Baby back ribs are a popular barbecued pork rib dish. They are meaty, tender, and flavorful. But like all meats, they also contain calories and fat. So how many calories are actually in 1 baby back rib? Let’s take a closer look.
A Quick Answer
On average, 1 baby back rib contains around 50-100 calories. The exact calorie count can vary depending on the size and thickness of the rib, as well as how it is prepared. Thicker, meatier ribs will be higher in calories, while thinner and leaner ribs will be lower. Ribs cooked with lots of barbecue sauce or other high-calorie toppings will also increase the calorie count per rib.
Calories in Baby Back Ribs by Serving Size
To get a more precise calorie estimate, it helps to look at the calorie count in a full serving of baby back ribs. The serving sizes for ribs are usually as follows:
- 3-4 ribs = 1 serving
- Half slab (about 8 ribs) = 2 servings
- Full slab (about 16 ribs) = 4 servings
Here are the average calories in the standard serving sizes of baby back ribs from various restaurants and brands:
| Baby Back Ribs | Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Applebee’s | Half slab (8 ribs) | 730 |
| Chili’s | Half slab (7 ribs) | 490 |
| Outback Steakhouse | Half slab (8 ribs) | 510 |
| Famous Dave’s | Half slab (8 ribs) | 760 |
| Tony Roma’s | Half slab (8 ribs) | 600 |
| Smithfield | 3 ribs | 180 |
Based on this data, on average one baby back rib contains about 60-95 calories. But again, the exact amount can vary based on rib size, thickness, cooking method, and any additional toppings or sauces.
Factors Affecting Calorie Count
There are a few key factors that determine the calorie content in baby back ribs:
Rib Size and Cut
Thicker, fattier ribs from higher up on the rib cage tend to have more calories than thinner, leaner ribs. Country-style ribs come from the upper rib cage near the loin and are very meaty. Baby back ribs are cut from the tenderloin muscle area and are leaner.
Cooking Method
Ribs cooked by moist methods like braising, stewing, or barbecuing tend to be higher in calories than ribs cooked using drier methods like grilling, broiling, or baking. Moist cooking methods allow the ribs to absorb sauce and moisture, adding flavor but also added calories and fat.
Added Sauces and Toppings
Barbecue sauce, rubs, marinades, and butters all add lots of extra calories and fat to ribs. A typical 2-tablespoon serving of barbecue sauce adds 50-150 calories per rib. Limit high-calorie toppings to keep ribs relatively low in calories.
Portion Size
Eating multiple ribs in one sitting will obviously increase the calories consumed. Sticking to the recommended serving sizes, or just 1-2 ribs, keeps calories under control.
Nutrition Facts for Baby Back Ribs
In addition to calories, baby back ribs contain a mix of protein, fat, and vitamins and minerals.
Here is the full nutrition breakdown for a 3-rib serving (around 170g) of cooked baby back ribs with no sauce or toppings:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 245 | 12% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Sugar | 0g | 0% |
| Total Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 51mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 281mg | 6% |
| Zinc | 3mg | 27% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.3mg | 18% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.6μg | 25% |
| Selenium | 20μg | 29% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet
As you can see, ribs are high in protein, zinc, vitamin B12, and selenium. However, they are also high in saturated fat, so portions should be monitored.
Ways to Make Baby Back Ribs Healthier
Here are some tips for lightening up baby back ribs if you are watching your calorie intake:
- Remove excess fat and membrane before cooking.
- Rub with spice blends rather than sauce during cooking.
- Choose healthier cooking methods like baking, grilling, or broiling.
- Limit high-calorie toppings and dipping sauces.
- Opt for thinner, leaner styles of ribs.
- Stick to recommended serving sizes.
- Pair with non-starchy vegetables and fresh fruit.
The Bottom Line
So how many calories are in a baby back rib? On average, a single rib contains about 50-100 calories – but the amount can vary significantly based on rib cut, preparation method, and added toppings. To keep ribs as healthy as possible, remove excess fat before cooking, limit high-calorie sauces, and watch your portions. And be sure to pair ribs with fresh produce to help balance out the nutritional profile.