Arby’s wants to expand your mind beyond chicken when it comes to nuggets.
On Oct. 6, Arby’s launched what it’s calling a “first-of-its-kind product”: Steak Nuggets, a new, limited-time, beefy take on the chicken nugget.
Arby’s Steak Nuggets feature bite-sized pieces of steak, seared, smoked and seasoned with garlic and pepper — and, notably, no breading — for a “whole new way to nugget.”
“Who doesn’t love tender and savory steak? But, until now, it’s been inconvenient to eat, particularly on the go,” Jeff Baker, CMO at Arby’s, said in a press release. “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. No knife needed, fork optional.”
There Are 3 Steak Nugget Items Available
These beefy bites can be enjoyed in three different ways, nationwide:
- Steak Nuggets come as a five-count or nine-count entrée served with a side of Hickory BBQ sauce (as well as a fork).
- The Steak Nugget Sandwich features Steak Nuggets with havarti cheese, crispy onions, pickles and mayo on a toasted bun.
- The Steak Nugget Bowl features Steak Nuggets on top of creamy white cheddar Mac ‘n Cheese with a sprinkling of crispy onions.
How Much Do Steak Nuggets Cost?
Pricing may vary based on location, but this is generally how much these items will cost:
- Five-count Steak Nuggets: $5.29
- Nine-count Steak Nuggets: $9.29
- Steak Nugget Sandwich: $7.99
- Steak Nugget Bowl: $8.99
Arby’s Steak Nuggets Nutrition Facts
According to Arby’s website, a five-count entree of Steak Nuggets contains the following nutrition facts:
- 340 calories
- 240 calories from fat
- 27 grams fat
- 50 milligrams cholesterol
- 670 milligrams sodium
- 5 grams carbohydrates
- 0 grams dietary fiber
- 2 grams sugars
- 17 grams protein
My Review of Arby’s Steak Nuggets
Arby’s is mining new fast-food territory with these nuggets, but has it struck gold? I had to find out, so I drove to the roast beef-rich restaurant myself to see if these dippable morsels of meat are as “tender” and “juicy” as it claims.
A sticker on the five-count Steak Nuggets container I received read “PLEASE STIR BEFORE EATING,” even though they aren’t served in any kind of sauce, but I stirred them anyway, with a shrug.
I found them surprisingly juicy. The meat was tender in a way I wouldn’t expect from a fast-food spot.
Barbecue aficionados will surely compare these to burnt ends, which are chunks of beef brisket or pork belly slowly cooked to perfection, turning tougher trimmings of meat to tender heaven.
While Arby’s Steak Nuggets are vaguely similar to the popular Kansas City-area delicacy, I would not quite place them on that pedestal.
An X user who also enjoyed the Steak Nuggets likened them to brisket, which I agree with.
Another X user, who thought they were skippable, said “they taste like beef jerky” and have a “dry texture.”
My order was served with an Arby’s Hickory BBQ Sauce, which goes well with them, but didn’t wow me. When I got home, I sampled my remaining nuggets with a mustardy Carolina barbecue sauce and they were much more enjoyable.
Regardless, for a little over $5, steak fans may enjoy this as a little meaty treat or midday protein boost.
