As a popular appetizer at Outback Steakhouse, the bloomin’ onion attracts the attention of many customers, including vegans and vegetarians. With its crispy golden exterior and tender layers, this appetizer is hard to resist. But is it suitable for those following a vegan diet? Let’s take a closer look.
What is a bloomin’ onion?
A bloomin’ onion is Outback Steakhouse’s signature appetizer. It consists of a large onion that is sliced vertically into petals, breaded, and deep fried. The bloomin’ onion is served on top of a bed of crispy onion strands and accompanied by Outback’s homemade Aussie ranch dressing for dipping.
When done right, the bloomin’ onion should have a crispy, golden brown exterior that gives way to tender, sweet onion layers on the inside. The contrast of textures is part of what makes this appetizer so crave-worthy for many Outback customers.
Are the ingredients in a bloomin’ onion vegan?
To determine if a bloomin’ onion is suitable for a vegan diet, we need to take a closer look at the ingredients:
- Onion – Onions themselves are vegan.
- Breading – Outback Steakhouse uses a breading made of flour, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, salt, and spices to coat the onion before frying. None of these ingredients are animal-derived, so the breading is vegan.
- Frying oil – Outback Steakhouse states on its website that bloomin’ onions are fried in 100% canola oil. Canola oil is plant-based, making it a vegan-friendly oil.
- Aussie Ranch Dressing – While onions and breading are vegan, the ranch dressing served with bloomin’ onions is not. Outback Steakhouse’s Aussie ranch contains dairy ingredients like buttermilk, sour cream, and cheese. This makes it unsuitable for vegans.
Can you order a vegan bloomin’ onion at Outback?
Based on an analysis of the ingredients, a standard bloomin’ onion ordered off the menu at Outback Steakhouse is not vegan due to the ranch dressing served on the side. However, there are some modifications you can request to make the appetizer vegan:
- Order the bloomin’ onion without ranch dressing – This allows you to enjoy the fried onion without the dairy-based sauce.
- Ask for vegan ranch – Some Outback locations may have vegan ranch dressing available as a substitute if requested.
- Bring your own vegan ranch from home – Many grocery stores sell dairy-free ranch dressings you can bring to Outback and use for dipping.
- Order extra crispy fried onion strings on the side instead of ranch – The additional crispy onions add texture and flavor without the need for ranch.
So while the standard preparation is not vegan, with some simple modifications and by holding the Aussie ranch, you may be able to order a veganized version of the popular bloomin’ onion appetizer.
Nutrition facts for vegan bloomin’ onions
Here is the nutrition information for a bloomin’ onion ordered without ranch dressing from Outback Steakhouse:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1,180 |
| Total Fat | 108 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 2,257 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 56 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Protein | 12 g |
As you can see, while free of cholesterol and animal products, the veganized bloomin’ onion still contains high amounts of fat, sodium, and calories. So while it can be made animal product-free, it may not align with a whole food plant-based vegan diet focused on vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains and healthy fats.
Healthier vegan options at Outback
If you want to enjoy a meal at Outback Steakhouse while adhering to a vegan diet, the bloomin’ onion may not be your best choice due to the high amounts of oil and sodium used during preparation. Here are some healthier plant-based options to consider instead:
- Steamed seasonal veggies – Outback offers fresh steamed broccoli, green beans, asparagus and other veggies seasoned with olive oil and garlic.
- House salad – Get this salad without cheese or croutons and choose oil and vinegar dressing.
- Grilled seasonal vegetables – Select grilled zucchini, squash, peppers and onions.
- Fresh fruit plate – Outback serves fresh seasonal fruit as a lighter menu option.
Sticking to steamed, grilled or raw veggies and fruits can help you meet your plant-based dietary needs while dining at Outback Steakhouse. Just be mindful of added oils, butters and dressings containing hidden animal products.
Vegan Outback Steakhouse menu suggestions
If you want a full vegan meal at Outback, here are some suggested combinations using the most plant-based menu items:
Lighter veggie meal
- House salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Fresh steamed broccoli
- Side of seasonal fruit
Hearty veggie meal
- Grilled vegetable skewers
- Steamed asparagus
- Sweet potato with cinnamon butter
Aussie-inspired veggie meal
- Grilled shrimp on the barbie with grilled vegetables
- Fresh steamed green beans
- Bowl of cinnamon apples
With a little creativity, you can enjoy tasty plant-based meals and adhere to your vegan diet at Outback Steakhouse. Focus on the fresh produce, request any necessary modifications, and avoid animal-based sauces and ingredients.
Vegan dining tips for Outback Steakhouse
Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when ordering vegan at Outback Steakhouse:
- Preview the menu online and identify vegan-friendly choices before your visit.
- Inform your server that you are vegan when ordering and request for meals to be prepared without animal products.
- Ask about options that may not be listed on the menu, such as grilling vegetables or fruits without butter.
- Ask for sauces, dressings and condiments to be served on the side.
- If your meal comes with cheese, request plant-based cheese or no cheese at all.
- Look out for hidden animal ingredients like honey, whey, casein and gelatin.
- To avoid cross contact, ask that your food be prepared separately from non-vegan orders.
With proper planning and an understanding of what to look out for, you can have an enjoyable plant-based dining experience at Outback Steakhouse as a vegan.
Vegan Outback Steakhouse recipes to recreate at home
Can’t make it to Outback but craving some of the flavors? Here are some vegan recipes inspired by Outback Steakhouse’s menu that you can recreate at home:
Vegan bloomin’ onion
Get that iconic crispy onion in a plant-based form by swapping out the ranch for vegan ranch or onion dip. Use a mild-flavored oil like avocado oil or rice bran oil for frying.
Vegan Aussie cheese fries
Top crispy baked fries with plant-based cheddar or nacho cheese sauce, diced tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, and minced parsley.
Vegan coconut shrimp
Dip large shrimp-shaped seitan or soy protein pieces into a batter of chickpea flour, water, coconut milk, and spices. Coat in shredded coconut and bake until crispy.
Grilled veggie skewers
Assemble colorful skewers with chunks of marinated vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and pineapple. Grill until charred and serve with chimichurri sauce.
With some plant-based swaps and creativity in the kitchen, you can re-create your favorite Outback Steakhouse flavors at home while sticking to your vegan diet.
Is Outback Steakhouse a vegan-friendly restaurant?
Outback Steakhouse menu is mainly centered around steak, seafood and other meats. However, with some modifications, vegans can find options to fit a plant-based lifestyle.
Key things to consider regarding the vegan-friendliness of Outback Steakhouse include:
- They offer a variety of meat-free side dishes like salads, steamed and grilled vegetables.
- Their breading and frying oil for appetizers like bloomin’ onions are vegan.
- Many menu items can be adapted by holding non-vegan sauces and substituting plant-based cheese.
- Cross-contact with animal products is highly likely when preparing vegan meals in their shared kitchens.
- They list common allergens like dairy, eggs and shellfish online but do not have extensive allergen or vegan labeling in-restaurant.
- Their vegetarian menu is limited and mainly focused around salads.
- Vegan diners may find it challenging accommodating dietary needs at Outback Steakhouse.
While possible to eat vegan at Outback with preparation and modifications, those adhering to a strict plant-based diet may find limited choices and potential cross-contamination issues. Calling ahead, asking questions, and providing clear instructions can help enhance your vegan dining experience.
Conclusion
Outback Steakhouse’s signature bloomin’ onion appetizer, while delicious, is not normally vegan due to the creamy Aussie ranch dressing served alongside. However, by making modifications like holding the ranch and asking for extra fried onion strings instead, you may be able to request a version that aligns with a vegan diet.
For healthier vegan choices at Outback, opt for grilled, steamed and raw vegetables, salads with oil and vinegar dressing, and fresh fruits. And be cautious of hidden animal-derived ingredients like certain cheeses, sauces, condiments and frying oils.
While the menu is quite meat-centric, with advance preparation and an understanding of what to avoid, as well as clear communication with your server, you can enjoy tasty plant-based meals at Outback Steakhouse as a vegan. But the iconic bloomin’ onion in its original preparation remains off the menu for those avoiding animal products.
