Outback Steakhouse is a popular steakhouse chain with over 1,000 locations across the United States and in over 20 other countries worldwide. The Australian-themed restaurants are known for serving up juicy steaks, hearty side dishes, and decadent desserts. One of the signature items at Outback is their barbecue sauce – but what exactly goes into this sweet, tangy and smoky condiment?
The History of Outback Steakhouse’s BBQ Sauce
Outback Steakhouse was founded in 1988 by Bob Basham, Chris T. Sullivan, Trudy Cooper and Tim Gannon. The four founders came up with the idea for an Australian-themed steakhouse after a trip down under. They were inspired by the casual dining and lively atmosphere they experienced in Australia and wanted to recreate that in the United States.
From the beginning, Outback Steakhouse’s barbecue sauce has been an integral part of their menu. According to company lore, the original barbecue sauce recipe was the result of Tim Gannon’s passion for grilling and making his own sauces at home. The recipe was tweaked and perfected in Outback Steakhouse test kitchens until they came up with the distinctive flavor profile their customers have come to love.
Over the years, minor adjustments have been made to the Outback BBQ sauce recipe. But the core ingredients and blend of flavors has remained consistent for over 30 years, making it one of the most recognizable steakhouse sauces around.
The Flavor Profile
So what exactly gives Outback Steakhouse’s barbecue sauce its unique taste? Here are some of the key flavor notes in this popular sauce:
- Sweetness – The base of the sauce starts with a sweet and sticky texture. Brown sugar and molasses are likely used to give it its initial sweetness.
- Smokiness – The sauce has adistinct smoky flavor, likely from smoked paprika or chipotle peppers. This gives it a barbecue-like taste.
- Acidity – Vinegars such as cider, white or rice vinegar provide a tangy counterbalance to the sweetness. They give the sauce a bright, acidic kick.
- Spice – Spices like black pepper, cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes add a mild heat.
- Umami – Ingredients like tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce add savory, umami depth.
- Thickness – The sauce has a thick, substantial texture. Cornstarch is likely used as a thickening agent.
When combined, these ingredients create a sauce that hits all the right notes – sweet but tangy, smoky but spicy. It has just enough thickness to cling nicely to steaks, ribs and other barbecued meats.
The Ingredients
While the exact recipe for Outback Steakhouse’s BBQ sauce is proprietary, some of the key ingredients can be surmised based on the flavors. Here are some of the likely ingredients found in Outback’s barbecue sauce:
- Ketchup – The base of many barbecue sauces starts with ketchup or tomato puree. Ketchup provides sweetness, texture and tomato flavor.
- Brown sugar – This adds sweetness and complexes the flavor.
- Molasses – For more robust sweetness and a sticky texture.
- Worcestershire sauce – Provides umami depth.
- Apple cider vinegar and/or white vinegar – Gives the sauce acidity to balance the sweetness.
- Onion and garlic – Classic barbecue sauce aromatics.
- Smoked paprika – Adds smoky, barbecue flavor.
- Chili powder and cayenne – Brings mild heat.
- Black pepper – Adds peppery spice.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce so it nicely coats foods.
These ingredients likely form the flavor base of Outback’s barbecue sauce. From there, proprietary seasoning blends and perhaps some secret ingredients get added by Outback’s test kitchen chefs to make the sauce uniquely theirs.
How to Make a Copycat Outback Steakhouse BBQ Sauce
Want to re-create the zesty flavor of Outback Steakhouse’s barbecue sauce at home? Here is a recipe for a copycat version:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper and black pepper. Whisk well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Allow to gently bubble for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly.
- Make a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with the water. Pour the slurry into the saucepan and whisk until well incorporated.
- Let sauce simmer for 2-3 more minutes until desired thickness is reached. Remove from heat.
- Allow sauce to cool before using or transferring to an airtight container. Store refrigerated for up to 4 weeks.
This homemade copycat recipe will give you a sauce that mimics the sweet, tangy and smoky flavors of Outback’s original. Brush it on steaks, ribs, chicken or shrimp right off the grill for that classic Outback Steakhouse flavor.
Pairing with Outback Steakhouse Menu Items
At the restaurants, Outback Steakhouse’s barbecue sauce features prominently on several signature menu items, including:
- Ribs on the Barbie – Fall-off-the-bone pork ribs roasted and slathered in their tangy barbecue sauce.
- Aussie Chicken – Grilled chicken breast brushed with BBQ sauce and topped with bacon, cheese and ranch dressing.
- Baby Back Ribs – Their popular pork ribs served with BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
- Ribeye – Sizzling ribeye steak served with garlic herb butter and a side of barbecue sauce.
- Alice Springs Chicken – Named after an Australian town, the dish features a chicken breast topped with bacon, mushrooms, cheddar cheese and barbecue sauce.
The sauce is also often used as a flavor-packed condiment for steaks, burgers, fries and more. Some customers even enjoy it as a dipping sauce for Outback’s coconut shrimp and cheese fries.
Nutrition Information
As a sauce made primarily from tomatoes, sugar and vinegar, Outback Steakhouse’s barbecue sauce does contain some calories and sodium, but is relatively low in fat and other nutrients.
Here is the nutrition information for a 3.5 ounce serving of Outback Steakhouse barbecue sauce (information provided on the Outback Steakhouse website):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 |
| Protein | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 21g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 370mg |
As you can see, a serving of the sauce contains 90 calories, 21 grams of carbohydrates including 20 grams of sugar, and 370 milligrams of sodium. There are minimal amounts of protein and fat.
When enjoying Outback’s barbecue sauce, keep portion sizes in moderation. But feel free to use it to add big, bold barbecue flavor without a lot of fat or calories.
Where to Buy Outback Steakhouse BBQ Sauce
Want to get your hands on the real deal? Outback Steakhouse has made their signature barbecue sauce available for consumers to purchase.
You can find bottled Outback barbecue sauce at many grocery stores. It’s usually stocked alongside other steakhouse sauces like A1 in the condiment aisle.
Look for the distinctive brown bottle labeled Outback Steakhouse Barbecue Sauce. The sauce is also available from online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.com.
Outback sells their barbecue sauce in three sizes:
- 12 ounce bottle
- 18 ounce bottle
- 28 ounce squeeze bottle
Expect to pay around $3 to $4 for the 12 ounce bottle. As you go up in size, the per-ounce price decreases.
Stock up on a few bottles so you can enjoy the taste of Outback Steakhouse grilling in your own kitchen. Brush it on steaks, chicken, ribs, shrimp and more as you barbecue. Or add it to recipes for a flavorful zip.
Other Outback Steakhouse Sauces and Seasonings
In addition to their flagship barbecue sauce, Outback Steakhouse has expanded their line of retail products over time. Here are some other Outback-branded sauces and spices you can purchase:
- Steak Seasoning – The signature seasoning blend used on Outback’s steaks. Contains salt, pepper and spices.
- Bloomin’ Onion Seasoned Salt – For recreating Outback’s famous fried onion appetizer at home.
- Kookabura Wings Sauce – Sweet and tangy sauce for chicken wings.
- Aussie Pepper Sauce – Creamy peppercorn sauce to top steaks.
- Hungry Jack’s Chimichurri Sauce – Herby green chimichurri sauce that pairs well with grilled meats.
The full line of Outback Steakhouse retail products can be found on their website. Browse the selections to find your favorite flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Outback Steakhouse barbecue sauce gluten free?
Yes, Outback Steakhouse has confirmed that their barbecue sauce is certified gluten free. It is safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
Is Outback BBQ sauce spicy?
Outback Steakhouse barbecue sauce has a mild spice level. It contains a blend of peppers that provides light heat but is not overly spicy. Those who are sensitive to spice can enjoy it without discomfort.
What is the best food to dip in Outback barbecue sauce?
The sauce pairs especially well with classic barbecue favorites like ribs, pulled pork, chicken wings and burgers. It also makes an excellent dipping sauce for steak, fries, onion rings or cheese curds. Get creative and try it with your own favorite foods.
Does Outback Steakhouse sell their salad dressing?
Unfortunately no, Outback Salad dressing is not available for purchase currently. The barbecue sauce is the only salad dressing or condiment Outback sells to consumers.
Can you duplicate Outback Steakhouse recipes at home?
While the exact restaurant recipes are proprietary, you can find copycat recipes online for many Outback Steakhouse menu items. Use their retail sauces and seasonings to come close to the signature flavors.
Conclusion
Outback Steakhouse’s signature barbecue sauce plays an integral role in creating the flavors people love at this popular steakhouse chain. With a sweet, tangy and smoky taste profile, it adds barbecue flair to steaks, chicken, wings and other grilled dishes.
While the exact recipe remains a secret, likely ingredients include ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, molasses and spices. You can purchase bottled Outback barbecue sauce from grocery stores or online retailers to enjoy at home on meats hot off the grill or as a dipping sauce.
Pairing some juicy grilled steaks or chicken breasts with this authentic Outback barbecue sauce is a quick way to bring the tastes you love from the restaurants into your own kitchen. So grab a bottle and get ready for a little taste of the outback.