Does Outback Steakhouse Have Salmon On The Menu? A Detailed Look

Salmon is one of those proteins that seems to have secured itself a permanent spot in the pantheon of popular menu items across most restaurants. Rich, fatty, and flaky, salmon appears on the menus of countless steakhouses, seafood joints, and casual dining establishments.

With its hearty flavor and relative healthiness compared to some other proteins, salmon has proven itself to be a crowd-pleaser time and time again. So it’s no surprise that when searching for a place to enjoy a nice salmon dinner, many naturally look to Outback Steakhouse.

After all, Outback has cemented itself as one of the most popular casual dining chains around. With its Australian themes and focus on steaks and meats, Outback offers the type of indulgent yet laidback dining experience many crave.

But does this beloved steakhouse chain actually have salmon on the menu? Let’s take a detailed look at what salmon dishes you can order at Outback.

Outback Steakhouse Does Indeed Have Salmon Dishes

The good news for salmon lovers is that yes, Outback Steakhouse does offer salmon on their menu. It may not be the very first protein you think of when you hear “Outback Steakhouse,” but salmon is certainly present at locations across the country.

Specifically Outback has two salmon dishes that pop up frequently on their menus

• Wood-Fire Grilled Salmon: A hearty salmon filet is dressed and cooked over a wood fire in this dish. Outback’s famous remoulade sauce is served on the side with the salmon, along with two sides.

• Perfectly Grilled Salmon – Similar to the wood-fire grilled salmon this dish features salmon seasoned and grilled to order. It also comes with remoulade sauce and two sides.

So while salmon may take a backseat to Outback’s famous steaks and other meaty menu items, it is still readily available as a lighter and healthier option rich in omega-3s and protein. The wood-fire grilled preparation allows the inherent flavor of the fish to shine through.

Salmon Dishes Can Be Found On Most Outback Menus

One of the best things about Outback’s salmon dishes is that they appear on most location’s menus across the United States. This makes it easy and convenient for those searching for salmon at their local Outback.

The wood-fire grilled salmon and perfectly grilled salmon are regular items on the menu, not one-time only deals. Outback wants to offer more protein options besides steak and burgers, and salmon fills that need across the country.

There may be more seasonal salmon specials at some Outback Steakhouses, but customers can always count on at least one or two standard salmon dishes. Just look at the menus online and call ahead to make sure the restaurant is open before you go.

Having salmon meals regularly available makes Outback a reliable option for salmon fans everywhere. You won’t have to hope for specials or crosstown locations to enjoy salmon when the craving strikes.

Salmon Offers A Welcome Change Of Pace From Steak

Let’s face it – as delicious as steaks and burgers from Outback Steakhouse can be, it’s easy to get into a rut of ordering the same old things time and time again. And while there’s certainly comfort to be had in favorites, it can also be adventurous and rewarding to branch out and try different proteins and preparations.

The salmon at Outback presents the perfect opportunity to break out of the steak and burger routine. The wood-fire grilled preparation provides plenty of rich flavor, while the fish itself lends a lighter yet still hearty protein option compared to red meat.

Salmon simply gives your palate something different to appreciate, with its signature velvety texture and omega 3-richness. If you frequently feel bloated or overly full from steak and beef dishes, the salmon can provide a satisfying but less heavy meal.

And since the salmon picks up lovely smoky notes from the wood-fire grilling, you still get those craveable charred flavors that many love about steaks. Yet the fish puts its own unique spin on the wood-fired preparation.

Salmon Pairs Well With Many Of Outback’s Sides

One of the best parts about ordering salmon at Outback is that it complements many of the restaurant’s freshly made side dishes and appetizers. The salmon provides a lighter base that absorbs flavors nicely, allowing you to still enjoy some of Outback’s signature sides.

For instance, the salmon pairs wonderfully with loaded mashed potatoes or oven-roasted veggies, adding a hit of richness to the fish. Even pasta sides like Fettuccine Alfredo balance out the salmon’s texture.

If going for a heartier meal, salmon also holds up well to sides like steak fries, rice pilaf, or seasoned broccoli. Don’t be afraid to pair it with complementary flavors and textures.

And since salmon tends to be less filling than red meat on its own, you have room left over to enjoy starters like the Bloomin’ Onion or Caesar Salad. Outback’s crispy coconut shrimp also make a tasty appetizer before salmon.

Overall the salmon provides versatility as a main dish that harmonizes with many different flavors and textures found elsewhere on the menu.

Grilled Preparation Offers Big Flavor Without Lots Of Fuss

One of the things that makes Outback’s salmon preparations so appealing is their simplicity. Rather than overly complicated sauces or crusts, the fish is seasoned and grilled, allowing its natural flavors to be center stage.

The wood-fire grilling imparts lovely smoky notes to the tender salmon, cooking it evenly without drying it out. Letting the salmon speak for itself keeps the focus on the fish rather than masking it behind complicated flavors.

And serving the salmon with remoulade sauce on the side provides tangy, creamy dipping opportunities without drowning the fish. If you like the sauce, you can amp up the flavor, or enjoy the salmon on its own.

The straightforward grilled preparation is likely a large reason Outback chose salmon as their primary non-steak protein. It fits within their kitchen’s wheelhouse while providing enough complexity of flavor to be special.

Salmon Dishes Offer Lighter Fare For Health-Conscious Diners

Outback Steakhouse built its name on hearty, indulgent dishes full of steak, cheese, carbs, and butter. In many ways they epitomize the indulgent excess people associate with American food.

However, in recent years as more diners become health-conscious, Outback has started offering lighter fare like salads, veggie sides, and yes – salmon. This gives health-focused guests more options when dining out with friends and family.

While salmon has plenty of beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, protein, selenium, and vitamin B12, it tends to be lighter than ribeye or prime rib. Serving it without dousing it in butter or heavy sauces further increases the health factor.

Those limiting red meat or watching their cholesterol and saturated fat intake will be glad to see wood-fire grilled salmon in Outback’s lineup. It provides a break from chicken breast and vegetarian dishes when looking for healthier proteins.

Prices Are In Line With Other Menu Entrees

If you find yourself hesitating to order the Outback salmon dishes, fearing they fall into some ultra-premium price point, fret not! The salmon is priced very reasonably, right in line with many of the steakhouse’s other entree options.

As of early 2023, the wood-fire grilled salmon clocks in at $19.99 for an eight-ounce filet at most locations. The “Perfectly Grilled Salmon” runs a dollar or two less per location.

For easy comparison, these salmon prices almost exactly match Outback’s mid-tier steak offerings like the eight-ounce sirloin and Outback Special sirloin. The ribeyes, larger cuts, and lobster tails do cost a bit more.

However, the salmon still comes in a few dollars less than the iconic Victoria’s Filet mignon and most other upscale steaks on offer.

So price-wise the salmon dishes fit comfortably within Outback’s menu – not exorbitantly expensive but a step above burgers and basic chicken. The cost reflects the preparation and premium fish.

Salmon Availability Varies By Location

Despite being a chain, it’s important to note that not all Outback Steakhouse locations have identical menus. There tends to be a core set of staple dishes, but seasonal, regional, and test items do pop up.

This means that while most Outbacks feature salmon entree options, a small minority may not based on logistics challenges or other factors.

Your best bet is to check Outback’s online menu and call the specific restaurant before visiting to confirm salmon availability. This avoids showing up hungry and being disappointed.

But the vast majority – likely 95% or more – of locations will carry some form of grilled salmon entree. Only in rare cases has the fish been phased out at a given franchise.

Just be aware the menus have slight variations, and check ahead when possible to ensure your salmon cravings will be satisfied!

Best Days For Salmon Availability Are Monday Through Thursday

If making a special trip just for