In a bold move to redefine the fast-food landscape, Arby’s has launched a new, innovative product: Steak Nuggets. On October 6, the fast-food chain introduced these bite-sized, beefy morsels as a first-of-its-kind item, offering a steak alternative to the traditional chicken nugget. This new addition has quickly captured the attention of food lovers and fast-food enthusiasts alike. But how do they stack up against Arby’s signature offerings like the classic roast beef sandwiches, and what makes them stand out in the world of fast-food innovations?
What Are Arby’s Steak Nuggets?
Arby’s Steak Nuggets feature bite-sized pieces of seared, smoked, and seasoned steak, carefully prepared with garlic and pepper. Unlike the breaded exterior of typical chicken nuggets, these beefy bites come with no breading, allowing the rich, natural flavor of the steak to take center stage. The product is designed for those who crave the taste of tender beef but want the convenience of a quick, easy-to-eat snack. These nuggets can be enjoyed without the need for a knife, and in most cases, even a fork is optional.
The idea behind the Steak Nuggets is to provide a more convenient way to enjoy steak on the go. Jeff Baker, the CMO of Arby’s, explained that while many love steak, it’s often difficult to enjoy it quickly while on the move. “That’s why we created this new innovative product. Two of America’s favorite foods — nuggets and steak — combined to create Arby’s Steak Nuggets,” said Baker in a press release. The launch marks an exciting development for the chain, which has built a reputation for offering a wide variety of meats beyond the usual fast-food fare.
Available Steak Nugget Variations
Arby’s is offering three main ways to enjoy the Steak Nuggets, each with its own twist:
- Steak Nuggets Entrée: Available in five or nine-piece portions, served with a side of Hickory BBQ sauce (and a fork, just in case). This is the most straightforward way to enjoy the nuggets, allowing customers to savor the steak in its purest form. Prices range from $5.29 for five pieces to $9.29 for nine pieces.
- Steak Nugget Sandwich: If you prefer your nuggets in sandwich form, Arby’s has you covered. The Steak Nugget Sandwich features the same tender steak nuggets, but they’re paired with havarti cheese, crispy onions, pickles, and mayo on a toasted bun. For $7.99, this sandwich packs a lot of flavor into a convenient, handheld meal.
- Steak Nugget Bowl: The third option offers a hearty combination of steak nuggets and creamy white cheddar mac and cheese, topped with crispy onions. This option is perfect for those who want a comfort food experience, combining steak with a beloved side dish. Priced at $8.99, the Steak Nugget Bowl is the most indulgent of the three.
The Price Point
Pricing for the new Steak Nuggets is generally affordable, considering the nature of the product. Here’s a breakdown of the prices for each offering:
- Five-count Steak Nuggets: $5.29
- Nine-count Steak Nuggets: $9.29
- Steak Nugget Sandwich: $7.99
- Steak Nugget Bowl: $8.99
For those craving a hearty, meaty snack or a more filling meal, these prices are reasonable and competitive for the quality and innovation involved.
Steak Nuggets Nutrition Information
For those keeping an eye on their nutritional intake, the five-count Steak Nuggets come with the following information:
- Calories: 340
- Calories from Fat: 240
- Fat: 27 grams
- Cholesterol: 50 milligrams
- Sodium: 670 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 5 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugars: 2 grams
- Protein: 17 grams
While these numbers are in line with what you might expect from a fast-food product, it’s important to note that the Steak Nuggets are a high-protein, higher-fat option, which makes them a suitable choice for anyone looking for a protein boost during their meal.
My Review of Arby’s Steak Nuggets
With the launch of these innovative steak bites, I had to try them for myself to see if Arby’s had truly created a standout product. Here’s what I found.
Upon receiving my five-count Steak Nuggets, I noticed they were surprisingly tender, far more so than I expected from fast food. As soon as I took a bite, I was impressed by the juiciness and flavor of the steak. The pieces weren’t as dry as some might assume for a fast-food offering, especially when you consider that these are meant to be eaten without any sauce or breading to provide moisture.
The seasoning of the steak was also on point. The garlic and pepper enhanced the natural beef flavor, giving each nugget a rich taste without overpowering the meat itself. While the nuggets aren’t necessarily “crispy,” the slight smoke from the searing process adds an extra layer of depth, setting them apart from traditional nuggets.
However, the texture was a little less consistent than I would have liked. Some pieces were more tender than others, with a few having a slightly chewier bite. This didn’t detract from the overall experience, but it was noticeable.
Arby’s includes a side of Hickory BBQ sauce for dipping, which complements the steak well, adding a smoky sweetness that pairs nicely with the rich flavor of the beef. However, I found that the BBQ sauce didn’t blow me away. In fact, when I tried the nuggets with a mustardy Carolina BBQ sauce at home, I enjoyed them much more, finding the tangy sauce to be a better match for the savory steak.
A fellow food enthusiast on X (formerly Twitter) compared the Steak Nuggets to burnt ends, the tender, slow-cooked pieces of beef brisket often associated with barbecue. While they do share a similar texture, I wouldn’t quite elevate them to the level of true burnt ends. They’re more akin to brisket bites, though they don’t have the same melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Is Arby’s Steak Nuggets Worth Trying?
In conclusion, Arby’s Steak Nuggets represent a bold and interesting step for the fast-food chain. These beefy bites offer an alternative to traditional chicken nuggets, with a distinctly savory and tender steak flavor. The price point is reasonable for the quality and the unique experience they offer. Whether you prefer them on their own with a side of BBQ sauce, as part of a sandwich, or as a topping for mac and cheese, the Steak Nuggets are a fun, new option for meat lovers.
However, if you’re looking for something with the same texture and experience as the more well-known burnt ends or brisket, you may be slightly underwhelmed. But if you’re a fan of steak and love trying innovative new fast-food items, these Steak Nuggets are definitely worth a try.
