The question of whether Outback's popular Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie is safe for those with celiac disease or a strict gluten intolerance is a common one. While the dish is prepared with ingredients that do not contain gluten, Outback Steakhouse operates on a 'gluten-friendly' policy rather than a certified gluten-free one. This critical distinction is based on the reality of a shared kitchen environment, where the risk of cross-contamination is present. For individuals with a severe sensitivity, understanding Outback's protocols and communicating clearly with staff is essential for a safe dining experience.
The Difference Between 'Gluten Friendly' and 'Gluten-Free'
Outback Steakhouse lists several items on a dedicated 'Gluten Friendly' menu, but explicitly states that the kitchen is not gluten-free. This is a standard disclaimer for many restaurant chains to limit liability while still catering to customers with dietary restrictions. 'Gluten friendly' means the ingredients for a specific menu item are naturally free of gluten. However, because the cooking space, grills, fryers, and utensils are shared with gluten-containing foods, complete freedom from gluten contamination cannot be guaranteed. The FDA definition of "gluten-free" is a product containing less than 20 parts per million (ppm) gluten. Due to the cross-contact potential, Outback cannot guarantee their food will meet this strict standard. This is a crucial detail for anyone with celiac disease, where even trace amounts can trigger an immune response.
The Grilled Shrimp and Cross-Contamination Risk
The Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie is made with gluten-friendly ingredients, and Outback confirms that all their seasonings are also gluten-friendly. The primary source of gluten contamination for this specific dish is the garlic toast it is served with. This toast is typically placed directly on the same plate as the shrimp. Servers have reportedly made mistakes and included the toast even when the customer specifies a gluten-free order. Beyond the toast, other risks in the kitchen include shared cooking surfaces. While Outback states they take every step possible to prevent cross-contact, the risk remains due to shared grills and preparation areas. For instance, a grill used to cook the shrimp could also be used to cook food that contains gluten.
How to Order the Grilled Shrimp Safely
For those who choose to dine at Outback and order the grilled shrimp, several precautions can help minimize the risk of cross-contact. Communication with your server is key.
- Inform your server clearly that you have a severe gluten allergy or celiac disease. Using the word 'allergy' often prompts extra care from kitchen staff.
- Request the Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie without the garlic toast.
- Ask that the kitchen prepare the shrimp on a clean, designated surface if possible. Some restaurants may have protocols for this; it's always worth asking.
- Request clean utensils and a clean grill surface if they have them. Confirm with your server that the kitchen has been made aware of your specific dietary needs.
- Order safe sides, such as a baked potato (specifying toppings like butter and sour cream) or fresh steamed vegetables, and ensure they are not seasoned with a gluten-containing blend or prepared with cross-contact.
Comparison: Outback Grilled Shrimp vs. Other Menu Items
| Menu Item | Gluten-Free Status | Key Risks | Safe Ordering Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie | Gluten Friendly | Shared grill surfaces, contact with garlic toast | Must omit garlic toast and inform server of allergy |
| Coconut Shrimp | Not Gluten-Free | Beer batter contains gluten; fried in shared fryer | Avoid entirely for celiac disease |
| Aussie Cheese Fries | Not Gluten-Free | Aussie chips are not gluten-free | Avoid entirely |
| Signature Steaks | Gluten Friendly | Potential cross-contact from shared grill | Inform server of allergy; order with safe sides |
| Baked Potato | Gluten Friendly | Toppings may not be gluten-free; shared foil | Specify safe toppings and cross-contact prevention |
Celiac.com Forum Discussions
The celiac.com forums provide valuable insight from community members who have experience dining at Outback. The feedback from the celiac community regarding Outback's gluten-friendly options and potential cross-contamination varies. Some report positive experiences, while others have been glutened despite taking precautions, often due to server error or kitchen mishandling. This reinforces the importance of clear communication and the understanding that dining in a shared-kitchen environment carries an inherent risk.
The Final Decision: A Personal Risk Assessment
Ultimately, deciding whether to eat the Outback grilled shrimp comes down to an individual's personal risk tolerance for gluten exposure. For those with a very high sensitivity, the risk of cross-contamination from a shared kitchen might be too great. For others with a milder intolerance, the steps of communicating with staff and omitting the garlic toast may be sufficient for a safe meal. The transparency provided by Outback is a positive step, allowing customers to make an informed choice. To be fully informed, it's a good practice to review Outback's official Gluten Friendly information on their website before visiting.
Conclusion
While Outback's Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie is made with gluten-friendly ingredients and seasonings, it is not guaranteed to be free of gluten due to the restaurant's shared kitchen environment. The risk of cross-contamination is real and requires careful consideration, especially for individuals with celiac disease. By clearly communicating your needs to your server, requesting the omission of garlic toast, and ordering safe sides, you can minimize the risk. The final decision, however, rests on your personal comfort level with the potential for trace gluten exposure.
