.
Top Sirloin: A great choice for those seeking a balance of flavor and leanness. It's a flavorful cut with less fat and fewer calories than a ribeye.
Top Round: This is one of the leanest cuts available and is a very budget-friendly, low-calorie option.

A Nutritional Comparison of Popular Angus Cuts

Here is a comparison based on approximate calorie content for a 100g (3.5oz) cooked portion, trimming excess fat where applicable.


Feature	Angus Ribeye	Angus Top Sirloin	Angus Tenderloin
Typical Calories	250-300 kcal	150-200 kcal	150-200 kcal
Fat Content	High (Rich marbling)	Moderate	Low (Very Lean)
Protein Content	Excellent source	Excellent source	Excellent source
Tenderness	Very High	High	Extremely High
Flavor	Rich and buttery	Robust, beefy	Mild and delicate

Beyond Calories: The Nutritional Benefits of Angus Beef

While calories are important, they are not the only nutritional factor to consider. Angus beef is a dense source of vital nutrients that contribute to a healthy diet.

High-Quality Protein: Beef is an excellent source of complete protein, containing all the essential amino acids needed for muscle growth, repair, and overall bodily functions.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals: It provides significant levels of iron, zinc, and B vitamins (including B12, B6, and niacin), which support immune function, energy metabolism, and cognitive health.
Healthy Fats: Angus beef also contains beneficial monounsaturated fatty acids, which can help reduce bad cholesterol when consumed in moderation.

Conclusion: Navigating Calorie Content in Angus Steak

Ultimately, the calorie count of an Angus steak is not inherently high or low. It depends entirely on the specific cut and how it is cooked. For those seeking a delicious yet lower-calorie meal, choosing a lean cut like sirloin or tenderloin and opting for a grilling or broiling method is the best approach. If you are a connoisseur who prefers the rich flavor of a ribeye, simply be mindful of portion size and use preparation techniques that don't add excessive fat. Angus beef can be a nutritious and flavorful part of a balanced diet when chosen and prepared thoughtfully.

For more detailed nutritional information on different beef products, refer to authoritative sources like the USDA FoodData Central.(https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/)

Frequently Asked Questions

Angus beef is often fattier than lower-grade beef because the 'Angus' label is associated with superior marbling, or intramuscular fat, which enhances flavor and tenderness.

The ribeye is typically the highest-calorie Angus cut due to its high fat content and rich marbling. Other well-marbled cuts like the porterhouse or t-bone also have a higher calorie count.

Yes, grass-fed Angus beef generally contains less total fat and fewer calories per gram than grain-fed varieties. The difference in diet results in a leaner meat profile.

The cooking method can significantly alter the calorie count. Grilling, broiling, or baking are lower-calorie methods, while pan-frying in added butter or oil will substantially increase the caloric intake.

Yes, Angus sirloin is one of the leaner and lower-calorie cuts available, offering a good balance of flavor and a reduced fat profile compared to cuts like ribeye.

Angus steak is an excellent source of high-quality protein, providing all essential amino acids. It is also rich in vital nutrients such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, particularly B12.

When cooking, meat loses water, which increases its calorie density per ounce. However, the overall calories in the cooked portion might be lower if a significant amount of fat is rendered out during the cooking process.