The Surprising Reason the Bloomin' Onion is Not Vegetarian
While the Bloomin' Onion at Outback Steakhouse is made from an onion, it is not a vegetarian option. The reason lies in how it is cooked; the restaurant uses beef tallow, which is rendered animal fat, for deep-frying this popular appetizer. This makes it unsuitable for most vegetarian diets.
What is Beef Tallow?
Beef tallow is a hard fat derived from cattle, historically used for frying due to its high smoke point and flavor. Outback's continued use of beef tallow means that despite the vegetable base, an animal product is integral to the preparation.
Other Affected Outback Menu Items
The use of beef tallow in Outback's fryers affects more than just the Bloomin' Onion. Other fried items, such as Aussie Fries, are also cooked in the same oil, leading to potential cross-contamination and making them unsuitable for vegetarians.
Safe Vegetarian Options at Outback
Vegetarian diners at Outback can still find options, often requiring modifications. Some choices generally considered safe include:
- Baked Potato: Order plain, without butter, bacon, or cheese.
- Sweet Potato: Request without honey butter or brown sugar.
- Steamed Vegetables: Ask for them without seasoned butter.
- House Salad: Order without cheese or croutons and select a vinaigrette dressing.
- Desserts: Many desserts are vegetarian, but vegans should check for dairy and eggs.
Comparison of Bloomin' Onion vs. Safe Vegetarian Alternatives
| Feature | Bloomin' Onion | Safe Alternatives (e.g., Baked Potato) |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Method | Deep-fried in beef tallow | Baked, steamed, or grilled (request no butter) |
| Animal Products | Contains beef tallow; sauce may contain egg/dairy | No animal products if ordered plain/customized |
| Shared Equipment | Cooked in a shared fryer with other meat items | Generally prepared separately from fried items |
| Flavor Profile | Rich, savory, and greasy from animal fat | Natural, clean flavors (can be customized) |
| Vegetarian-Friendly | No | Yes (with customization) |
Conclusion
The Outback Bloomin' Onion is not vegetarian due to being fried in beef tallow. This is a crucial point for diners following vegetarian diets. While other fried items are also affected by the shared frying oil, Outback does offer alternative side dishes and salads that can be made vegetarian with simple requests. Always inform your server of your dietary needs to ensure your meal is prepared appropriately.
For additional resources on dining as a vegetarian or vegan at Outback, the Vegetarian Resource Group offers a helpful guide: Outback Steakhouse® Vegetarian and Vegan Menu Options.
Summary of Vegetarian Options and Bloomin' Onion Status
- Non-Vegetarian Frying: The Bloomin' Onion is cooked in beef tallow.
- Shared Fryer: Other fried sides use the same beef tallow.
- Safe Alternatives: Baked potatoes and steamed vegetables can be vegetarian with customization.
- Communicate Needs: Inform your server of dietary restrictions.
The Final Word for Vegetarians at Outback
- Bloomin' Onion is NOT vegetarian (cooked in beef tallow).
- Other fried items are unsafe (shared oil).
- Customize baked/steamed options.
- Clearly state dietary needs.
Key Takeaways for Vegetarians
- Frying in beef tallow makes the Bloomin' Onion non-vegetarian.
- Animal fat is the issue, not the onion or batter.
- Shared fryers mean other fried items are also a risk.
- The dipping sauce often contains egg, but the frying method is the main reason it's not vegetarian.
- Customizable alternatives like baked potatoes and salads are available.
FAQs
Q: Is the Outback Bloomin' Onion vegetarian? A: No, the Outback Bloomin' Onion is not vegetarian.
Q: Why isn't the Bloomin' Onion vegetarian if it's just an onion? A: While the main ingredient is an onion, the Bloomin' Onion is deep-fried in beef tallow, which is rendered animal fat.
Q: Are Outback's fries also cooked in beef tallow? A: Yes, according to reports from Reddit, Outback's fried items, including fries, are cooked in the same beef tallow used for the Bloomin' Onion.
Q: What is beef tallow? A: Beef tallow is a rendered cooking fat derived from cattle. It is not vegetarian or vegan.
Q: Can I get a vegetarian version of the Bloomin' Onion? A: No, Outback does not offer a vegetarian-friendly cooking method for this item.
Q: Are there any vegetarian alternatives to the Bloomin' Onion at Outback? A: Yes, safe options include a plain baked potato, sweet potato, or steamed mixed vegetables. Be sure to specify no butter or other animal-derived toppings.
Q: Is the dipping sauce for the Bloomin' Onion vegetarian? A: The sauce typically contains mayonnaise, which includes eggs. The primary reason the dish is not vegetarian is the beef tallow used for frying, but the sauce is also not vegan and may not be vegetarian depending on all ingredients.
