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Even among a large and diverse menu, the core of Outback Steakhouse remains, naturally, the beef. The chain’s variety of signature steaks ranges from pricey, ultra-tender filet mignon to Canberra chopped steak, smothered in mushroom sauce. However, Outback’s top seller isn’t a familiar option like a ribeye or New York strip. According to the company, its top seller is the center-cut sirloin.
Outback describes the cut as “lean, hearty, and full of flavor,” noting it’s “center-cut for tenderness.” It’s part of the top sirloin, with the center-cut element describing its position in the middle of the cut. This helps provide the desirable combination of beefy taste and leanness that makes it mouthwatering and versatile.
Like all Outback steaks, each center-cut sirloin is individually selected and hand-trimmed before it gets the chain’s signature seasoning, followed by a sear and chargrill finish. Still, as far as steak dinners go, it’s a relatively budget-friendly option. At a central Florida location, an 8-ounce version sold for $20.79, six dollars cheaper than the 12-ounce New York strip or almost $14 cheaper than an 8-ounce filet. It also comes with two of the chain’s sides, which we ranked to help diners make sense of the long list.
A mixed picture nutritionally, but no doubt on the flavor
Nutritionally, there are elements to like about the center-cut sirloin, as well as some potential downsides to be aware of. Each eight-ounce steak contains 47 grams of protein, a substantial portion based on current federal guidelines that call for 0.54 to 0.73 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily. Just half of the 400 calories are from fat, a lower proportion than other steaks like the strip or ribeye. On the flip side, it also packs in 630 milligrams of sodium, over a quarter of the 2,300 milligrams that the American Heart Association suggests as a daily maximum. It also has 12 grams of saturated fat, nearly equal to the 13 grams the organization recommends for a typical diet for the entire day.
Reviews from customers confirm the steak’s top selling points. On Facebook, one review described the cut as “flavourful, juicy and tender”, while a commenter responded by calling it “the perfect meal there.” Meanwhile, some Reddit users like the steak so much they sought out advice on how to find similar cuts for home cooking.
Not knowing the differences between various cuts is one of the biggest mistakes customers make when eating at Outback. With these details in mind about the diner-favorite center-cut sirloin, those wondering about their next order have all they need to know if they’re looking for a steak that’s as tasty and affordable as it is popular.
Dining and Cooking