Toowoomba salmon is a dish served exclusively at Outback Steakhouse restaurants. It features a grilled salmon fillet served with a unique sauce and vegetables.
Origin of Toowoomba Salmon
The Toowoomba salmon was created by Outback Steakhouse in the 1990s as an alternative to their steaks. Outback wanted to appeal to non-meat eaters and seafood lovers. The recipe was developed by their executive chef and was named after the city of Toowoomba in Queensland, Australia. The name was meant to reflect the dish’s origins in the Land Down Under.
Inspiration from Australia
Although Toowoomba salmon is not an authentic Australian dish, Outback Steakhouse drew inspiration from Australian cuisine when creating it. Salmon is prevalent in Australia and often grilled or broiled. The herb notes in the sauce are also reminiscent of bold Australian seasonings. Naming it after an Australian city helped reinforce the dish’s Aussie concept.
Components of Toowoomba Salmon
Toowoomba salmon consists of a few main components:
- Salmon fillet – A fresh, boneless salmon filet cut into a 6-7 oz. portion
- Toowoomba sauce – The unique creamy garlic sauce flavored with mustard and citrus
- Asparagus – Grilled fresh asparagus spears
- Mushrooms – Sautéed mushrooms
- Tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes
- Onion rings – Beer-battered onion rings
- Lemon – Served with a lemon wedge
Salmon Fillet
The salmon fillet is the star of the dish. Outback uses fresh, sustainably sourced salmon, carefully trimmed into portions weighing around 6-7 ounces. The fillet is seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic powder then grilled until flaky on the inside. Grilling gives it a smoky, charred flavor.
Toowoomba Sauce
The Toowoomba sauce is what makes this salmon dish unique. It has a creamy, beige color and robust flavor. The sauce consists of:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
- Dijon mustard
- Juice from lemons, oranges and limes
- White wine vinegar
- Cayenne pepper
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
All the ingredients are blended together to create the smooth, creamy sauce that complements the salmon beautifully.
Vegetables
The salmon is served alongside grilled asparagus, sautéed mushrooms and cherry tomatoes to add color and balance. The asparagus is seasoned and grilled until tender. The mushrooms are tossed in garlic and olive oil then cooked until softened. The cherry tomatoes add pops of sweetness.
Onion Rings
For crunch, beer-battered onion rings are served alongside the dish. The batter is made with beer, flour, spices and buttermilk with thinly sliced onions. They are fried up crispy and golden brown.
Preparation of Toowoomba Salmon
Toowoomba salmon takes some preparation and careful timing to pull together the entire dish. Here is an overview of how it is prepared in the Outback Steakhouse kitchen:
- Cut fresh salmon fillets into 6-7 oz portions and season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Refrigerate.
- Make the Toowoomba sauce by combining all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Mix well and set aside.
- Wash and trim the asparagus. Toss in olive oil, salt and pepper. Grill until tender.
- Sauté mushrooms in olive oil and garlic. Set aside.
- In a fryer, cook the beer-battered onion rings until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Grill the salmon for approximately 6-7 minutes per side until opaque and flaky.
- Add a spoonful of Toowoomba sauce on each salmon fillet.
- Plate the salmon, vegetables and onion rings attractively. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
The prep is very hands-on with the different components being made to order. The timing must be right so that everything finishes cooking at once for the best taste and presentation.
Taste and Flavor Profile
The Toowoomba salmon offers a pleasing balance of flavors and textures. The salmon itself has a mild, delicate salmon flavor with a buttery texture when cooked just right. The Toowoomba sauce, while creamy, does not mask the salmon flavor but rather enhances it. Notes of citrus, mustard, garlic and herbs complement the fish. Crunchy onion rings, crisp-tender asparagus and earthy mushrooms add more depth.
Toowoomba Sauce Flavors
Here are the main flavors present in the Toowoomba sauce:
- Creamy and rich – From mayonnaise and sour cream as a base
- Savory umami – Parmesan cheese
- Pungent garlic – Minced raw garlic
- Spicy mustard – Added Dijon mustard
- Citrus zest – Lemon, lime and orange juice
- Acidic vinegar – White wine vinegar
- Mild heat – Cayenne pepper
- Earthy paprika – Smoked paprika
- Balanced salt and pepper – For overall seasoning
These flavors marry to create a sauce that is savory, bright, rich and creamy all at once. It has a kick from the mustard, garlic and cayenne but the creaminess balances out the heat.
Plating and Presentation
Toowoomba salmon is artfully plated at Outback Steakhouse. Presentation highlights the beautiful pink salmon, bright vegetables and the creamy Toowoomba sauce. Here are some key elements of plating Toowoomba salmon:
- The salmon is placed slightly off-center, attractively drizzled with sauce
- Asparagus and mushrooms flank opposite sides
- Onion rings sit atop the vegetables
- Cherry tomatoes encircle the plate
- Sprigs of fresh dill or parsley may garnish
- A lemon wedge accents the edge of the plate
The vibrant colors of the salmon, sauce, mushrooms, asparagus and tomatoes make the dish very appealing. The height of the onion rings adds textural interest. A sprig of herb provides a pop of green. Lemon brightens up the presentation. Customers are drawn in by the enticing way Toowoomba salmon is plated.
Toowoomba Salmon Nutrition Facts
Toowoomba salmon provides a lean protein option at Outback Steakhouse. Here is the nutrition breakdown for a single serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Fat | 36g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 115mg |
| Sodium | 740mg |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Protein | 43g |
The salmon itself is high in protein and low in fat and carbs. However the Toowoomba sauce does bring up the fat, sodium and cholesterol numbers. The onion rings also contribute additional carbs. Overall it is a lighter option compared to many of Outback’s steak entrees.
Low Calories for a Steakhouse
At 520 calories, Toowoomba salmon is lower in calories compared to popular Outback steak options like:
- Victoria’s Filet (10 oz) – 590 calories
- Ribeye (12 oz) – 930 calories
- Prime Rib (12 oz) – 940 calories
The salmon provides satisfying protein at nearly half the calories of some of Outback’s signature steaks. For steakhouse dining, it is a lighter choice.
Pairings and Side Dishes
Toowoomba salmon pairs nicely with several side dishes at Outback. Some recommended pairings include:
- Rice pilaf – The nuts and veggies in the pilaf complement the salmon.
- Fresh seasonal vegetables – Such as broccoli or green beans.
- Caesar salad – Romaine and parmesan pair well.
- Baked potato – Top with sour cream, bacon, cheese and green onions.
- Fried pickles – Tart pickles cut the richness.
For wine, a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc would match nicely with the fish. A light to medium bodied white tends to work best. Citrusy whites like pinot grigio also complement the citrus accents. For beer, wheat beers, pale ales and lagers make solid pairings.
Price
Toowoomba salmon is competitively priced compared to other menu options at Outback. Pricing does vary a bit by location but averages around:
- $18.99 alone
- $24.99 as a 3-course meal with salad and side
Compared to steaks like the Ribeye at $26.99 or the Victoria Filet at $23.99, the Toowoomba Salmon is $5-8 less. It makes for a more affordable, lighter option for diners looking for value.
Reviews from Customers
Overall Toowoomba salmon earns positive reviews from Outback Steakhouse customers. Here are some common feedback themes:
Flavors and Sauce
- “The Toowoomba sauce was unique and really good!”
- “Loved the sauce – creamy with a little kick.”
- “Never had lemon/citrus with fish like that before but it worked.”
- “Enjoyed the contrast of the crunchy onion rings and tender salmon.”
Portion Size
- “The piece of salmon was impressive, nice and thick.”
- “Very filling meal with the salmon, veggies and side.”
- “I was glad there was plenty of the Toowoomba sauce.”
Price and Value
- “Reasonably priced, tasted like I got my money’s worth.”
- “Much cheaper than getting steak but still felt special.”
- “The 3-course price is a good deal with salad, side and entree.”
The flavorful sauce, generous portion size and fair pricing earn praise in reviews. The dish wins over many steak-loving Outback customers as a lighter alternative at a lower cost.
Conclusion
Toowoomba salmon is a popular signature dish exclusive to Outback Steakhouse. It features a grilled salmon filet served with a creamy, flavorful Toowoomba sauce along with grilled asparagus, sauteed mushrooms and onion rings. While not an authentic Australian dish, it was inspired by Australian cuisine and named after an Australian town. The zesty Toowoomba sauce sets it apart from typical salmon dishes. Toowoomba salmon provides guests a lighter alternative to steak that is still satisfying. At around $18.99 it costs less than most steaks at Outback as well. Overall it earns rave reviews for its portion size, unique flavors and price point. Toowoomba salmon has become a staple menu item at Outback that puts a creative twist on salmon.