Outback Steakhouse is famous for its signature steaks served in a casual Australian-themed restaurant. The concept restaurant was actually born in Florida when Miami Vice ruled the world (1988). The world was ready for a new aesthetic and your local Outback became the place to go for perfectly seared steaks, chicken, or fish. Undeniably, the Outback Steakhouse menu serves up flavor. But there are also some high fat and calories being served in this popular chain restaurant.
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10 Outback Menu Items That Are Less Than Healthy
Gather up your willpower and make sure to avoid these top ten menu items. There are healthier choices available at Outback so don't cross it off your list totally! You can still enjoy some kookaburra wings or slow roasted baby back ribs in moderation.
Bloomin Onion
PER PLATE: 1,950 calories, 155 g fat (56 g saturated fat), 3,840 mg sodium, 123 g carbs (14 g fiber, 18 g sugar), 18 g protein
A Bloomin' Onion is one of those cravings that's hard to get out of your head. This is an iconic appetizer or "Aussietizer" as Outback calls it. That spicy signature bloom sauce will leave a tingle on your tongue while the battered onion petals will leave some added padding on your backside if you indulge in the popular deep-fried menu item too often. One Bloomin' Onion contains an average adult's daily recommended calorie intake. Yes, it's undeniably delicious. And there may be days you want to be alone with this flower-shaped concoction. But try to resist that urge and share this 'aussietizer" with lots of people to save some calories.
Bowl of Clam Chowder
PER BOWL: 710 calories, 44 g fat (22 g saturated fat), 2,130 mg sodium, 47 g carbs (3 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 25 g protein
Clams are not a dietary sin. But the sinning begins with the high saturated fat butter and cream those suckers are floating in when you order a big bowl of creamy clam chowder. So unless you're really in the mood for dietary sinning, avoid this Outback menu item.
Blue Cheese Pecan Chopped Salad
PER SALAD WITH DRESSING: 620 calories, 48 g fat (13 g saturated fat), 1,280 mg sodium, 34 g carbs (5 g fiber,18 g sugar), 12 g protein
The word "salad" can be tricky. It can lure you in to thinking you're making a healthy decision with practically zero calories. Lettuce is guilt-free. But add blue cheese with pecans, mixed with a creamy dressing, and this salad becomes a fat and sodium laden monster. Try a house side salad with the tangy tomato vinaigrette instead. Or if you really love creamy dressing, order it on the side and just dip the tines of your fork in before each bite. You still get the taste with portion control.
24 Ounces of Slow Roast Prime Rib
PER 24 OZ: 2,100 calories, 172 g fat (78 g saturated fat), 1,740 mg sodium,0 g carbs (0 g fiber,2 g sugar), 138 g protein
Prime rib is a popular choice at a wedding but this much meat in one sitting is like a cage match between you and your arteries. The saturated fat is inconceivable for one dinner out. Plus, if you order Aussie Cheese Fries along with this slab 'o meat, you may have to call out of work the next day. Try a smaller, yet still delicious, steak. The Victoria's Filet melts in your mouth. Eat it slowly paired with a more innocent baked potato, sweet potato, or steamed veggies. Filet mignon is always a treat especially when it's served to you by a friendly waitstaff. Tip them well.
12 Ounce Sirloin (12 ounces) and Coconut Shrimp
PER PLATE: 790 calories, 31 g fat (15 g saturated fat), 1,700 mg sodium, 42 g carbs (0 g fiber, 21 g sugar), 88 g protein
The recommended portion size for red meat is about 4 ounces. Yeah, I know, that doesn't sound like it would satisfy a toddler but the truth hurts sometimes. Combine a larger piece of meat with breaded and fried shrimp, and your healthy eating sails out of the Sydney port without a paddle. Go for a smaller center cut sirloin and Gold Coast grilled shrimp to create a healthier surf 'n turf combo. You'll get the protein boost and still have caloric room for a slice of Outback's New York style cheesecake.
The Bloomin' Burger
PER BURGER: 1,160 calories, 83 g fat (37 g saturated fat), 1,800 mg sodium, 58 g carbs (4 g fiber,11 g sugar), 47 g protein
Meat, Bloomin' Onion petals, American cheese, AND slathered in mayo based bloomin' onion sauce...I hate to say it but this is not included in healthy Outback Steakhouse menu items.
But if you are in the mood for a solid burger, order the Outbacker without cheese. If your willpower is especially strong, skip the aussie fries and order steamed veggies with parmesan cheese as your side. I'm proud of you.
Tilapia with Lump Crab Meat & Veggies
PER 1 SERVING: 700 calories, 39 g fat (13 g saturated fat), 1,560 mg sodium, 26 g carbs (7 g fiber, 8 g sugar), 65 g protein
While the calories aren't terrible and it's a nice boost of protein, the sodium is super high. Fresh fish is still a great choice at a steakhouse. Go for steamed lobster tails as your entree instead. As long as you don't get too "butter happy", this is good choice.
Chicken Tender Platter With Aussie Fries and Honey Mustard Sauce
PER PLATE: 1430 calories, 86 g fat (33 g saturated fat), 2,480 mg sodium, 115 g carbs (9 g fiber,13 g sugar), 49 g protein
Let's face it...kid food is sooo good. And sometimes you really want to enjoy it like an adult. So if the New York Strip with mashed potatoes or bone-in Porterhouse is not calling your name, you may be tempted to order a grown-up crispy chicken tender platter. But the large portion of fried chicken and fries is never a good choice. Grow up and order the perfectly seasoned wood-fire grilled chicken with a healthier side of veggies or baked potato
Outback Mac & Cheese
PER PLATE: 850 calories, 52 g fat (29 g saturated fat),1,320 mg sodium, 64 g carbs (4 g fiber, 4 g sugar), 29 g protein
When I become Queen, Mac & Cheese will be declared healthy. But until then, avoid ordering a full serving of cheesy creamy pasta. Or order it for your child and distract them as you steal just a few bites.
Chocolate Thunder From Down Under
PER 1 SERVING: 1,500 calories, 101 g fat (55 g saturated fat; 0.5 g trans fat), 530 mg sodium, 138 g carbs (6 g fiber, 120 g sugar), 17 g protein
This dessert sounds exciting and is in fact a dietary disaster. This chocolate pecan brownie is covered in vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, and real whipped cream. If you're in the mood for overkill, go for it. Or at least share it. If you really still have room for dessert, share a piece of Outback's carrot cake. You'll have a smaller portion and lower sugar than the famous thunderous dessert.
