Nutrition Diet: Is Sirloin or Ribeye Less Calories?

November 2, 2025 •

3 min read

A 3.5-ounce (100g) serving of lean sirloin can have nearly 100 calories fewer than a similarly sized ribeye steak. For those tracking their intake, knowing the difference is key to a successful nutrition plan, so let's answer the question: Is sirloin or ribeye less calories?.

Quick Summary

Sirloin steak contains fewer calories than ribeye due to its significantly lower fat content. The leaner sirloin is a better choice for calorie-controlled diets, while ribeye's higher marbling makes it richer in fat and calories.

Key Points

Sirloin is Leaner: Sirloin steak contains significantly less fat and, therefore, fewer calories than ribeye steak.
Ribeye is More Marbled: The rich marbling of fat throughout a ribeye is what makes it so tender and flavorful, but also higher in calories.
Protein Content: Both are excellent sources of protein, though sirloin may offer a slightly higher protein-to-fat ratio per serving.
Dietary Goals Matter: Sirloin is a better choice for weight management or lower-fat diets, while ribeye can be suitable for high-fat diets like keto.
Cooking Method is Crucial: The way you cook your steak, and the amount of added fats, will significantly affect the final calorie count.
Portion Control: The calorie difference is most significant with larger portions. Staying mindful of portion size is important for either cut.

Understanding the Nutritional Differences Between Sirloin and Ribeye

When planning a meal, especially with a focus on nutrition, the choice of steak cut can make a significant difference to your overall calorie and fat intake. While both sirloin and ribeye are popular cuts of beef, they have distinctly different nutritional profiles that are important to understand. The primary difference is their fat content, which directly impacts their caloric value. A ribeye's rich marbling is what gives it a buttery flavor and tender texture, but it also accounts for its higher calorie count. Sirloin, on the other hand, is a leaner cut with a lower fat content, making it a more calorie-conscious option.

The Ribeye: A Flavorful and Fatty Cut

Ribeye steak is prized for its rich, decadent flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. This is due to the generous amount of intramuscular fat, or marbling, that runs through the meat. Coming from the rib section, a less-exercised area of the animal, the muscle fibers are shorter and more tender. For those on a ketogenic or high-fat diet, this higher fat content can be beneficial for staying satiated for longer. However, for those monitoring their calorie and saturated fat intake, the ribeye is the less favorable choice.

The Sirloin: A Leaner and More Protein-Dense Option

Cut from the rear back portion of the cow, the sirloin is a leaner steak that offers a robust, beefy flavor without the excess fat. It is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and maintenance. The lower fat content gives sirloin a firmer texture, but it can still be tender when cooked properly. For those seeking to reduce their fat intake or aiming for weight loss, sirloin presents a superior choice. Its versatility also makes it a great option for everything from grilling to stir-fries.

A Head-to-Head Comparison: Ribeye vs. Sirloin

When directly comparing the nutritional statistics, the stark difference in calories and fat becomes clear. For a standard 3.5-ounce (100g) cooked serving, the numbers reveal that sirloin is the hands-down winner for anyone looking for the lower-calorie option.


Feature	Ribeye (per 3.5 oz / 100g cooked)	Sirloin (per 3.5 oz / 100g cooked)
Calories	~290 kcal	~200 kcal
Total Fat	~20g	~9g
Saturated Fat	Higher content due to marbling	Lower content, considered a leaner cut
Protein	~24g	~27g
Flavor Profile	Rich, buttery, and heavily marbled	Robust, beefy, and leaner
Best For	Indulgent meals, high-fat diets	Calorie-controlled diets, everyday cooking

The Importance of Cooking Method and Portion Control

Beyond the choice of cut, how you prepare your steak is crucial. Cooking methods like grilling, broiling, or pan-searing with minimal healthy fats (e.g., olive oil) will keep calories in check. Conversely, cooking with excessive butter or oil will increase the total caloric and fat content. Furthermore, portion control is paramount. A typical restaurant serving often exceeds the recommended 3-ounce portion size, so being mindful of how much you consume is just as important as the cut you choose. Trimming visible fat before cooking is also an effective strategy to reduce saturated fat intake.

Making the Right Choice for Your Diet

Your dietary needs and goals should guide your decision between sirloin and ribeye. If your goal is to manage your weight or reduce saturated fat, sirloin is the smarter, healthier choice. It offers a high-protein, satisfying meal with significantly fewer calories. For those following high-fat diets like keto, or simply looking for an occasional, rich and flavorful indulgence, the ribeye is a satisfying option. Budget is also a factor, as sirloin is typically more affordable than ribeye. Ultimately, both cuts can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and prepared mindfully.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision

In the debate over calorie counts, sirloin is definitively the less caloric option when compared to ribeye, primarily due to its leaner fat profile. A nutrient-dense food, both cuts offer essential vitamins and minerals, but sirloin's lower fat content makes it a more health-conscious choice for those controlling their weight or saturated fat intake. The best cut is not a one-size-fits-all answer, but rather one that aligns with your personal health goals, budget, and taste preferences. By considering the nutritional facts and preparing your steak thoughtfully, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without compromising your diet.

For more detailed nutritional information and recipes for various cuts of beef, you can explore resources like the National Cattlemen's Beef Association via the website for "Beef. It's What's For Dinner."

Frequently Asked Questions

Sirloin is the better choice for weight loss. It is a leaner cut of beef with significantly fewer calories and less fat than ribeye, making it more suitable for a calorie-controlled diet.

For a 3.5-ounce (100g) cooked serving, sirloin has approximately 200 calories, while ribeye has around 290 calories, making ribeye nearly 100 calories higher due to its fat content.

While ribeye is higher in fat and calories, it also contains a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats and is a good source of protein and essential nutrients. It's not necessarily 'healthier' for a low-calorie diet, but can be useful for those on high-fat diets like keto.

Trimming the visible fat from a ribeye will reduce its calorie and saturated fat content. However, because ribeye has more intramuscular fat (marbling) that cannot be trimmed, it will still contain more fat and calories than a naturally leaner sirloin cut.

Cooking methods that add minimal fat, such as grilling or broiling, will result in a lower-calorie steak. Frying in excessive butter or oil will increase the total calories, especially with a fattier cut like ribeye.

Both sirloin and ribeye are excellent sources of protein. Sirloin typically offers a slightly higher protein content per serving due to its lower fat-to-muscle ratio.

Sirloin is generally the more affordable cut of steak compared to ribeye. The high fat content and tenderness of a ribeye often make it a more expensive cut.