Texas Roadhouse Steak Sauce Copycat Recipe
If there’s one secret sauce that takes steak night from good to unforgettable, it’s the Texas Roadhouse Steak Sauce Copycat. This perfectly balanced blend of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors has just the right amount of sweetness, setting it apart from anything you’ll find in a bottle. Whether you’re serving up juicy ribeyes or using it to jazz up burgers, this homemade sauce feels like that special touch only your favorite steakhouse can deliver—but now, you can whip it up anytime in your own kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a role in building that classic steakhouse depth and zing. There’s nothing fussy—just a smart mix of pantry-friendly items, all working together to make that signature steak sauce come alive.
- Butter: Melts down to form the rich, silky base of the sauce and helps mellow the robust flavors.
- All-purpose flour: Adds just enough body to make the sauce cling beautifully to every bite.
- Beef stock: Infuses the sauce with deep, meaty richness—use high-quality stock for the best results.
- Minced garlic: Brings an aromatic kick that really awakens every other flavor in the mix.
- Liquid smoke: The secret weapon for that irresistible barbecue whisper and authentic Texas Roadhouse Steak Sauce Copycat taste.
- Worcestershire sauce: Lays down that umami punch and a subtle tang that’s never too sharp.
- Black pepper: For a gentle heat that plays nice with sweet and savory notes.
- Apple butter: Adds a luxurious apple sweetness and smooth texture, helping the sauce spread like a dream.
- Soy sauce: Lends a complex saltiness that ties everything together.
- Distilled white vinegar: Brightens up the sauce with a fresh, lively acidity.
- Lime juice: Gives just a pop of citrus that lifts those rich flavors.
- Tomato paste: Thickens and enriches while providing a mellow, deep tomato undertone.
- Corn syrup: A touch is all you need for sheen and a hint of sweet balance.
- Anchovy paste: Don’t skip this! It disappears into the sauce, bringing depth and savory complexity without any fishiness.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Steak Sauce Copycat
Step 1: Start with the Roux
Heat up a saucepan over medium heat—no need to rush this part! Once warm, add the butter and let it melt gently. Whisk in the flour and let them cook together for around three minutes. This step builds a silky, rich foundation for the sauce, and you want the mixture to bubble, not brown, so it stays smooth and subtle.
Step 2: Mix the Flavor Team
While your roux is working its magic, grab a bowl and whisk together the beef stock, minced garlic, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, apple butter, soy sauce, distilled vinegar, lime juice, tomato paste, corn syrup, and anchovy paste. Make sure everything is beautifully combined—this is where the Texas Roadhouse Steak Sauce Copycat gets its signature, multi-layered flavor.
Step 3: Slowly Incorporate Wet Into Dry
Now comes the key to a smooth, velvety sauce—patience! Pour about ¼ cup of your whisked mixture into the simmering roux at a time, whisking constantly. Bring the sauce to a low boil with each addition, which helps lock in flavor and thicken things up evenly. Repeat until everything is combined.
Step 4: Simmer and Thicken
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let the sauce do its thing for about 10 minutes. This is when the flavors in your Texas Roadhouse Steak Sauce Copycat truly marry and the sauce thickens to the perfect consistency. Give it a taste—just try not to dive in with a spoon right away!
How to Serve Texas Roadhouse Steak Sauce Copycat
Garnishes
For a show-stopping presentation, you can sprinkle the finished sauce with finely chopped chives, fresh cracked black pepper, or even a dusting of smoked paprika right before serving. A light drizzle of extra apple butter around the edge of the plate gives a sweet hint and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
This sauce is steak’s best friend, but it loves a good baked potato, roasted asparagus, or a pile of crispy onion rings on the side. Anything you’d find at a Texas Roadhouse table will pair perfectly. For a full steakhouse experience, serve it with garlicky green beans or a rich, buttery corn on the cob.
Creative Ways to Present
For something a little different, serve your Texas Roadhouse Steak Sauce Copycat in small individual ramekins so everyone gets their own dipping pot. Or swirl it on the plate beneath a beautifully sliced steak for that restaurant-style flair. It’s equally delicious brushed over grilled mushrooms or slathered on a burger bun to elevate homemade burgers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any sauce left after dinner (lucky you!), let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to a week, and the flavors actually get more intense and delicious as they meld together.
Freezing
Need to prep ahead? This sauce freezes beautifully. Pour cooled Texas Roadhouse Steak Sauce Copycat into freezer-safe containers or even ice cube trays for perfect portions. It will stay fresh for up to three months—just remember to leave a little space for expansion.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the sauce over low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally. If it’s a bit thick out of the fridge or freezer, a splash of beef stock or water will loosen it up nicely without watering down the flavor.
FAQs
Is the anchovy paste necessary for Texas Roadhouse Steak Sauce Copycat?
Absolutely! It works behind the scenes to add a punch of savory umami, and you won’t taste any fishiness. If you’re truly hesitant or need a vegetarian option, you can substitute with extra Worcestershire sauce, but anchovy paste is key for that “something special.”
Can I adjust the level of sweetness?
Definitely. If you like your sauce a little more on the tangy or spicy side, reduce the apple butter just a bit or skip the corn syrup. Taste and tweak—this copycat sauce is super forgiving and loves a personal touch!
How do I make the sauce spicier?
If you’re craving some heat, stir a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce into the mix during the simmering step. Smoked paprika or a dash of chipotle powder would add a nice, earthy punch too.
What’s the best way to use Texas Roadhouse Steak Sauce Copycat beyond steak?
It’s amazing slathered on grilled chicken, burgers, or even as a dip for onion rings or French fries. Try brushing it onto grilled veggies or using it as a zesty marinade for pork. It’ll become your go-to for pretty much anything savory!
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! This recipe easily doubles (or even triples) without any fancy adjustments. Just use a larger saucepan and follow the steps as written, making sure to whisk well for a consistently smooth sauce.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of this Texas Roadhouse Steak Sauce Copycat is that it delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home. It’s so rewarding to see friends and family light up with that “wow” moment after a taste. Don’t be surprised if this sauce becomes a staple on your table—give it a try and discover just how fun and delicious DIY steak night can be!
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Texas Roadhouse Steak Sauce Copycat Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 1 1/2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Texas Roadhouse Steak Sauce Copycat recipe will have you enjoying that famous flavorful sauce from the comfort of your own home. Perfect for drizzling over your favorite grilled meats.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup beef stock
Seasonings and Flavorings:
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp liquid smoke
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup apple butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp distilled white vinegar
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp corn syrup
- 1 tbsp anchovy paste
Instructions
- Heat a saucepan over medium heat.
Add butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour. Cook for 3 minutes, or until thickened and bubbling.
- Combine beef stock, garlic, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, apple butter, soy sauce, vinegar, lime juice, tomato paste, corn syrup, and anchovy paste in a bowl.
Whisk well.
- Slowly incorporate this mixture into the roux, whisking as you add about ¼ cup at a time.
Allow sauce to come to a low boil in between pours.
- Lower heat to a simmer for 10 minutes, or until thickened.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
Keywords: Texas Roadhouse, Steak Sauce, Copycat, Sauce Recipe, Homemade Sauce
