Are you a fan of Arby’s roast beef sandwiches? Have you ever wondered what exactly goes into making that juicy, meaty filling?
There have been plenty of rumors and urban legends circulating about the ingredients in Arby’s roast beef, but what is the truth?
In this article, we’ll dive into the facts and uncover what Arby’s roast beef is really made of. Get ready to satisfy your curiosity and your appetite!
What Is Arby’s Roast Beef Really Made Of?
Arby’s roast beef is made from 100% USDA-inspected beef that is slow-roasted in its own juices. This gives the roast beef a unique flavor and tenderness that you won’t find anywhere else.
Contrary to popular belief, Arby’s roast beef is not made from imitation meat, gels, liquids, or pastes. The rumors about the ingredients in Arby’s roast beef are simply not true.
The roast beef arrives at the restaurant pre-packaged in a self-basting solution, which is a gelatinized broth. This broth ensures that the beef stays juicy throughout the shipping, roasting, and slicing process.
Once the roast beef arrives at the restaurant, it is roasted in the oven for three hours and then sliced. The result is a delicious and tender meat that is perfect for sandwiches.
The History Of Arby’s Roast Beef
The history of Arby’s roast beef dates back to the founding of the fast food chain in 1964 by the Raffel Brothers, Leroy and Forrest. At the time, burgers dominated the fast food industry, and the Raffel Brothers wanted to offer something different that would set them apart from their competitors. They decided to focus on roast beef sandwiches, which were not commonly found in fast food restaurants.
To perfect their roast beef sandwich, the Raffel Brothers sampled a roast beef offering from a Massachusetts sandwich shop before introducing it in their very first outlet. The first Arby’s opened in Boardman, Ohio with only one item on the menu: a roast beef sandwich and “no french fries,” according to co-founder Leroy Raffel.
The roast beef used in Arby’s sandwiches is 100% USDA-inspected beef that is slow-roasted in its own juices. This gives the meat a unique flavor and tenderness that sets it apart from other fast food chains. The roast beef arrives at the restaurant pre-packaged in a self-basting solution, which is a gelatinized broth that ensures the beef stays juicy throughout the shipping, roasting, and slicing process.
Once the roast beef arrives at the restaurant, it is roasted in the oven for three hours and then sliced. This slow-roasting process is what gives Arby’s roast beef its signature flavor and tenderness.
Today, Arby’s offers a variety of roast beef sandwiches on its menu, including classic Roast Beef and Beef ‘n Cheddar sandwiches, as well as deli-style Market Fresh sandwiches and Greek gyros. Despite rumors about the ingredients in Arby’s roast beef, it remains a popular menu item made from high-quality ingredients and slow-roasting techniques.
The Ingredients In Arby’s Roast Beef
Arby’s roast beef is made from a few simple ingredients, including beef, water, salt, and sodium phosphates. The beef used in Arby’s roast beef is 100% USDA-inspected, ensuring that it meets the highest quality standards.
Water is added to the beef to help keep it moist and tender during the roasting process. Salt is also added to enhance the flavor of the beef. Sodium phosphates are used as a preservative to help extend the shelf life of the roast beef.
In addition to these ingredients, Arby’s also uses liquid roasted beef concentrate in their recipe. This concentrate adds an extra layer of flavor to the roast beef, making it even more delicious.
The Preparation Process
The preparation process for Arby’s roast beef starts with the arrival of the pre-packaged beef in a self-basting solution. The solution is made up of a gelatinized broth that keeps the beef moist and juicy throughout the shipping process.
Once the beef arrives at the restaurant, it is taken out of the packaging and placed in an oven to roast for three hours. During this time, the beef is slow-roasted in its own juices, giving it a unique flavor and tenderness that sets it apart from other fast food roast beef sandwiches.
After the three-hour roasting process is complete, the beef is sliced into thin, tender slices that are perfect for sandwiches. The result is a delicious and high-quality roast beef that is used in all of Arby’s signature sandwiches.
It’s worth noting that Arby’s used to pre-cook their roast beef before shipping it to the restaurants, but they have since changed their process. Now, the roast beef is cooked in the bag at each individual franchise location to ensure maximum freshness and quality.
Nutritional Information And Health Considerations
While Arby’s roast beef sandwiches are a popular menu item, they are not considered a healthy option. The classic roast beef sandwich contains 360 calories, 14g fat, 5g saturated fat, 0.5g trans fat, and 970mg sodium. The Arby’s classic roast beef sandwich contains 361 calories, 15g fat, 5.1g saturated fat, and 1.9g dietary fiber.
Additionally, some of the roast beef sandwich options at Arby’s, such as the Roast Beef Meal Deal and Giant Roast Beef Sandwich, have upwards of 1,000 calories and more than 2,000mg of sodium. These super-sized sandwiches also contain around 28g of fat.
While Arby’s does offer menu items featuring lean proteins such as beef, chicken, and turkey that could potentially fit into a healthy diet, the majority of Arby’s menu items are heavily processed and high in saturated fat, sodium, and calories. Therefore, if you’re trying to make healthier choices, it’s important to read the menu carefully.
One of the best ways to enjoy a roast beef sandwich while still maintaining a balanced diet is to opt for a smaller offering and add a side like apple slices or a small garden salad. It’s also important to note that the nutritional values presented on the menu may not be accurate for your specific dietary needs or health concerns. Therefore, it’s always best to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your diet.
Alternatives And Customization Options
If you’re not a fan of the classic roast beef sandwich, Arby’s has plenty of alternatives and customization options to choose from. Here are some of the most popular options:
– Beef ‘N Cheddar: This sandwich adds a layer of melted cheddar cheese and red ranch sauce to the classic roast beef sandwich, all served on an onion bun.
– Classic French Dip: This sandwich features thinly sliced roast beef on a toasted hoagie roll, served with a side of au jus dipping sauce.
– Smokehouse Brisket: This sandwich features smoked brisket, crispy onions, and BBQ sauce on a toasted bun.
– Super Roast Beef: This regional favorite features double the amount of roast beef on a toasted sesame seed bun.
If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, Arby’s also offers customization options. You can order any sandwich without cheese or sauce, or even ask for extra veggies to be added to your sandwich. Additionally, Arby’s offers a variety of sides including salads, curly fries, and mozzarella sticks to complete your meal.
