Bring the Steakhouse Flavor to Your Kitchen
There’s something undeniably special about the bold, tangy-sweet steak sauce served at Texas Roadhouse. It’s not just a condiment—it’s a flavor bomb that elevates every bite of steak with its perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, smokiness, and umami. Whether you’ve dined at Texas Roadhouse and want to recreate that magic at home, or you simply need a show-stopping sauce for your next grill night, this copycat recipe is your answer.
Inspired by the original, this homemade steak sauce blends pantry staples into a rich, flavorful sauce that rivals anything in a bottle. Plus, it’s easy to make, stores well, and goes far beyond steak—think burgers, chicken, grilled veggies, and more.
Why You’ll Love This Texas Roadhouse Steak Sauce
- Flavor-packed: Tangy from vinegar, slightly sweet from brown sugar and apple butter, with a smoky finish thanks to a hint of liquid smoke.
- Customizable: You can tweak the sweetness, spice, or smokiness to suit your taste.
- Versatile: Perfect for steak, but also amazing as a marinade or burger topping.
- Better than store-bought: No preservatives, no fillers—just real ingredients and bold flavor.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple butter (or substitute with applesauce + pinch of cinnamon)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional but recommended)
- Juice of 1/2 lime (about 1 tablespoon)
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
- 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin, if needed)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, add ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and apple butter. Whisk until smooth. - Add Spices and Flavorings:
Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, smoked paprika, and liquid smoke. Squeeze in the lime juice and add a pinch of salt. - Simmer the Sauce:
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a light simmer, stirring frequently. - Cook and Reduce:
Let the sauce simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together. Add water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce becomes too thick. - Taste and Adjust:
Taste the sauce and adjust salt, sweetness, or acidity as desired. If you prefer it sweeter, add a bit more brown sugar. For more tang, add extra vinegar or lime juice. - Cool and Store:
Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool completely. Pour into a clean glass jar or bottle and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 2 weeks.
Tips for Best Results
- Let it Rest: The sauce tastes even better after a day in the fridge, as the flavors develop and deepen.
- Add Heat: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
- Thicker Sauce: Simmer longer if you prefer a thicker texture, or blend for a smoother consistency.
- Double Batch: This sauce stores well, so make a double batch and keep it on hand for grilling nights.
Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle over grilled ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon
- Use as a dipping sauce for steak fries or onion rings
- Spread on burgers for a bold, steakhouse-style flavor
- Brush over grilled chicken or pork as a glaze
- Mix into ground beef for next-level meatloaf or burgers
Final Thoughts
This Texas Roadhouse-style steak sauce brings steakhouse quality right into your home kitchen. With a bold blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky notes, it’s the ultimate upgrade to your next steak dinner. Once you taste how flavorful and easy it is to make, you’ll never go back to store-bought sauces again.