Ostrich, oyster, cooked
Whole food · Poultry Products
Photo: Wikipedia
Ostrich oysters are the prized, tender inner thigh muscles of the bird, offering a deep red, lean meat with a flavor profile surprisingly similar to premium beef. When cooked, they develop a rich, savory taste with a fine, smooth texture that's less gamey than other ostrich cuts. This cut is a nutritional powerhouse, delivering an exceptional 28.81 grams of protein per 100 grams with virtually no fat or carbohydrates.
Calorie split: 76% protein · 0% carbs · 24% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love ostrich oysters for their unique, beef-like richness that satisfies red meat cravings without the high saturated fat. Chefs and home cooks value their versatility, as they can be seared, grilled, or stir-fried quickly, making them a gourmet yet practical protein choice.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The primary downside is its leanness, which can lead to dryness if overcooked; it requires precise, quick cooking methods like searing or stir-frying to retain moisture. As a novel protein, it may be unfamiliar to some palates and can be more expensive than conventional meats.
Key benefits
- Extremely high in lean protein for muscle maintenance
- Very low in fat and calories, ideal for weight management
- Naturally carbohydrate-free, suitable for ketogenic diets
- Rich in iron and B vitamins, supporting energy levels
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Despite its name, the 'oyster' cut has nothing to do with shellfish; it's named for its small, oval shape and rich, tender texture, reminiscent of a good oyster.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 67.5 g |
| Energy | 159 kcal |
| Energy | 665 kj |
| Protein | 28.8 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 4.0 g |
| Ash | 0.82 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.00 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 6.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 4.9 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 29.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 281 mg |
| Potassium, K | 409 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 81.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 4.9 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.18 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.02 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 46.5 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.23 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.30 mg |
| Niacin | 7.2 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 1.3 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.55 mg |
| Folate, total | 16.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 16.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 16.0 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 6.3 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 0.00 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.23 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.7 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.1 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.57 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 1.4 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.24 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 1.2 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.51 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.36 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.03 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.12 g |
| Cholesterol | 90.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.26 g |
| Threonine | 1.3 g |
| Isoleucine | 1.4 g |
| Leucine | 2.3 g |
| Lysine | 2.5 g |
| Methionine | 0.81 g |
| Cystine | 0.30 g |
| Phenylalanine | 1.2 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.94 g |
| Valine | 1.4 g |
| Arginine | 2.0 g |
| Histidine | 0.72 g |
| Alanine | 1.8 g |
| Aspartic acid | 2.7 g |
| Glutamic acid | 4.4 g |
| Glycine | 1.9 g |
| Proline | 1.5 g |
| Serine | 1.2 g |
| Hydroxyproline | 0.51 g |
FAQ
Is ostrich oyster the same as beef?
No, it's poultry from the ostrich, a large flightless bird. While it has a similar taste and texture to lean beef, it comes from a completely different animal family.
How should I cook ostrich oyster to keep it tender?
The key is high heat and short cooking time. Sear it in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or slice it thin for quick stir-fries. Let it rest briefly before serving.
Is ostrich meat a common allergen?
Ostrich is not among the top major food allergens (like milk, eggs, or shellfish). However, as with any novel protein, individuals with a history of bird allergies should exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 1.59 kcal/g · 72% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.20 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.