Navigating the Texas Roadhouse Menu for Healthier Options
For many, dining out at a steakhouse like Texas Roadhouse might seem incompatible with a health-conscious diet. However, by understanding the menu and knowing how to customize your order, you can enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal without derailing your nutritional goals. While indulgent options exist, the menu also offers plenty of choices that are high in protein and lower in calories and fat. The key is knowing which cuts to choose and how to pair them with the right sides. The clear winner for the healthiest steak at Texas Roadhouse is the smaller, 6-ounce sirloin, but several other options can also fit into a balanced meal plan with a few simple modifications.
The Leanest Cut: The 6-Ounce Sirloin
The 6-ounce USDA Choice Sirloin is the undisputed healthiest steak choice on the Texas Roadhouse menu. This cut is lean, high in protein, and relatively low in fat and calories. A standard 6-ounce portion offers an impressive 46 grams of protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety, with just 6 grams of total fat and 250 calories. To keep this a truly healthy option, it is crucial to order it without extra butter, which is a common addition at many steakhouses. Simply requesting the steak plain or with just the standard seasoning is the best approach.
How to Order the Sirloin the Healthiest Way
- Ask for no butter: This simple request significantly reduces the meal's fat and calorie content.
- Stick to the 6-ounce size: While Texas Roadhouse offers larger sirloins, the 6-ounce size provides a satisfying portion of protein without excessive calories.
- Choose your side dishes wisely: Pair your lean steak with non-starchy, low-fat sides like steamed broccoli or a house salad with dressing on the side.
Other Lean Steak Options
While the sirloin is the top contender, other steak options are also decent choices, especially the smaller portions. The Dallas Filet and the New York Strip are good alternatives, provided you stick to the smaller sizes and custom-order them plain.
- Dallas Filet (6oz): Known for being incredibly tender, the filet is also a lean cut. A 6-ounce portion contains around 270 calories and 10 grams of fat, slightly more than the sirloin but still a great choice.
- New York Strip (8oz): This cut is often thicker and contains less marbling than fattier options like the ribeye, making it a reasonable choice. When compared to the sirloin, it is generally considered to be less lean, but still a solid option when ordered plain.
Customize Your Order for Maximum Health
Achieving a healthy meal at Texas Roadhouse goes beyond just the steak cut. Customizing your order is essential to control hidden calories and sodium. Remember these tips for any steak or entrée you choose:
- Request no extra butter: This is the most important step for any grilled item, not just steak.
- Use sauces sparingly: Opt for sauces on the side to control the amount you use.
- Drink water: Skipping sugary sodas and flavored lemonades in favor of water saves a significant number of calories.
- Consider sharing: The portion sizes are often large. Splitting an entrée or boxing up half your meal can be a great strategy.
Healthiest Texas Roadhouse Steaks Comparison Table
To make an informed decision, here is a breakdown of the nutritional information for the healthiest, smallest steak options when ordered plain.
| Feature | 6oz USDA Choice Sirloin | 6oz Dallas Filet | 8oz New York Strip (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 250 | 270 | ~380-450 |
| Total Fat | 6g | 10g | ~20g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g | 4g | ~8g |
| Protein | 46g | 45g | ~60g |
| Sodium | 560mg | 720mg | ~900-1000mg |
The Best Side Dishes to Pair Your Steak With
The sides you choose can make or break the healthiness of your meal. Avoid the fried and loaded options and instead focus on fresh vegetables.
- Plain Baked Potato: Order it with no butter, sour cream, or cheese. A small amount of pepper and salt can add flavor.
- Fresh Vegetables or Green Beans: These are low-calorie and nutritious options, but remember to ask for them steamed with no butter.
- House Salad: Get your salad with no cheese or croutons and ask for a vinaigrette dressing on the side.
What to Avoid: The Unhealthy Traps
While knowing what to order is important, knowing what to avoid is equally crucial. Steer clear of these high-calorie, high-fat menu items.
- Ribeye Steaks: These are among the highest-fat cuts on the menu, and the largest can contain over 1,000 calories.
- Fried Appetizers: Items like the Cactus Blossom or fried pickles are loaded with fat and calories.
- Loaded Side Dishes: A loaded baked potato or loaded sweet potato can add hundreds of extra calories and grams of fat to your meal.
- Gravy and Creamy Sauces: These can add a substantial amount of calories and fat.
Conclusion: Enjoying a Healthy Meal at Texas Roadhouse
Contrary to popular belief, it is entirely possible to find a healthy meal at Texas Roadhouse. The 6-ounce sirloin stands out as the healthiest steak choice, offering a high-protein, low-fat foundation for your meal. By pairing it with smart side dishes like steamed vegetables or a plain baked potato and making simple requests like holding the butter, you can significantly reduce the overall calorie and fat content of your meal. The key is to be proactive and informed, making your own adjustments to turn a traditionally indulgent meal into a healthier one. For more detailed nutritional information, you can consult Texas Roadhouse's online resources. Enjoy your steak!
Here is a great resource with additional information on healthy choices at Texas Roadhouse: Verywell Fit's Texas Roadhouse Nutrition Guide.
