Ahh, the Texas Roadhouse restaurant. A staple in the United States for those hankering for that authentic Texan taste. What if I told you that you could whip up a copycat Texas Roadhouse steak sauce recipe in your own kitchen? This copycat recipe is all about recreating that perfect steak sauce you’ve been dreaming of in under half an hour.
Why This Recipe Works
This is more than just a copycat recipe. It’s a tribute to the hearty flavors of the Texas Roadhouse restaurant, designed for you to recreate the experience at home. You’ll see why this recipe works wonders.
- Simplicity: Common ingredients like Worcestershire sauce and chili powder do the trick.
- Quick: Faster than you can say “Texas Roadhouse Steak Sauce!”
- Flavor: Captures the original sweet, smoky, zippy essence beautifully.
Background of Texas Roadhouse and Its Steak Sauce
Texas Roadhouse, the well-loved American chain, has been serving mouthwatering steaks since 1993. The history of the Texas Roadhouse restaurant is as rich as our steak sauce. Starting off in Clarksville, Indiana, it’s become a meat lover’s paradise across the United States.
The signature steak sauce at Texas Roadhouse is a star in its own right. Here’s what makes it special:
- A Stellar Lineup: Key ingredients include beef stock, tomato sauce, minced garlic, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.
- A Flavor Symphony: This unique blend results in a sweet, smoky, and tangy symphony that tingles the taste buds.
This recipe aims to bring the same deliciousness into your kitchen.
Ingredients
Get your grocery list ready because here’s what you need to pull off this sauce triumph:
- Onion Powder: The secret undercover agent of flavor, elevating the taste without hogging the limelight.
- Garlic Salt: A two-in-one punch that gives you the sharpness of garlic with the universal flavor enhancer – salt!
- Chili Powder: This will tickle your tongue with a gentle heat, reminding you why food is such a sensory delight.
- Worcestershire Sauce: The granddaddy of savory flavor. If it’s good enough for a Bloody Mary, it’s good enough for our steak sauce!
- Lime Juice: A little citrus zip to cut through all that rich, smoky goodness. Think of it as the effervescent friend that keeps the party lively.
- Beef Stock: Opt for the high-quality ones. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
- Tomato Sauce: The robust and tangy backdrop to our meaty masterpiece.
- Minced Garlic: It’s punchy, it’s fresh, and it’s going to make your sauce unforgettable.
- Liquid Smoke: It’s like capturing a bonfire in a bottle. A dash of this will transport your steak to a Texan barbecue. This brings the smoky flavor.
- Brown Sugar: A sweet hello from this ingredient rounds out the flavors, balancing the tang and smokiness.
Equipment
Gather up these kitchen essentials:
- Medium-sized bowl: Or your favorite cereal bowl if you’re in a pinch
- Saucepan: Preferably with a heavy bottom, and no, that’s not a cheeky joke
Instructions
Here’s where the fun starts, let’s get these ingredients ready for action:
- Melted butter: Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Just like that movie, we’re laying down the “buttery” foundations of our blockbuster sauce.
- Remaining Ingredients: While your butter is doing its magic, let’s not twiddle our thumbs. Grab a separate bowl and combine the remaining steak sauce ingredients. This feels like creating a secret potion, doesn’t it?
- Flour addition: Add flour and give it a good stir. Cook until it gets thick and bubbly, just like a witch’s brew (minus the spooky bits, of course).
- Roux Time: Now back to our buttery brew in the saucepan. This, dear readers, is known as a “roux” in culinary terms.
- The Grand Marriage: Add the steak sauce mixture from your bowl to the roux in the saucepan, about ¼ cup at a time. Make sure you bring it to a boil after each addition. Patience is a virtue, my friends. Let them mingle and come to a boil.
- The Simmer Down: Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency. Remember, low and slow wins the race. No one likes a hasty sauce!
And there you have it, folks! Your very own, made-in-your-own-kitchen, copycat Texas Roadhouse Steak Sauce. Easy as pie, wasn’t it?
Alterations and Substitutions
Looking to add your own flair or missing an ingredient? No problemo!
- Swap liquid smoke for smoked paprika for a different smoky twist. You’ll still get that campfire flavor without setting off your smoke alarm.
- Replace minced garlic with garlic powder if you prefer a milder flavor.
- If you’re a spice-lover, go ahead and add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Just be prepared for a little extra ‘Yeehaw!’ in each bite.
- Want a hint of sweetness? Try honey instead of brown sugar.
- Feel like adding some heat? Throw in a teaspoon of black pepper or more if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Thinking of a unique spin? A dash of cinnamon butter will add a sweet and spicy surprise.
Expert Tips
Ready to master the sauce game? Keep these tips handy:
- Perfecting the Roux: Let the roux cook for a full 3 minutes to kick out that raw flour flavor.
- The Art of Addition: Introduce the steak sauce mixture to the roux ¼ cup at a time and let it boil after each addition. The result? A heavenly thick sauce.
- Quality Matters: Invest in a high-quality beef stock for that unrivaled flavor punch.
- The Taste Test: As you cook, remember to taste the sauce and fine-tune the seasoning to your heart’s content.
- Too Thick? If your sauce turns out too thick, don’t fret! Just add a small amount of water or beef stock to get it back to saucy goodness.
- Too Thin? If it’s on the thinner side, keep it simmering until you reach your desired thickness.
- Smooth Operator: Want your sauce extra smooth? An immersion blender or a regular blender can be your best friend.
- Turn Up the Heat: For those who like it hot, feel free to add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
- Use Kosher Salt: You’ll need three tablespoons of kosher salt to enhance all the other flavors. This, my friends, is how we stir mixture into a sauce that’ll get your taste buds two-stepping in delight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors mingle and deepen.
How long does the sauce last in the fridge?
In an airtight container, this sauce can keep its zing in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I freeze this steak sauce?
We wouldn’t recommend it. Freezing might mess with the texture and flavor.
Can I use a different type of stock instead of beef stock?
Sure, you could use chicken or vegetable stock, but for the authentic Texas Roadhouse flavor, beef stock is the way to go.
Can I make this recipe without liquid smoke?
Absolutely! You can substitute liquid smoke with smoked paprika for a similar smoky hint.
Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of brown sugar?
Yes, feel free to experiment with honey or maple syrup, but the classic choice is brown sugar for its unique flavor.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
Too thick? Add a splash of water or beef stock to thin it out. Too thin? Continue simmering until it thickens to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Get creative with how you serve this sauce!
- Steak Your Claim: This sauce works wonders with any cut of steak, be it ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon.
- Dip It Good: Serve this sauce as a dipping side for Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters or KFC chicken tenders. It’s a great option to level them up.
- Veggie Delight: Top off your baked potatoes or roasted vegetables with this sauce for an exciting twist.
- Marinade Magic: Marinade your beef or pork with this sauce before grilling or roasting for an explosive flavor.
- Pasta Night: Toss this sauce with cooked ground beef and serve over pasta. Dinner solved!
Stepping Up Your Steak Game
While we’ve got the Texas Roadhouse sauce down to an art, let’s not forget about the main star of the show – the steak! This cut of beef is a versatile canvas that can be jazzed up with a variety of flavors. And as all seasoned cooks know, the key to a great steak lies in the seasoning. Let’s have a quick side trip and show you how to make a perfect steak to pair with your homemade sauce.
- Start with the Right Seasoning: The best way to start is by creating a fresh ground dry rub. Pour seasonings such as onion powder, garlic salt, chili powder, and two teaspoons of brown sugar into a plastic bag.
- Shake, Shake, Shake: Remove the air, seal it, and shake the seasoning blend away! Cut off one of the bottom edges of the plastic bag with a pair of scissors for controlled seasoning release. The result? Texas Roadhouse steak seasoning that would put the Lone Star State on the map!
- Season Away: Pour the seasonings over your steak evenly from the tip of the bag, ensuring every inch is generously coated.
- The Perfect Cook: Once your steak is perfectly coated in our best steak seasoning, it’s time to heat the pan. Make sure the steak reaches a room temperature before cooking. Cook your steak to perfection – because anything less wouldn’t do justice to this Texas Roadhouse-inspired wonder. Depending on your preference, cook the steak to rare, medium, or well done. Remember, the best steak is one cooked just the way you like it. Use meat thermometer if you have one.
- Serve in Style: Let the steak rest. Plate up your perfectly cooked big juicy steak and ladle on the Texas Roadhouse-inspired sauce. Now, you’ve got yourself a restaurant-worthy steak right in the comfort of your own kitchen!
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge Life: This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Reheat Like a Pro: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Rescue Mission: If the sauce thickens too much during storage, a splash of water or beef stock will bring it back to life.
- Freezing Warning: Although tempting, we wouldn’t recommend freezing the sauce as it may alter the texture and flavor.
Conclusion
And that’s a wrap! You’re now equipped to recreate the legendary Texas Roadhouse Steak Sauce at home. Let’s turn your kitchen into a Texas Roadhouse, shall we?
Texas Roadhouse Steak Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan
- mixing bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup high-quality beef stock
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or ketchup)
- 1 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp liquid smoke (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook until it forms a roux, thick and bubbly.
- In a separate bowl, mix together beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, onion powder, garlic salt, chili powder, brown sugar, and optional liquid smoke.
- Gradually add the mixture to the roux in the saucepan about ¼ cup at a time, bringing it to a boil after each addition.
- Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens.
Notes
- Perfecting the Roux: Cook the roux for 3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- The Art of Addition: Add the steak sauce mixture to the roux gradually (¼ cup at a time) and let it boil after each addition for a thick sauce.
- Quality Matters: Use high-quality beef stock for unparalleled flavor.
- The Taste Test: Remember to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Too Thick? If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of water or beef stock to adjust the consistency.
- Too Thin? Simmer the sauce until it reaches your desired thickness.
- Smooth Operator: Achieve extra smoothness by using an immersion blender or a regular blender.
- Turn Up the Heat: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste for a spicy kick.
- Use Kosher Salt: Enhance flavors with three tablespoons of kosher salt.
- Stir Mixture into Sauce: Follow these steps to create a delightful sauce that will tantalize your taste buds.
It is very good. Texas Roadhouse sauce is so difficult to find at a reasonable price so it is so freeing to make a reasonable copy. I can’t understand why it lasts only a week in the fridge. Is there any way to make it more stable or to last longer?
Thank you again for this.
Hey Kurt,
Really pleased to get your appreciation!
I totally get your point about wanting to make this delicious Texas Roadhouse steak sauce last longer. Here are some practical tips to extend its shelf life for you:
1) Use Sterilized Jars: Sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them for about 10 minutes. This can help your sauce stay good for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
2) Add Some Vinegar or Lemon Juice: Incorporating a bit of vinegar or lemon juice not only adds flavor but also acts as a natural preservative, potentially extending the fridge life to around 2-3 weeks.
3) Keep It Cool: Always store the sauce in the fridge when not in use. This simple step is key to keeping it fresh for the standard one-week period.
4) Freeze in Ice Cube Trays: Freezing the sauce in ice cube trays and then transferring the cubes to a freezer bag can extend its life to about 1-2 months. Just thaw what you need, when you need it.
5) Vacuum Sealing: If you have a vacuum sealer, this method can extend the sauce’s fridge life to about 3-4 weeks by reducing air exposure.
6) Canning: If you’re really serious about storing it, canning the sauce using a water bath method can significantly extend its shelf life. Properly canned, it can last for up to a year in your pantry.
Those durations are ballpark numbers, it always depends.
Hope these tips help you enjoy your steak sauce for many delicious meals to come! Happy cooking! 😊👨🍳