The Outback Steakhouse porterhouse is a legendary menu item, known for its generous size and hearty flavor. But just how big is it, really? This article will delve deep into the dimensions, weight, and overall appeal of this iconic steak, comparing it to other cuts and exploring what makes it a favorite among steak lovers. We’ll also discuss factors influencing its size and provide tips for tackling this culinary challenge.
Understanding the Porterhouse Cut
Before diving into the specifics of the Outback porterhouse, let’s understand what defines this particular cut of beef. A porterhouse steak is a specific type of steak cut from the rear end of the short loin. What distinguishes it from other steaks, like a T-bone, is the presence of both the tenderloin and the strip steak. In fact, it’s essentially a T-bone steak with a significantly larger portion of tenderloin.
The presence of both these distinct muscles contributes to the porterhouse’s unique flavor profile. The strip steak offers a robust, beefy taste, while the tenderloin, as its name suggests, is incredibly tender and mild. This combination provides a delightful contrast and a satisfying eating experience.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) sets standards for classifying a steak as a porterhouse versus a T-bone. To be labeled a porterhouse, the tenderloin section must be at least 1.25 inches wide at its widest point. Steaks with a smaller tenderloin are classified as T-bones. This regulation ensures that you’re getting a substantial portion of the tenderloin when you order a porterhouse.
The Outback Steakhouse Porterhouse: Size and Weight
The Outback Steakhouse porterhouse is advertised as a 22-ounce steak. This makes it one of the larger steak options on their menu. However, it’s important to note that this is the advertised weight before cooking. The actual weight after cooking may vary slightly depending on the cooking method and the desired level of doneness.
While the 22-ounce weight provides a good indication of its size, it’s also helpful to consider the physical dimensions of the steak. While these dimensions can vary, a typical Outback porterhouse will likely be around 1.5 to 2 inches thick. The length and width depend on the particular cut, but you can expect it to span a significant portion of your plate.
It is worthwhile pointing out that weight can fluctuate. Cattle breeds, farming practices, and trimming techniques all influence the ultimate size and weight of the steak.
Factors Influencing the Size
Several factors contribute to the variation in size and weight of a porterhouse steak, even within the same restaurant chain.
- Cattle Breed: Different cattle breeds produce different sized carcasses and cuts of meat.
- Age and Diet: The age and diet of the cattle also play a significant role in the size and marbling of the steak.
- Trimming: The way the butcher trims the steak can also affect its final weight.
- Cooking Method: The cooking method and desired doneness impact the final weight due to moisture loss.
Comparing the Outback Porterhouse to Other Steaks
To fully appreciate the size of the Outback porterhouse, it’s helpful to compare it to other popular steak cuts.
Compared to a ribeye, which typically ranges from 10 to 16 ounces, the 22-ounce porterhouse is considerably larger. A New York strip steak, usually around 10 to 14 ounces, is also significantly smaller. Even a filet mignon, prized for its tenderness but usually weighing only 6 to 8 ounces, pales in comparison to the porterhouse’s size.
A T-bone steak, as mentioned earlier, is similar to a porterhouse but with a smaller tenderloin portion. Therefore, a T-bone will generally be smaller in weight than a porterhouse. A typical T-bone at Outback Steakhouse is likely to be around 16 ounces.
Therefore, the Outback porterhouse is a sizable steak, placing it among the larger cuts available.
Is the Outback Porterhouse Right for You?
Considering the size and richness of the Outback porterhouse, it’s important to determine if it’s the right choice for your appetite and preferences. If you’re a hearty eater and enjoy both the robust flavor of a strip steak and the tenderness of a filet, then the porterhouse is an excellent option.
However, if you prefer a smaller portion or find rich, fatty cuts overwhelming, you might consider a different steak. The Outback menu offers a variety of other options, such as the Victoria’s Filet or the Outbacker Sirloin, which are available in smaller sizes.
The 22-ounce porterhouse is often shared between two people, especially if accompanied by other appetizers and side dishes. This is a practical and economical way to enjoy the steak without overindulging.
Tips for Enjoying a Large Steak
If you decide to tackle the Outback porterhouse, here are a few tips to enhance your dining experience:
- Come Hungry: This may seem obvious, but ensure you have a hearty appetite before ordering this steak.
- Pace Yourself: Take your time and savor each bite. Don’t rush through the meal.
- Pair Wisely: Choose side dishes that complement the steak’s richness, such as roasted vegetables or a light salad.
- Consider Sharing: Don’t be afraid to share with a dining companion.
- Take Home Leftovers: If you can’t finish it, ask for a doggy bag to enjoy the leftovers later. Steak leftovers are great in salads, sandwiches, or omelets.
The Outback Steakhouse Experience
Beyond the size and flavor of the porterhouse, the overall Outback Steakhouse experience contributes to its appeal. The restaurant’s casual, Australian-themed atmosphere creates a relaxed and enjoyable dining environment.
The service is typically friendly and attentive, and the menu offers a wide range of appetizers, sides, and desserts to complement your steak. The Bloomin’ Onion is a signature appetizer that’s often shared among diners.
The Outback also offers a variety of beverages, including beer, wine, and cocktails, to enhance your meal. Their signature cocktails often feature Australian-inspired ingredients and flavors.
Nutritional Information (Estimate)
While exact nutritional information can vary, here’s a general estimate for a 22-ounce porterhouse steak:
- Calories: 1200-1500
- Fat: 80-100g
- Protein: 100-120g
These values can change significantly depending on the cut, trimming, cooking method, and any added sauces or seasonings.
The Porterhouse’s Place in Steak History
The porterhouse steak holds a significant place in culinary history. It is believed to have originated in the 19th century at a porter house restaurant in New York City, named after its proprietor, Martin Morrison. The restaurant became famous for serving this large, flavorful steak, which quickly gained popularity among meat lovers.
The porterhouse soon became a staple in steakhouses across the United States. Its impressive size and combination of flavors made it a symbol of indulgence and culinary excellence. Today, the porterhouse remains a beloved steak cut, enjoyed by those who appreciate a substantial and satisfying meal.
The Outback Steakhouse porterhouse continues this tradition, offering a modern take on this classic steak.
Conclusion: The Size and Allure of the Outback Porterhouse
The Outback Steakhouse porterhouse is a substantial steak, weighing in at approximately 22 ounces. This makes it a significant cut of beef, offering a generous portion of both tenderloin and strip steak. Its size, combined with its unique flavor profile, makes it a popular choice for steak enthusiasts. While the exact dimensions and weight can vary, the Outback porterhouse consistently delivers a satisfying and memorable dining experience. If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful steak, the Outback porterhouse is definitely worth considering.
What exactly is an Outback Porterhouse steak?
The Outback Porterhouse is a signature steak offered by the Outback Steakhouse restaurant chain. It’s essentially a bone-in cut that features both a tender filet mignon and a flavorful New York strip steak, separated by a T-shaped bone. This dual nature provides a unique eating experience, allowing diners to enjoy the tenderness of the filet and the robust flavor of the strip in a single steak.
The Porterhouse differs from a T-bone steak primarily in the size of the filet mignon portion. A Porterhouse steak must have a filet section that is at least 1.25 inches wide at its widest point, whereas a T-bone can have a smaller filet. The bone-in presentation also contributes to its appealing visual aspect, making it a popular choice for steak lovers.
How big is the Outback Porterhouse in terms of weight?
The Outback Porterhouse is typically advertised as a 22-ounce steak. This weight refers to the total weight of the steak, including the bone, the filet mignon, and the New York strip portions. The 22-ounce size positions it as one of the larger steaks offered on the Outback Steakhouse menu, providing a substantial meal for a single diner or potentially sharing opportunity.
It’s important to remember that the actual weight can vary slightly due to trimming and the natural variations in the size of individual cuts of beef. However, the advertised 22-ounce weight serves as a consistent benchmark for customers when making their menu choices and planning their meals at Outback Steakhouse.
What are the typical dimensions (thickness, length, width) of the Outback Porterhouse?
While Outback Steakhouse doesn’t typically publish precise dimensions for the Outback Porterhouse, we can estimate based on general Porterhouse characteristics. A typical Porterhouse, including the Outback version, usually boasts a thickness of around 1.5 to 2 inches. This generous thickness helps retain moisture during cooking and contributes to a juicy and flavorful steak.
In terms of length and width, the steak’s dimensions depend greatly on the specific cut and the size of the bone. The New York strip side might measure approximately 6-8 inches in length, while the filet mignon side would be shorter. The overall width, including both steak portions and the bone, could be around 8-10 inches, but these measurements are approximations and can vary.
How does the Outback Porterhouse compare in size to other steaks on their menu?
The Outback Porterhouse, at 22 ounces, is generally larger than most other steak options at Outback Steakhouse. For instance, the Victoria’s Filet Mignon is offered in smaller sizes, and the Outback Special sirloin is typically a lighter cut. This makes the Porterhouse a premium and more substantial choice for customers seeking a bigger steak experience.
Comparatively, it might be similar in weight to some of the larger ribeye options if available as a limited-time offer or special promotion. However, as a regular menu item, the 22-ounce Porterhouse stands out as one of the most substantial and bone-in choices available, differing in cut but often comparable in overall weight to the largest cuts.
What is the approximate calorie count of an Outback Porterhouse?
Estimating the calorie count of an Outback Porterhouse requires considering several factors, including the marbling of the beef, cooking method, and any added sauces or seasonings. A 22-ounce Porterhouse, without any additions, can easily contain over 1200 calories, possibly reaching towards 1500 calories or more.
The fat content significantly contributes to the calorie count, as Porterhouse steaks typically have good marbling. Additional calories come from any butter, oil, or sauces used during the cooking process. For accurate nutritional information, it’s best to consult Outback Steakhouse’s official nutritional data, if available, as preparation methods can influence the final calorie count.
Is the Outback Porterhouse a good value for the price compared to other steak options?
Whether the Outback Porterhouse represents good value depends on individual preferences and priorities. It’s generally priced higher than smaller steak cuts like the sirloin or filet mignon due to its larger size and the inclusion of both the filet and strip portions. However, you’re essentially getting two premium cuts in one steak, which some diners find worthwhile.
Consider the overall dining experience when evaluating its value. If you appreciate the combination of the tender filet and flavorful strip, and the 22-ounce size is appealing, the Porterhouse could be a good choice. If you prefer a smaller portion or a specific cut, other steak options might be more cost-effective. Ultimately, it comes down to personal taste and budget.
How can I best cook an Outback Porterhouse at home if I can find a similar cut?
Cooking a Porterhouse steak at home starts with selecting a high-quality cut that’s at least 1.5 inches thick. Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper, or your preferred steak seasoning blend. You can either grill or pan-sear the steak, but a combination of searing and oven-finishing often yields the best results.
For a medium-rare finish, sear the steak in a hot skillet with oil for 3-4 minutes per side to develop a good crust. Then, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 130-135°F (54-57°C). Let the steak rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing against the grain to maximize tenderness and flavor.