What is the healthiest cut of steak at Texas Roadhouse?

November 19, 2025 •

3 min read

While many restaurant steaks are calorie and fat bombs, the smallest sirloin cut at Texas Roadhouse is a remarkably lean and nutritious choice. Choosing the right steak can make a significant difference for those watching their diet, so knowing what is the healthiest cut of steak at Texas Roadhouse is essential for a balanced meal.

Quick Summary

The healthiest steak choice at Texas Roadhouse is the smallest USDA Choice Sirloin, offering the leanest profile with lower calories and fat compared to other cuts. Smart ordering strategies, including preparation methods and side selections, are key for a balanced and nutritious dining experience.

Key Points

The Healthiest Steak: The 6-ounce USDA Choice Sirloin is the leanest and most nutritious steak option at Texas Roadhouse.
Monitor Portions: Opt for the smaller 6-ounce steak size or plan to take half of a larger cut home to manage calorie and fat intake.
Skip the Extras: Request that your steak is cooked without added butter to significantly reduce unnecessary fat and calories.
Choose Smart Sides: Select healthier sides like steamed green beans or a plain baked potato instead of loaded versions or fries.
Customize Your Salad: For a side salad, order dressing on the side and skip the cheese and croutons.
Consider Alternatives: Grilled chicken or salmon are excellent, often lower-fat alternatives to steak.
Avoid Sugary Drinks: Choose water or unsweetened beverages instead of sugary sodas or flavored lemonades to minimize calorie intake.

Navigating the Texas Roadhouse Menu for Healthy Steak Options

For many, Texas Roadhouse conjures images of buttered rolls, massive portions, and indulgent steaks. However, even at a classic American steakhouse, it's possible to make a mindful and nutritious meal choice. The key lies in understanding the different cuts of steak and how they are prepared. By focusing on leaner meats and smart customizations, a Texas Roadhouse dinner can be both delicious and health-conscious. The smallest sirloin steak is consistently identified as the top healthy contender on the menu, but other options and modifications can also help reduce calories and saturated fat.

The Healthiest Steak: Sirloin Takes the Crown

When you're scanning the menu for the healthiest steak option, the sirloin is the clear winner. Located in the rear of the cow, this cut is naturally leaner because the muscle is used frequently, resulting in less fat marbling. For the most nutritional benefit, opt for the 6-ounce USDA Choice Sirloin. A 6-ounce portion contains just 250 calories, 6g of fat, and 2.5g of saturated fat, while packing in an impressive 46g of protein. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone focused on high protein and lower fat content.

Other Lean and Less-Lean Steak Choices

While sirloin is the leanest, other cuts on the menu offer varying nutritional profiles. For example, the Dallas Filet is another relatively lean choice, though slightly higher in carbohydrates due to added ingredients. The New York Strip is also fairly lean but contains more total fat than the sirloin. On the other end of the spectrum, the ribeye is known for its rich marbling, which provides intense flavor but significantly more fat and calories. A 12-ounce ribeye and ribs combo, for instance, can contain over 1500 calories and 111g of fat, demonstrating the stark contrast between cuts.

Customizing Your Meal for Maximum Health

Your steak order is only one part of the equation. Making healthy choices for the rest of your meal is crucial. Texas Roadhouse is known for its buttery preparations, so requesting that your steak be cooked without additional butter is a simple, effective modification. Another significant calorie source comes from the sides. Instead of a loaded baked potato or buttered corn, opt for green beans or a plain baked potato. For a side salad, ask for dressing on the side and avoid cheese and croutons. Even the famous fresh-baked rolls, while delicious, add significant calories and carbs and should be considered a special treat rather than a standard part of the meal.

Here is a comparison table to illustrate the nutritional differences between popular Texas Roadhouse steak options, based on standard sizes available.


Steak Cut	Approximate Calories	Approximate Total Fat (g)	Key Nutritional Notes
6 oz. USDA Choice Sirloin	250	6	Leanest option, high in protein.
6 oz. Dallas Filet	270	N/A (relatively lean)	Tender cut, also a good lean choice.
8 oz. New York Strip	N/A (fairly lean)	N/A	Less lean than sirloin, but still a solid choice.
10 oz. Ribeye	750-850	N/A (high)	Rich flavor, but much higher in calories and fat due to marbling.

Making Smart Choices Beyond the Steak

Beyond the specific cut, several strategies can help make your entire meal healthier. Portion control is a major factor, as restaurant serving sizes are often larger than recommended. Consider splitting a larger steak with a dining companion or boxing up half your meal to take home before you even start eating. Choosing grilled salmon or grilled chicken is another excellent, often lower-calorie and lower-fat alternative to steak. By being proactive and communicating your preferences to your server, you can take control of your nutrition without sacrificing a night out. Even swapping a sugary soda for water can significantly reduce your calorie intake for the meal.

Conclusion: Enjoying Texas Roadhouse Mindfully

For those seeking the healthiest cut of steak at Texas Roadhouse, the 6-ounce USDA Choice Sirloin is the optimal selection. It provides the best balance of high protein and low fat, making it a satiating and nutritious centerpiece for your meal. However, a truly healthy experience involves more than just the steak itself. By choosing lighter side dishes, asking for modifications like no added butter, and practicing portion control, you can enjoy a delicious dinner that aligns with your health goals. Remember that occasional indulgence is fine, but for consistent, health-conscious dining, a strategic approach to the menu is key. Texas Roadhouse's website and nutritional information are valuable resources for planning your meal ahead of time. See a more detailed nutritional breakdown at Nutritionix.

Frequently Asked Questions

The smallest sirloin steak is consistently the leanest option available at Texas Roadhouse. For example, the 6-ounce USDA Choice Sirloin contains only 6 grams of fat, making it a very low-fat choice.

To reduce calories, order a smaller steak cut like the 6-ounce sirloin, choose steamed vegetables like green beans, and ask for your steak and baked potato to be served without any butter or heavy toppings.

The Dallas Filet is also a relatively lean and healthy steak option, similar to the sirloin. While nutritional details can vary, it is a good choice for those looking for a tender, flavorful steak with lower fat content.

Sirloin is a much leaner cut with significantly less fat and fewer calories per serving, while ribeye is prized for its marbling, which makes it much higher in calories and saturated fat.

Some side dishes can be healthy with modifications. For example, steamed green beans and a plain baked potato are good choices. Many other sides, especially those with added butter or deep-fried, are high in calories and fat.

Yes, in addition to sirloin steak, Texas Roadhouse offers grilled chicken and salmon, which are excellent lean protein options. It's best to request these without any added sauce or butter.

Request your steak grilled and with no added butter. This simple instruction will prevent a significant amount of fat and calories from being added to your meal without sacrificing flavor.