The large swath of land making up the real-life Australian Outback got its name because of its distance from the oceans. Some think of it as this country’s great, mythologized frontier. Vegans, on the other hand, may equate Outback Steakhouse with its literal and geographic status as a desert when it comes to their dining options.
Outback Steakhouse’s founders in Tampa, FL, ventured into theme-restaurant territory in the late 1980s, when Australia was having a major moment in pop culture and tourism. There are many vegetarian, low-calorie, and gluten-free alternatives at this steakhouse chain, but they drop out because of their animal-based ingredients. Fried menu items—often vegan in other restaurants—are not even vegetarian at Outback because they are made with animal fats.
And yet there is hope. With a little help from a manager or server, vegans can ensure they won’t go hungry at this meat-heavy restaurant.
Treehugger Tip: Ask for Directions
The chain prides itself on how its staff guides customers with special dietary needs through the vast and challenging menu, much like a guide who helps travelers navigate the real-life Outback. One tip (“No Rules. Just Right”) suggests that customers can feel free to discuss their dietary preferences with their server or another staff member when ordering.
Top Pick: The House Salad
Hold the cheese and croutons, and you’ll still have a variety of textures, colors, and flavors to work with. Outback’s house salad can be customized by one of three vegan and gluten-free dressings: Tangy Tomato, Light Balsamic Vinaigrette, and Mustard Vinaigrette. If gluten is not an issue for you, make the complimentary house-baked white bread rolls without butter your “side dish.”
Vegan Starters and Salads
While the appetizer section is slim pickings, you’re still able to pile on the veg and enjoy a light, refreshing house salad with one of three flavorful dressings.
- White Bread
- House Salad
- Oil & Vinegar Salad Dressing
- Tangy Tomato Dressing
- Mustard Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
What’s On the (Cooking) Surface?
Outback has a good reputation for having its staff keep an eye out for cross-contaminating dangers from multi-purpose cooking and prep surfaces, including the wood-fired grill. However, to be absolutely certain, if you order the Grilled Asparagus or any warm vegetable, be very clear with the server that they are prepared and cooked on surfaces that have not had contact with animal products.
Vegan Sides
Creating a fully rounded meal is possible by mixing and matching sides. Note that the kitchen may even have extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and chives available to season your sides, depending on the location.
- Plain Baked Potato
- Plain Baked Sweet Potato
- Fresh Seasonal Mixed Vegetables (broccoli, squash, and carrots) without butter
- Steamed broccoli from the “Joey” (kids’) Menu
- Grilled Asparagus, made with olive oil, salt, and pepper and cooked on Outback’s wood-fire grill.
Treehugger Tip: Spice It Up
Butter and seasoning improve the flavor of the most simple items. Taking your Outback sides to-go? Try combining Remehe’s vegan seasoning mixes (such as ”Somethin’ Lemon Pepper,” “Mamamia Garlic & Herb” and “Evryting Mon’” All-Purpose Seasoning) with EarthBalance Organic Spread, Miyoko’s Creamery Cultured Vegan Sea Salt Butter, or your favorite extra virgin olive oil.
Vegan Dessert
While vegan diners may want to go for dessert elsewhere, keep in mind you do have a couple of options: fresh-cut mixed fruit from the “Joey” menu or a butter-free sweet potato topped with cinnamon and brown sugar.
FAQ
Are any of Outback Steakhouse’s vegan items also gluten-free?
The crouton-free house salad, grilled asparagus, mixed vegetables, and two baked potato selections are gluten-free. Outback Steakhouse has a chain-wide policy of ensuring staff clean cooking equipment, wash their hands, change gloves, and do everything they can to ensure that anyone can safely eat a gluten-free meal.
Are Outback fries vegan?
Unfortunately no. Outback uses animal fats when frying select menu items, which makes anything fried on the Outback menu off-limits to vegans.
Does Outback have a vegan burger?
Outback does not have a vegan burger, nor is there a vegetarian burger or sandwich option. We can only hope the chain expands its plant-based menu in the near future.