Arby’s Is Releasing a Jaw-Dropping New Menu Item—and We Tried It First

If you’ve ever looked at a fast food launch and thought, “Where’s the originality?” I’d have to say I’ve been there with you. I’ll admit that I do love the drama of Wendy’s Chicken Tenders vs. McDonald’s McCrispy Strips or the Dunkin’ fall menu vs. Starbucks, but nothing beats the excitement of seeing something truly one-of-a-kind. 

To me, the chain that seems to be leaps and bounds ahead of the others in creativity is Arby’s. The brand is known for having “the meats,” and it doesn’t take that moniker lightly. Arby’s has served everything from roast beef to wagyu and a burger with ground elk and venison. Now, the fast food chain is reinventing the nugget. 

Arby’s is debuting a first-of-its-kind Steak Nugget.

Arby’s Launches New Steak Nuggets

Anyone can do chicken nuggets, so the king of meats is changing the game with its all-new Steak Nuggets. The bite-sized pieces of steak are seasoned with garlic and pepper, before seared and smoked for a tender, juicy bite.

The chain quietly tested its Steak Nuggets earlier this spring in select cities, such as Tulsa, Grand Rapids, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Green Bay. Clearly, the market test was successful as Arby’s Steak Nuggets are on Arby’s menus nationwide now for a limited time. 

Arby’s new Steak Nuggets are available in three versions: a plain protein-packed nugget entrée, a sandwich, and a bowl. 

The Steak Nuggets entrée is available in a five- or nine-count with a side of Hickory BBQ sauce for dipping. The Steak Nugget Sandwich features the Steak Nuggets, Havarti cheese, crispy onions, tangy pickles, and mayo (which changed from the tested Horsey Sauce) on a bun. Arby’s Steak Nugget Bowl starts with a bed of creamy white cheddar Mac ‘n Cheese topped with the Steak Nuggets and crispy onions. 

I tried Arby’s new Steak Nuggets early, and here is my honest review.

My Honest Review of Arby’s Steak Nuggets

If you’ve ever thought, “Wow, I love steak, but, man, I wish I could eat it in the car,” then here you go. But, all jokes aside, Arby’s new Steak Nuggets remind me of steak tips or even burnt ends (especially when you add the barbecue sauce). 

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting much from the Steak Nuggets—or, if anything, I thought they might be dry—but they blew me away. The steak is incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful. Frankly, I didn’t need the Hickory BBQ sauce because the steak pieces were so tasty on their own, but it did enhance the Kansas City barbecue-like experience that much more.

I only tried the entrée as-is, and thought it made a great, simple lunch—especially in this protein-focused world. However, after trying the Steak Nuggets on their own, I’m very excited to try the sandwich and bowl for a more filling meal next time I’m at Arby’s.

How could we ever doubt the iconic chain that once used “Different is Good” as its slogan?