Vegan Options At Outback Steakhouse

Craving Outback Steakhouse but unsure how to navigate the menu as a vegan? We’ve all been there. The lack of plant-based options can be frustrating, but with the right strategies, you can enjoy a satisfying vegan meal.

This guide will highlight menu items you can indulge in and customize to perfection. You’ll discover salad dressings, sides, seasonings, and other hidden gems that enable you to craft a flavorful Outback feast. With preparation and creative thinking, the challenge of vegan dining at a steakhouse transforms into an adventure in flexitarian cuisine.

Understanding Veganism at a Steakhouse

Challenges of Being Vegan at a Steakhouse

Being a vegan at a steakhouse can feel like an uphill battle. With limited menu options focused on meat and dairy, it may seem nearly impossible to find a satisfying plant-based meal.

Cross-contamination is also a concern, as grills and prep areas likely encounter animal products regularly. As vegans, we need to have realistic expectations when dining in such an environment.

While the challenges are real, with open communication and flexibility, a tasty vegan meal at a steakhouse is absolutely achievable.

Importance of Clear Communication

When dining as a vegan at any restaurant, clear communication is key. Don’t be afraid to kindly ask your server detailed questions about how menu items are prepared and potential cross-contamination. For example, inquire about whether vegetables are cooked in butter or if beans are prepared with lard.

Many kitchens now have designated vegan prep areas, so be sure to ask. With thoughtful questions and conversations, servers can ensure an accommodating vegan dining experience.

Outback Steakhouse’s Vegan-Friendly Policies

Compared to traditional steakhouses, Outback Steakhouse offers helpful policies for vegan diners. Their “Specialized Dietary Needs” menu highlights items that can be modified to be vegan-friendly.

Many salad dressings and sides can be prepared without animal products upon request. Additionally, sides like steamed veggies and baked potatoes can be excellent plant-based options.

With advanced notice, Outback also allows diners to bring in their own vegan protein options to add to meals. Overall, their flexibility and customization options make Outback a friendlier choice for vegan diners.

Vegan Starters and Salads at Outback Steakhouse

Customizing the House Salad

Outback Steakhouse’s signature House Salad can easily be made vegan-friendly. Simply ask for no cheese, bacon bits, or croutons, and request olive oil and vinegar instead of ranch dressing.

Then load up on fresh veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and red onions. Don’t be shy about asking for extra veggies – most Outback locations are happy to oblige.

For an added protein boost, you can request baked beans or black beans be added too. With simple modifications, the House Salad transforms into a hearty and healthy vegan starter.

Vegan-Friendly Dressings

Outback Steakhouse offers several creamy and tangy salad dressings that happen to be vegan, including their Vinaigrette, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Red Wine Vinaigrette, and Caesar dressings.

The Caesar is dairy-free, lacking the traditional anchovies, so it’s a great option. Just ask your server to confirm the dressings are made without any hidden animal products.

With so many flavorful oil-based dressings available, there’s no need to settle for boring naked greens.

Bread Options

Outback Steakhouse serves up freshly baked bread before meals, but be sure to request no butter on your slices. Both their yeast rolls and multigrain bread loaf are vegan-friendly on their own. For an extra kick, ask for olive oil and balsamic vinegar as dips instead of dairy-based spreads.

You can also request avocado slices or hummus as vegan-perfect bread accompaniments. With planning, you can ensure that warm bread at Outback is safe and satisfying for vegans.

Vegan Side Dishes at Outback Steakhouse

Vegan-Friendly Baked Potatoes

Outback Steakhouse’s oven-baked potatoes can easily be made vegan. Opt for the traditional Russet or go for the sweet potato loaded with vitamins. Just ask for no butter, bacon bits, cheese, or sour cream on top. Instead, request sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, broccoli, jalapeños, or even avocado for creaminess.

Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle on sea salt and pepper. For a protein punch, top your spud with black beans, chili or baked beans. With inventive vegan customizations, the baked potato will become your new favorite Outback side.

Steamed Vegetables Without Butter

Outback Steakhouse offers simple steamed vegetable sides that pair perfectly with entrees. Opt for bright broccoli, green beans, carrots, or zucchini noodles. Request that your veggies be prepared without butter for a dairy-free dish. Ask as well if shared steaming pots or utensils contact butter to avoid potential contamination.

With the confirmation of vegan preparation, steamed vegetables provide nutrient-dense goodness, so customize away.

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus is a fantastic vegan side dish, but be sure to specify no butter brushed on top. Again, question potential cross-contamination from grills and tongs.

Some locations offer lemon wedges on the side, which make a tangy drizzle over the smoky spears. For extra zing, ask for a side of vinaigrette dressing to dip the tender asparagus in. Grilled veggies require mindfulness, but reward with deliciousness.

Customizing Your Vegan Meal at Outback Steakhouse

Combining Sides for a Complete Meal

With all the vegan-friendly sides and starters at Outback, creating a satisfying plant-based meal is easy. Combine a few complementary dishes for a well-rounded plate. Start with a base of rice, baked potato, or steamed veggies, then pile on beans, sautéed veggies, salad, and avocado for a nutrition powerhouse.

Don’t forget to drizzle on that vegan dressing for maximum flavor. Mix and match with abandon to craft your perfect vegan Outback feast.

Making Special Requests

Don’t be shy about making special requests to the kitchen at Outback. Politely ask if foods can be prepared without butter or other animal products. Request extra steaming or grilling over frying.

See if lemon wedges or oil and vinegar can be substituted for buttery sauces. The chefs are usually quite accommodating of dietary needs, so speak up. Just remember to be gracious, patient, and understanding as well.

Seasoning Options

Outback Steakhouse has an array of herb and spice blends on hand to flavor foods. Request some Cajun seasoning on those steamed veggies, or ask for the spicy pepper mix on your rice or potatoes.

Garlic salt, cilantro, cumin, and smoked paprika add flair too. And don’t forget the salt and pepper shakers on every table! A dash of seasoning can liven up any plant-based meal.

Vegan Beverages at Outback Steakhouse

Vegan-Friendly Alcoholic Options

Outback Steakhouse offers several cocktails and wines that can be part of a vegan diet. In the cocktail realm, opt for their Classic Margarita, Strawberry Margarita, Piña Colada, Long Island Iced Tea, or Mojito, specified without cream.

Outback also carries an array of vegan wines across red, white, and sparkling varieties, just ask your server for recommendations. Be sure to confirm that no animal-based fining agents are used in any alcoholic beverages.

With so many options, from fruity cocktails to elegant wines, vegans don’t have to miss out on drinks.

Vegan-Friendly Non-Alcoholic Options

For non-alcoholic beverages, Outback Steakhouse provides an array of refreshing choices for vegans. Their lemonades, teas, sodas, juices, and coffee drinks are typically vegan by nature. Again, just double-check that the milk and sweeteners used are plant-based.

Feel free to customize your own Arnold Palmer or flavored soda combination too. And don’t forget the most basic vegan beverage of all – water! Outback offers complimentary refills on water to keep you hydrated.

Vegan Dessert Options at Outback Steakhouse

Fresh Fruit Options

When it comes to vegan desserts, Outback Steakhouse’s options are admittedly limited. However, most locations do offer fresh fruit as a lighter dessert choice. Typical fruits include mixed berries, pineapple slices, oranges, and apple wedges, depending on availability. Fruit provides natural sweetness along with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.

Ask your server what fruits are on hand and request a bowl or kabob. While not a decadent chocolate cake, the fresh fruit makes for a refreshing vegan ending.

Customizing Sweet Potatoes

For a heartier vegan dessert, opt for the sweet potato side and ask for it topped with cinnamon sugar instead of butter and brown sugar. The potatoes will be caramelized and candied to satisfy that sweet tooth. Or, get a plain baked sweet potato with sides of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, raisins, nuts, or shredded coconut to customize your own creation.

Drizzle with a little agave nectar for extra sweetness too. While Outback’s dessert menu lacks vegan options, with creativity, you can invent your own satisfying treat.

What to Avoid When Dining Vegan at Outback Steakhouse

Non-Vegan-Friendly Fried Foods

When dining at Outback Steakhouse, it’s best for vegans to avoid most deep-fried foods. Items like fried shrimp, chicken wings, and cheese fries are cooked in oil containing animal fat, like beef tallow.

Even the french fries are not vegan-friendly. Opt instead for plant-based foods prepared by steaming, grilling, baking, or sautéing in vegan oil. With so many meaty appetizers fried up together, cross-contamination is unavoidable. Stay clear of the fryers for an animal-free meal.

Common Non-Vegan Ingredients

Be vigilant about ingredients often added to recipes that make dishes non-vegan. Butter, cheese, cream, and eggs are common in many menu items at Outback. Also, beware of chicken/beef stock and fish sauce added for flavor.

Many dressings and sauces contain dairy, eggs, or Worcestershire. Don’t assume vegetarian means vegan either. Confirm no hidden animal-derived ingredients for total peace of mind.

Cross-Contamination Concerns

Even with vegan ingredients, cross-contamination poses risks at a steakhouse like Outback. Be sure to inquire about prep procedures. Are vegan items kept separate? Are cooking surfaces and utensils thoroughly cleaned? What fryer oils are used?

Don’t be afraid to ask thoughtful questions to ensure your food is not exposed to meat or dairy residue. With clear and kind communication, you can work with staff to avoid cross-contamination landmines.

Wrapping It Up

Dining vegan at a steakhouse may seem daunting, but with knowledge and preparation, a satisfying plant-based meal at Outback Steakhouse is absolutely achievable.

By understanding menu options, making smart substitutions and customizations, and maintaining open communication with staff, vegans can enjoy salads, sides, and even drinks tailored to their dietary needs.

While the choices require effort compared to omnivorous fare, with creativity and flexibility, Outback can provide a welcoming experience resulting in a filling and flavorful vegan feast.

Adam Smith
Latest posts by Adam Smith (see all)