A customer went to Outback Steakhouse and ordered steak and shrimp. However, one item on the plate closely resembled a “strip of leather.” Viewers can’t figure out what it’s supposed to be.
In a video with over 95,000 views, TikToker Tony (@tony_501313) shares a picture of the disappointing meal. He plays the song “Nope” by So Supa in the background.
The long strip of food, which could be a steak or a slice of bread, hangs off the plate on both ends. The shrimp also appears dry.
The presumed steak seems overcooked, with a dark brown, dry crust. The cut is extra thin, and the meat appears stiff.
On-screen text reads, “Count your days Outback.” The caption continues, “Ain’t no way they gave me a strip of leather.”
The same picture also appeared on the r/shittyfoodporn subreddit in 2024. BroBible reached out to Tony via TikTok direct message and comment for further information.
What Is Outback Steak And Shrimp Supposed To Look Like?
According to Outback Steakhouse’s website, the sirloin and shrimp meal looks juicy and includes a thick cut of steak and four shrimp on a slice of bread. The outside of the steak is seared to a perfect medium doneness.
While customers can order their steak to their preferred level of doneness, a thin-cut steak may become easily overcooked if made well-done.
In the Reddit post where the picture of the overdone food first appeared, restaurant workers explained that if it’s a steak, it could still have been cooked well-done without drying it out.
“I’ve accidentally cooked a steak to well done, and it was still delicious. It’s not the most desirable result but it’s not destroyed just being at well done, I feel that you have to spitefully overcook it to dryness for people to feel this way,” one wrote. “It doesn’t suddenly lose all moisture and flavor the second the center turns brown.”
“Nah, this is not valid. I worked in the kitchen for 8yrs – it DOES take extra time but a steak can be cooked well done without resembling a lump of beef jerky,” another said. “The right chef with enough respect to put aside their preferences can make it happen.”
How Did Viewers React To The Leathery Food?
In the comments of Tony’s TikTok, viewers joked about what the overdone meal resembles.
“A grilled maxi pad is insane,” one remarked.
Another said, “This is the thing barbers be using to sharpen the razor.”
“Was this tucked in the back underneath shelves for 15 years???” a third asked.
However, others suspected that the leathery item isn’t steak after all. In the Reddit post, the original poster noted that the “leathery steak” was actually a “smash and burn[ed], grease-soaked bread roll.”
“Guys its the bottom of the brown bread flattened,” a commenter wrote.
“That’s the bread ain’t it?!? I’d be pisssssssssssy why they grill that bread like that,” a second wondered.
Another added, “That’s a grilled piece of bread they put the shrimp on. Surprised me as well 2 days ago.”
BroBible reached out to Outback Steakhouse via email and to the original Reddit poster via direct message for further comment.