Last Updated on September 16, 2024 by Shari Mason
Ever gotten to taste both Outback style and traditional style prime rib? Recently, I took this flavorful adventure, and it really made my taste buds dance with delight.
One was seasoned with unique spices, and the other kept it simple and traditional.
But, today, I’ll share some differences between Outback Style Prime Rib and classic, so grab a seat and continue reading.
Outback Classic vs Style Prime Rib: How Do They Differ?
The Classic Prime Rib arrives with an eye-catching, rich ruby-red hue and boasts a noticeable herb-coated crust, adding to its appeal.
Although it may not be as pink in the center as some prefer, it is far from overcooked.
Pricing also sets these two options apart. The 12-ounce Classic Prime Rib costs $26.99 and retains its weight remarkably well during cooking, measuring 11.8 ounces at the table.
On the other hand, the Outback Style Prime Rib is more of an extravagant event than a casual meal.
It exudes a sense of celebration, making it a special occasion treat, especially since it’s only typically prepared at home if you’re hosting a large gathering.
However, this indulgence comes at a cost, with the meat alone easily setting you back to $30.99.
Essential Differences: A Quick Overview
| Aspect | Outback Style Prime Rib | Classic Prime Rib |
| Cost-Effectiveness | More budget-friendly option | Relatively higher pricing |
| Availability | Limited daily quantities | Generally available |
| Seasoning & Preparation | Signature seasoning blend | Crispy herb crust, slow-roasted |
| Double Searing | Seared twice after carving | No additional searing |
| Horseradish Sauce | Served with creamy horseradish | Served with flavorful au jus |
| Portion Sizes (Calories) | 12-ounce (1520 calories) or 16-ounce (1960 calories) portions | 12-ounce (1330 calories) or 16-ounce (1770 calories) portions |
| Serving Hours | Mostly during dinner hours | Available during dinner hours |
A Flavorful Face-Off
Cooking Methods
In terms of cooking, the Classic Prime Rib takes a straightforward and reliable approach. It’s slow-cooked, resulting in a juicy and tender cut that’s difficult to mess up.
On the other hand, the Outback Style Prime Rib offers a more adventurous culinary journey. It begins with a coating of signature seasonings, followed by roasting and searing.
“To eat steak rare… represents both a nature and a morality.”
– Roland Barthes, French Essayist and Literary Critic
What sets it apart is the double-searing process. After carving, it undergoes a second searing, allowing diners to choose their preferred level of doneness.
The only trade-off is the longer roasting time required, but the payoff is a prime rib seared to perfection with an extra burst of flavor.
Seasonings
The classic prime rib and the Outback-style prime rib boast Outback’s distinct seasoning blend, comprising a mixture of 17 herbs and spices.
However, it’s worth noting that eight confirmed spices are the key players in Outback’s steak seasoning: paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, coriander, turmeric, onion powder, garlic powder, and kosher salt [1].
These flavorful ingredients combine to create a savory and aromatic profile that enhances the taste of both prime rib varieties.
But how does Outback Steakhouse season their steaks?
Flavor profiles
The Outback-style prime rib boasts a deliberate seasoning approach, resulting in a flavor profile characterized by a salty, peppery, and garlicky combination.
On the other hand, the Classic Prime Rib takes a different path.
While it boasts a peppery kick around the edges, the heart of the steak remains tender, juicy, and intentionally lightly seasoned.
This approach allows the natural, rich, beefy flavor to take center stage, creating a more understated but equally satisfying taste experience.
Find out the differences between Outback and Longhorn Steakhouse here.
Price
Price plays a significant role in the battle of Outback’s prime ribs. The Classic Prime Rib, a 12-ounce portion, comes with a price tag of $26.99.
What’s impressive is that it hardly loses weight during cooking, maintaining its substantial size and value.
Meanwhile, the Outback-Style Prime Rib, featuring a heartier 16-ounce portion, is priced slightly higher at $30.99.
Despite the larger starting size, it retains a commendable 14.65 ounces after cooking.
What Side Dishes Are Served With Outback’s Prime Rib Dinner?
When you indulge in Outback’s Prime Rib Dinner, you can expect a variety of delectable side dishes. It includes the classic baked potato [2], with its fluffy interior and crispy skin.
Next, the savory sweet potato offers a delightful contrast of flavors. If you’re in the mood for something different, you can savor the Seasoned Rice, a tasty potato alternative.
“When it comes to prime rib, it’s not just about the cut; it’s about the seasoning. Outback-Style is all about bold flavors, whereas Classic is about letting the meat do the talking.”
– Eat Pallet Restaurant & Food Advice
The Steakhouse Mac & Cheese is a creamy and cheesy delight for those craving comfort food.
And if you want to add some greens to your plate, the Over-The-Top Brussels Sprout is a flavorful choice with its unique blend of textures and flavors.
Nutritional Information
Knowing the nutritional differences between Outback’s Outback-Style Prime Rib and Classic Prime Rib is essential.
Below is a table highlighting the key health-related differences between these two options:
| Aspect | Outback-Style Prime Rib | Classic Prime Rib |
| Calories | 1810 calories | 1440 calories |
| Total Fat | 162 g (65 g saturated fat) | 98 g (41 g saturated fat) |
| Sodium | 1550 mg | 920 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 107 g (1 g fiber, 3 g sugar) | 3 g (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar) |
| Protein | 77 g | 57 g |
Also Read: Top 5 Steaks At Outback Steakhouse
FAQs
Is prime rib more flavorful with or without the bone?
Prime rib is generally more flavorful when cooked with the bone-in. The bone is a natural insulator during cooking, helping keep the meat moist and tender.
Which type of prime rib is considered the best?
The first cut of prime rib, also known as the small or loin end, is often considered the best. This portion is taken from the hind of the standing rib roast, closer to the loin.
It tends to be more tender and boasts a well-balanced combination of meat and marbling, making it a top choice for many steak lovers.
Find out what oil Outback Steakhouse uses here.
In A Nutshell
In the flavorful face-off between Outback’s Style Prime Rib and the Classic Prime Rib, it’s evident that both dishes bring their unique attributes to the table.
The Outback-Style Prime Rib impresses with its zesty seasoning and double-searing process, offering a bold and well-seasoned taste.
On the other hand, the Classic Prime Rib stands out for its simplicity, allowing the natural beefy flavor to shine through, making it an excellent choice for purists.
When considering health considerations, it becomes apparent that the Classic Prime Rib has a slight nutritional advantage, with lower calories, fat, and sodium content than the Outback-Style Prime Rib.
However, the latter offers a larger portion size and a more robust flavor profile.
References:
- https://www.bhg.com/what-is-kosher-salt-7508777
- https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/top-5-health-benefits-of-potatoes
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