4 Ordering Tips To Get A Better Steak At Outback Steakhouse

If you're a fan of large, juicy steaks, warm brown bread, and some of the best fried onions you've ever had, you've likely spent an evening or two at Outback Steakhouse. The Australian-themed chain makes all sorts of savory cuts of meat, grilled and seasoned to perfection. Whether you prefer a medium-rare ribeye or a chargrilled sirloin, the popular steakhouse has what you need. Still, there are some ordering tips we recommend to get the best steak possible.

Among the many facts you should know about Outback Steakhouse, the greatest is that steaks here are pretty customizable. From the toppings to the cooking style, cut of meat, and seasoning selections, there are many ways you can make your order uniquely yours. You don't even have to dip into Outback Steakhouse menu hacks to get what you want out of your steak dinner. The best part? Most of these hacks don't cost much extra — it's all part of the way you like your steak prepared. No need to frequent fancy steakhouses (though we do encourage that from time to time) to get some pretty amazing meals. Here are four ordering tips we highly recommend next time you take a trip "Down Under."

The Bloomin' Onion is undoubtedly what Outback Steakhouse is most known for. The appetizer is essentially a giant sweet onion that's been pulled apart, breaded with seasoned batter, and fried to perfection. The result is similar to crispy fried onion rings, but in our opinion, even better. However, the real star here is the Bloomin' Onion sauce. The exact recipe isn't known, but it's mainly a combination of ketchup, mayonnaise, and horseradish with spices.

Turns out, this tangy, slightly sweet sauce pairs amazingly with steak. So, next time you're at Outback and order the appetizer, ask for an extra container of sauce and set it aside to pour over your steak. Or, simply ask the wait staff to put a container of Bloomin' Onion sauce on the side of your entree. The creamy, acidic sauce cuts through the richness of the steak, and serves a similar purpose to béarnaise sauce, a French sauce made with vinegar and egg yolks.

When Outback Steakhouse staff cook bone-In or Delmonico ribeye, they add a special chargrill seasoning blend and put the steak over open flame, which helps create an even deeper, vibrant flavor. But, if you prefer other types of steak from the popular chain, such as the center-cut sirloin — Outback's best-selling steak — or the New York strip, you can request this same treatment for your order. Just ask the wait staff and they can alert the back of house of your customization.

An open-flame chargrilled finish may take a little longer to complete, so be patient. Once it arrives, you should be pleasantly surprised with the slight char, crispness, and grill marks on your steak. The inside is still just as juicy and tender, too. Even if you want your steak medium-rare or medium-well, it should still work well with this cooking modification. Sure, it's not how the restaurant typically does things, but it's definitely worth a try.

This tip doesn't just apply to Outback Steakhouse: It's a universal trick to ordering perfectly cooked steak. If you prefer fattier cuts of meat, which are typically the ribeye selections at Outback, order them cooked medium to medium-well. It takes longer for the fat to melt down, also known as rendering. Ordering fatty pieces medium-rare leaves room for chunks of fat to remain intact — not necessarily the best texture or taste experience, if you ask us.

When you're at Outback and you're craving the bone-in ribeye or New York strip, ask for it to be cooked medium. This means it's slightly pink when you cut into it, not red or dripping. If you like meat a little more cooked through, go for medium-well; there's even less pink inside and a slightly chewier texture, but not too much to the point it's rubbery (a possibility if you order it well-done). 

Prefer your steak smothered in sauce, grilled onions and mushrooms, or butter? You can get any (or all!) of the above at Outback Steakhouse. While you might be charged a little extra, you can request toppings on any of your steaks at the restaurant, and it's well-worth it if you're not a fan of plain steaks.

Steakhouse fans also highly encourage steak toppings. One Redditor mentioned ordering roasted garlic butter on their steak, while others love doing the mushrooms and onions together. "I'm a sucker for blue cheese and some sauces. I order them on the side so I can do a tiny dip (or not) as I eat the steak," another Redditor commented. Outback doesn't offer a blue cheese sauce, but you can order a side salad with blue cheese dressing or ranch and add it to your steak. For a less complicated order, go for the Canberra Chopped Steak, which already comes with a creamy mushroom sauce. You can also get the new Filet Topped with Bacon & Blue Cheese Butter — a topping lover's dream.