Are you a steak lover wondering about the quality of beef used at Outback Steakhouse?
You’re not alone.
Many people are curious about the grade of beef used in their favorite restaurants. In this article, we’ll explore the grading system for beef and take a closer look at the meat served at Outback.
From USDA certification to marbling and flavor, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the quality of beef at Outback Steakhouse.
So, sit back, relax, and get ready to learn about the mouth-watering steaks that make Outback a go-to destination for meat lovers.
What Grade Of Beef Does Outback Use?
Outback Steakhouse is known for its delicious steaks, but what grade of beef do they use?
According to sources, all the beef at Outback is USDA Choice certified. This means that the meat is of high quality, but not the highest grade available. “Choice” is one level below “Prime,” which is the grade given to the meat with the maximum marbling or fat content.
The grading of beef is voluntary and determined by government inspectors who evaluate the degree of fat marbling, color, and age of the animal. Higher grades of meat are more tender, flavorful, and juicy. The highest grade of beef, prime, represents less than two percent of all beef available and comes from a younger steer. Choice is the middle and most common grade, while select is on the lower end of the retail grading scale and is less marbled, tender, and juicy.
While Outback uses USDA Choice-certified beef, they still provide a variety of cuts to choose from. Their menu includes Signature Sirloin, Ribeye, New York Strip, Bone-in Natural Cut Ribeye, Filet Mignon, Porterhouse, and Slow-Roasted Prime Rib. Each cut has its own unique flavor profile and texture.
Understanding Beef Grading: What Does It Mean?
Beef grading is a voluntary program administered by the USDA to set standards for the various quality levels of beef. The grading process involves trained specialists who evaluate the meat’s maturity and level of fat marbling. The degree of marbling is the small flecks of fat within the beef muscle, which provides flavor, tenderness, and juiciness to beef and improves overall palatability. Other factors that are taken into consideration include animal age, and color, and texture of the muscle.
The USDA has eight different beef grades: prime, choice, select, standard, commercial, utility, cutter, and canner. Prime is the highest quality grade given to young, well-fed beef cattle with abundant marbling. It is generally sold in restaurants and hotels. Choice is high quality but has less marbling than prime. Select is leaner than higher grades but is still fairly tender. Standard and commercial grades are usually sold as ungraded or store-brand meat. Utility, cutter, and canner grades are seldom sold at retail but are used to make ground beef and processed products.
The grade of beef used by Outback Steakhouse is USDA Choice-certified. This means that the meat is of high quality but not the highest grade available. While prime beef represents less than two percent of all beef available and comes from a younger steer with maximum marbling or fat content, choice is the middle and most common grade used in restaurants.
USDA Certification: What It Tells You About Outback’s Beef
When it comes to Outback’s beef, the USDA certification tells you that the meat is of high quality and has undergone rigorous inspection. The USDA grade shields are symbols of safe, high-quality American beef, and Outback’s beef is no exception. The grading process involves evaluating the degree of fat marbling, color, and age of the animal. Outback’s beef is certified as USDA Choice, which means that it is high quality, but not the highest grade available.
The USDA certification ensures that Outback’s beef is safe and meets certain standards. The availability and application of grade standards make business transactions easier and provide a vital link to support rural America. Consumers benefit from the greater efficiency permitted by the availability and application of grade standards. They can be assured that Outback’s beef is of high quality and has undergone strict inspection.
While Outback’s beef may not be the highest grade available, they still offer a variety of cuts that are sure to satisfy any steak lover’s palate. Each cut has its own unique flavor profile and texture, allowing customers to choose their preferred cut based on their personal preferences.
The Importance Of Marbling In Steak Quality
One of the most important factors in determining the quality of a steak is marbling. Marbling refers to the intramuscular fat that is distributed throughout the meat, which gives it its flavor, tenderness, and juiciness. The more marbling a steak has, the higher its quality grade will be.
The USDA grades beef based on four factors: marbling, color, firmness, and texture. The highest grade of beef, Prime, has abundant marbling throughout the meat, which results in a juicy and flavorful steak. Choice steak has less marbling than Prime but still has an abundance compared to Select grades. Approximately 55% of beef is graded as Choice. Its tenderness, taste, and juiciness make this an excellent value option at 20-25% cheaper than Prime per pound.
Marbling is important because it helps the meat keep its moisture while it is being cooked. If you render (or cook out) all the internal fat (aka marbling) from the meat, you will be left with a piece of meat that is not only dry but lacks in flavor. High-quality meat holds more flavor due to the amount of marbling it possesses.
It’s important to note that marbling isn’t just about taste and texture; it’s also a component of a healthy diet. The type of fat that is considered marbling is unsaturated fat, which is an important part of a balanced diet. Marbled meat also contains oleic acid, which is also found in things like olive oil.
Outback’s Signature Cuts: Which Ones Stand Out?
Outback Steakhouse’s menu offers a variety of signature cuts, each with its own distinctive taste and texture. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout cuts.
First up is the Bone-in Natural Cut Ribeye. This cut is known for its marbling and tenderness, making it a popular choice among steak lovers. It’s cooked to perfection and served with your choice of sides, making for a satisfying meal.
Next on the list is the Outback Center-Cut Sirloin. This cut is a great option for those looking for an affordable yet delicious steak. It’s low in fat but still packs a flavorful punch, making it a favorite among many Outback customers.
The Ribeye is another standout cut on the menu. It’s known for its rich flavor and juiciness, thanks to the high amount of marbling. This cut comes from the rib section of the cow and is perfect for those who want a hearty, satisfying meal.
Last but not least is the Filet Mignon, which is considered by many to be the most tender cut of beef available. It’s a luxurious dining experience that comes with a higher price tag, but the melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor make it worth it for many steak enthusiasts.
How Outback Prepares Their Steaks To Perfection
Outback Steakhouse takes great care in preparing their steaks to perfection. They use a wood-fired grill and a proprietary seasoning dry rub on all their steaks, which are cooked to order. This ensures that each steak is fresh and made to the customer’s desired level of doneness.
Unlike many chain restaurants, Outback does not receive pre-portioned vacuum-sealed steaks. Instead, they take pride in selecting and preparing each cut of meat themselves. This allows them to ensure that each steak is of the highest quality and meets their standards.
To cook the steaks, Outback uses a wood-fired grill that imparts a unique smoky flavor to the meat. The grill is heated to a high temperature, which allows the steak to sear and lock in its juices. The proprietary seasoning dry rub is then applied to the steak, which enhances its natural flavors and adds a delicious crust to the outside.
The steaks are cooked to order, which means that each one is prepared exactly how the customer wants it. This ensures that each steak is fresh and hot when it arrives at the table.
The Final Verdict: Is Outback’s Beef Worth The Hype?
After taking a deep dive into the world of Outback Steakhouse’s beef, it’s safe to say that their beef is definitely worth the hype. While it may not be the highest grade available, the USDA Choice-certified beef used by Outback is still of high quality and provides a delicious dining experience.
Moreover, Outback provides a wide variety of cuts to choose from, each with its own unique flavor profile and texture. Whether you’re in the mood for a tender Filet Mignon or a juicy Ribeye, Outback has got you covered.
In addition to their high-quality beef, Outback also offers excellent service and a welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a special occasion or a casual night out. So, if you’re looking for a delicious steakhouse experience, Outback Steakhouse is definitely worth checking out.
