How Many Calories are in Outback Shrimp? A Full Nutritional Breakdown

January 3, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the official Outback Steakhouse nutritional information, a serving of Bloomin' Fried Shrimp contains 990 calories, making it a significantly heavier option than its grilled counterparts. Understanding the calorie difference is key to making a balanced dining choice, as the preparation method heavily influences the final nutritional value.

Quick Summary

Calorie counts for Outback shrimp vary drastically depending on the preparation. Fried options like Bloomin' Fried Shrimp can reach 990 calories, while healthier grilled alternatives are significantly lower. Factors including portion size and sauces also impact the total nutritional profile.

Key Points

Significant Calorie Difference: Fried shrimp at Outback has over 900 calories, while grilled options are significantly lighter.
Choose Grilled for Fewer Calories: The Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie is the healthiest shrimp choice, with the lowest calorie and fat count.
Frying Adds Substantial Calories: The Bloomin' Fried Shrimp gets most of its 990 calories from the breading and cooking oil used in the deep-frying process.
Sauces and Sides Affect Totals: Dipping sauces and your choice of side dishes can add hundreds of calories to any shrimp entree.
Nutritional Information Can Fluctuate: Official nutritional data should always be referenced, as menu items and portion sizes may change over time.
High Sodium Warning: Be aware that many restaurant items, especially fried appetizers like the Bloomin' Fried Shrimp, are very high in sodium.

A Detailed Look at Outback's Shrimp Menu

When dining at a restaurant like Outback Steakhouse, it can be challenging to know the exact nutritional content of your meal. The menu offers a variety of shrimp dishes, from appetizers to entrees and add-ons, each with a different calorie count. This guide breaks down the nutrition for the most popular Outback shrimp items to help you make a more informed decision.

Bloomin' Fried Shrimp

The Bloomin' Fried Shrimp is a popular appetizer that echoes the signature flavors of the famous Bloomin' Onion. The high calorie count is primarily due to the breading and deep-frying process. This dish comes with a spicy signature bloom sauce, which adds to the overall calorie and fat content.

Calories: 990
Total Fat: 66g
Carbohydrates: 53g
Protein: 45g
Sodium: 5830mg

Gold Coast Coconut Shrimp

For those who prefer a different kind of fried shrimp, the Gold Coast Coconut Shrimp offers a tropical twist. While still a fried dish, its calorie count is lower than the Bloomin' Fried Shrimp, but it's important to remember this doesn't include any accompanying sauces or side dishes.

Calories: 640
Total Fat: 34g
Carbohydrates: 59g
Protein: 23g
Sodium: 1240mg

Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie

This grilled option is the healthiest shrimp choice on the Outback menu. The preparation method involves grilling rather than frying, which significantly reduces the calorie and fat content. However, the total calories can vary based on whether you order it as a main entree, an add-on, or a party platter.

Entree (Served with sides, check local menu): Calories around 550
Add-On (Smaller portion, e.g., 6 shrimp): Calories around 80-160, depending on specific portion size and prep.
8 Grilled Shrimp (Specific listing): 630 calories.

Why Calorie Counts Can Vary

It is important to note that calorie counts can differ slightly based on the specific location and menu updates. Official Outback nutritional information is the most accurate source. Factors that can influence the final calorie count include:

Preparation Method: Frying adds significant calories and fat compared to grilling.
Portion Size: An entree portion will have a higher count than an add-on.
Sauces: Dipping sauces can add hundreds of calories to a dish.
Sides: For entrees, the choice of side dishes will substantially impact the overall meal's calorie total.

Making a Healthier Choice

If you are aiming for a lighter meal, the grilled shrimp is the clear winner. Here are some tips for a healthier Outback shrimp experience:

Opt for Grilled: Choose the Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie over the fried varieties.
Skip the Sauces: Request any sauces on the side and use them sparingly.
Choose Lighter Sides: Instead of a baked potato with toppings or fries, opt for steamed vegetables or a side salad with a light vinaigrette.
Check the Official Source: Always look up the most current nutrition information directly on the Outback Steakhouse website before you order.

Comparison of Outback Shrimp Dishes


Dish	Calories	Total Fat (g)	Sodium (mg)	Preparation Method
Bloomin' Fried Shrimp	990	66	5830	Fried & Battered
Gold Coast Coconut Shrimp	640	34	1240	Fried & Battered
Grilled Shrimp (8 pieces)	630	42	1120	Grilled
Grilled Shrimp Entree	550	25	1380	Grilled
Grilled Shrimp Add-on (approx. 6)	160	4	640	Grilled

Conclusion

While all Outback shrimp dishes are flavorful, their calorie and fat content vary widely based on the cooking method. The Bloomin' Fried Shrimp is the most calorie-dense option, while the Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie is the lightest and a better choice for those monitoring their intake. By understanding these nutritional differences and making mindful choices about preparation and sides, you can enjoy a delicious meal that aligns with your dietary goals. For the most up-to-date nutritional details, always check the restaurant's official resources.

Healthier Side Options to Pair with Your Shrimp

Steamed Broccoli: A low-calorie, nutrient-rich side.
House Salad with Light Vinaigrette: A great way to add fiber without a lot of extra calories.
Fresh Asparagus: A simple, healthy choice when available.

Outback's Nutritional Transparency

Outback Steakhouse provides nutritional information to its customers, though details can change with menu updates or regional variations. It is a best practice to consult their website for the most accurate and current data, especially concerning add-on items or sauces. This allows for the most precise calorie counting and dietary planning. You can find their full nutrition information here: Outback Steakhouse Nutrition Information.

Frequently Asked Questions

The grilled shrimp is significantly healthier than the fried versions. Frying and breading add substantial calories and fat, making the Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie a far better option for a lighter meal.

A single serving of the Bloomin' Fried Shrimp appetizer contains approximately 990 calories, not including the dipping sauce.

The Gold Coast Coconut Shrimp appetizer contains about 640 calories, which is less than the Bloomin' Fried Shrimp but still a calorie-dense fried option.

Yes, absolutely. The sides you choose can add hundreds of calories. Pairing your shrimp with a baked potato and butter is very different nutritionally from pairing it with steamed broccoli.

Yes, Outback frequently offers grilled shrimp as an add-on to steak entrees. The calorie count for this smaller portion is much lower than the full entree or appetizer portions.

While official information is the most accurate, calorie counts can fluctuate due to changes in recipes, portioning, or regional variations. It is always a good idea to check the most current information available on the Outback website or app.

To reduce calories, order the grilled shrimp, ask for sauces on the side and use them sparingly, and opt for steamed vegetables or a side salad with a light dressing as your side dishes.