Is Steak from Texas Roadhouse Healthy? A Nutritional Guide

According to nutrition data, a 6-ounce USDA Choice Sirloin from Texas Roadhouse contains just 250 calories and 6g of fat, proving that a steak can be a healthy, high-protein choice when you know what to order. While some cuts are packed with high calories, fat, and sodium, others can fit into a balanced diet with some smart ordering strategies.

Quick Summary

An analysis of Texas Roadhouse's menu reveals which steak options are the healthiest and which to avoid, focusing on cuts like sirloin and filet. It explores the nutritional benefits and drawbacks, offering strategies for creating a balanced and health-conscious meal.

Key Points

• Opt for Lean Cuts: The USDA Choice Sirloin and Dallas Filet are the leanest steak options at Texas Roadhouse, offering high protein with less fat and calories.

• Beware of Sodium: Certain menu items, like the Filet Medallions and Bone-In Ribeye, are exceptionally high in sodium and calories, making them less healthy choices.

• Customize Your Order: Ask for your steak with no extra butter and select healthier preparation methods like grilled or baked over fried.

• Choose Healthier Sides: Pair your steak with steamed vegetables, plain baked potatoes, or applesauce to keep your meal balanced and lower in fat and calories.

• Manage Your Portions: Be mindful of the large serving sizes by ordering a smaller cut or planning to take half of your entree home for another meal.

• Consider Alternatives: For a leaner meal, the grilled salmon or chicken breast are excellent high-protein alternatives to steak.

Navigating the Texas Roadhouse Menu for a Healthier Steak

When dining out, especially at a popular steakhouse chain like Texas Roadhouse, making healthy choices can seem challenging. The menu is often filled with rich, indulgent options that can quickly derail a healthy eating plan. However, with a bit of knowledge and some smart ordering, a steak dinner can be a nutritious, high-protein meal. The key is understanding the nutritional differences between cuts of meat and being mindful of preparation methods and side dishes.

The Healthiest Steak Options at Texas Roadhouse

Not all steaks are created equal, and this is especially true when it comes to their nutritional content. At Texas Roadhouse, certain cuts are significantly leaner and lower in saturated fat, calories, and sodium than others. For health-conscious diners, these are the best choices:

• USDA Choice Sirloin (6oz): Often cited as the best option, the 6-ounce sirloin is a standout choice for its impressive protein-to-calorie ratio. It is a leaner cut that is lower in saturated fat compared to other steaks on the menu.
• Dallas Filet (6oz or 8oz): This specialty filet is another strong contender. The 6-ounce version has a moderate calorie count and is relatively low in saturated fat, making it a flavorful yet sensible choice. As with any steak, you can request it with no added butter to further reduce the fat content.
• Lil’ Dillo Steak Bites: For those seeking a smaller, more portion-controlled option, the Lil' Dillo steak bites are surprisingly healthy. This kid's menu option delivers a high dose of protein with minimal calories and fat, but be sure to check how they are prepared to avoid hidden calories.
• New York Strip (8oz): With less than 1g of carbohydrates, the 8-ounce NY strip is a viable option for those following a low-carb diet. Its nutritional profile offers a good balance of protein and moderate fat.

Comparing Steak Cuts: What to Order and What to Avoid

To illustrate the importance of choosing your steak cut wisely, here is a comparison of some popular options on the Texas Roadhouse menu. The nutritional values listed are approximate and can vary based on preparation.

Steak Cut	Approximate Size	Calories	Saturated Fat	Sodium	Why It's a Smarter Choice	Why to Be Cautious
USDA Sirloin	6oz	~250	~2.5g	~560mg	Leanest cut, highest protein-to-calorie ratio.	Larger sizes significantly increase fat and sodium.
Dallas Filet	6oz	~270	~4g	~720mg	Tender, excellent lean protein source.	Higher in sodium than the sirloin for the same size.
Filet Medallions	9oz (3x3oz)	~760	Not listed	~2,510mg	Tender and delicious.	Extremely high in sodium compared to other steaks.
Bone-In Ribeye	20oz	~1,480	~44g	~1,720mg	Rich, flavorful, and tender.	Very high in calories, fat, and saturated fat.

The Importance of Health-Conscious Ordering and Sides

Just ordering a lean steak is not enough. The preparation method and accompanying side dishes play a critical role in the overall healthiness of your meal. Texas Roadhouse’s commitment to using fresh, never-frozen beef is a great starting point, but extra butter is often added to steaks for flavor.

To make your meal healthier, consider these tips:

• Request no extra butter: Ask for your steak to be cooked without the lemon pepper butter often added to finish the steak.
• Choose wisely: Opt for grilled, baked, or steamed sides over fried options. A plain baked potato, steamed broccoli, fresh vegetables, or green beans are much healthier than butter-laden corn or loaded potatoes.
• Control your portion size: With famously large portions, Texas Roadhouse is ideal for sharing meals or taking half home for another day. A 6oz or 8oz sirloin is often sufficient for one person.
• Beware of the add-ons: Avoid extras like cheese, creamy gravies, or excessive sauces that can significantly increase the calorie and sodium count. For salads, get the dressing on the side.

Conclusion

So, is steak from Texas Roadhouse healthy? The answer is not a simple yes or no; it depends heavily on your menu choices. While the restaurant offers some indulgent, high-calorie options like the Bone-In Ribeye or Filet Medallions, it also provides excellent lean protein sources in its sirloin and Dallas filet cuts. By choosing a leaner steak, requesting minimal added butter, and pairing it with healthy, simple sides like steamed vegetables or a plain baked potato, you can easily build a nutritious and satisfying meal that aligns with your health goals. A little awareness can turn a seemingly unhealthy restaurant into a place for smart dining.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the healthiest steak cut at Texas Roadhouse? The 6-ounce USDA Choice Sirloin is generally considered the healthiest steak option due to its low calorie and fat content relative to its size and high protein.

How can I reduce calories when ordering a steak meal? To reduce calories, choose a smaller, leaner cut like the 6oz sirloin, ask for no extra butter, and select steamed vegetables or a plain baked potato as your side dishes.

Is the Dallas Filet a healthy option? The Dallas Filet is another good choice, with the 6-ounce option offering a solid, high-protein meal. Like the sirloin, you can minimize calories by ordering it with no butter.

What Texas Roadhouse steak has the most sodium? The Filet Medallions, despite their small size, contain a very high amount of sodium at 2,510mg per serving, making them one of the saltier options.

Are the side dishes at Texas Roadhouse healthy? Some side dishes like steamed broccoli, green beans, or a plain baked potato are healthy choices. However, many are prepared with butter, oil, or are deep-fried, so always inquire about the preparation.

How can I control portion size at Texas Roadhouse? Restaurant portions are often large. You can manage your intake by ordering a smaller cut, like the 6oz sirloin, sharing a larger entree, or asking for a to-go box at the beginning of your meal.

Is there a healthy alternative to steak at Texas Roadhouse? Yes, options like the grilled salmon or grilled BBQ chicken are great alternatives that are high in protein and can be part of a healthy meal, especially when avoiding sugary sauces and rich toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Texas Roadhouse steak is the leanest?

The 6-ounce USDA Choice Sirloin is generally the leanest steak cut available at Texas Roadhouse.

What should I avoid adding to my Texas Roadhouse steak for a healthier meal?

To make your steak meal healthier, you should avoid adding extra butter, creamy sauces, and rich toppings like brown gravy or mushrooms cooked in excess oil.

Are the Texas Roadhouse rolls healthy?

While delicious, the honey-cinnamon butter and rolls are high in calories and sugar. Skipping them or limiting yourself to just one can help keep your meal in check.

Is the salmon or a steak a healthier choice at Texas Roadhouse?

Grilled salmon is often a healthier choice than many steak cuts, especially fattier options like the ribeye, due to its omega-3 fatty acids and typically lower saturated fat content.

How can I order a low-sodium meal at Texas Roadhouse?

To order a low-sodium meal, choose a lean steak like the sirloin or Dallas Filet, request no extra seasonings or butter, and select low-sodium sides like plain vegetables.

Can I still have a baked potato with my meal and keep it healthy?

Yes, you can have a plain baked potato. Skip the added butter and sour cream, or bring a low-fat topping from home, to keep the calorie count down.

Are there any hidden unhealthy ingredients in Texas Roadhouse steak meals?

Hidden unhealthy aspects include excessive salt and butter added during preparation. Asking for these to be omitted or minimized is a crucial step for a healthier meal.