Arby's made a significant splash in the fast-food world by introducing its first-ever burger in 2022, cooked using an innovative sous vide technique. The method involved pre-cooking the patties by their supplier before delivery and finishing them off in-store to order. This process aimed at overcoming the lack of grills in Arby's outlets. Later in 2023, Arby’s launched the Big Game Burger, receiving mixed reviews for its flavor and texture. In 2024, Arby's introduced a permanent burger range without disclosing cooking methods, sparking speculation about changes in their preparation techniques.

Speculation arose with claims on Reddit suggesting that Arby’s now fries burgers from raw patties instead of using the sous vide method. Despite this uncertainty, Arby’s continues to assert that its burger preparation remains unique within mainstream fast-food chains.

The Sous Vide Revolution

In 2022, Arby's unveiled its debut burger, marking a pivotal moment in its history. Utilizing an unconventional sous vide technique, the company ensured consistent quality despite the absence of traditional grills in its establishments. The patties were pre-cooked by suppliers and finished quickly in fryers to achieve the desired texture and temperature. This innovation not only addressed logistical challenges but also set Arby's apart from competitors.

This pioneering approach began with the introduction of the Wagyu Steakhouse Burger. The decision to employ sous vide was driven by practicality, as installing grills across all locations would have been impractical. By adopting this method, Arby's managed to deliver a product that resonated well with customers, encouraging further experimentation. Building on this success, the chain incorporated similar techniques into subsequent offerings like the Big Game Burger, which garnered praise for its rich flavor profile albeit with some criticism regarding dryness.

Mystery Surrounding Permanent Burgers

As Arby's transitioned to offering a permanent lineup of burgers in 2024, details surrounding their preparation became murkier. Unlike previous announcements detailing the sous vide and frying processes, no official statements accompanied the launch of these new items. This omission led to questions about whether the original method had been abandoned or modified.

A Reddit user fueled the debate by alleging that Arby's now fries its burgers directly from uncooked, pre-formed patties. According to this claim, staff must manually trim excess fat before frying each patty for approximately one minute and forty-five seconds. Following this step, the patties rest briefly to allow cooling and dripping. While unverified, such revelations highlight ongoing uncertainties about Arby's current practices. Regardless, the brand maintains its stance on delivering uniquely prepared burgers compared to other major fast-food providers, keeping fans intrigued and engaged amidst evolving culinary strategies.