Texas Roadhouse Steak Seasoning Recipe

This seasoning mix combines coarse kosher salt, brown sugar, and a variety of spices to bring out the best flavors in your steak, reminiscent of Texas Roadhouse’s signature taste. Perfect for all cuts of beef, this seasoning will add a delicious, savory crust and depth of flavor to every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Steak Seasoning:

Bold, Balanced Flavor: With the ideal blend of salt, sweetness, and spice, this seasoning mix perfectly complements the natural richness of beef.
Easy to Make: It takes only minutes to mix up this seasoning, and you probably have most ingredients in your spice rack.
Versatile: Not just for steak! This blend works wonderfully on chicken, pork, or even roasted vegetables, making it a handy go-to seasoning for multiple dishes.

Key Ingredients:

Kosher Salt: The coarse texture of kosher salt helps create a savory crust on the steak. Avoid using table salt, as it’s finer and will be too salty.

Brown Sugar: A small amount of brown sugar caramelizes on the steak’s surface, adding a touch of sweetness and helping create a nice crust. Light brown sugar works best, but you can also use dark brown sugar for a richer flavor.

Cornstarch: This secret ingredient helps the seasoning adhere to the steak and creates a crispy crust. Cornstarch also absorbs moisture, allowing for better browning.

Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These savory spices add a well-rounded, deep flavor without overpowering the meat. They also complement each other beautifully for that classic steakhouse taste.

Turmeric: A small amount of turmeric adds a golden hue and subtle earthy undertone, enhancing the steak’s appearance and flavor.

Paprika: Adds a mild sweetness and smoky undertone, which complements the beef. Smoked paprika is a great substitute if you want a deeper, smoky flavor.

Chili Powder: This ingredient provides a touch of warmth without being overly spicy, balancing the seasoning blend. If you like heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or doubling the chili powder.

Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a hint of spice and brings all the flavors together. Use coarse black pepper for the best texture.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Seasoning Mix

Combine Ingredients:
In a Ziploc bag or mixing bowl, add the following ingredients:
Kosher salt
Brown sugar
Cornstarch
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Turmeric
Paprika
Chili powder
Black pepper

Mix Thoroughly:
Seal the Ziploc bag tightly and shake it vigorously to combine, or use a whisk in a mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are well-blended. This even distribution will provide consistent flavor across the steak.

2. Season the Steak

Prepare the Steaks:
Choose your preferred cut of steak such as Filet Mignon, Porterhouse, N.Y. Strip, or Ribeye.
Pat each steak dry with paper towels. Removing surface moisture helps the seasoning adhere and allows a nice crust to form.

Apply the Seasoning:
Generously sprinkle the seasoning mix on both sides of each steak.
Gently press the seasoning into the meat to help it stick and infuse flavor.

Rest the Steaks:
Allow the seasoned steaks to sit at room temperature for about 40 minutes. This resting period enables the salt to penetrate, enhancing tenderness and infusing the spices into the meat.

3. Cook the Steak

Preheat the Cooking Surface:
Heat your grill, skillet, or broiler to a high temperature. If using a grill, clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking and to ensure a nice sear.

Cook the Steak:

Place the steaks on the hot surface.

Cook for 4-5 minutes on one side to develop a crust.

Flip the steak and cook the other side based on desired doneness:
Medium-rare: Additional 5 minutes, or 135°F
Medium: Additional 7 minutes, or 145°F
Well-done: Additional 10 minutes, or 160°F

For precise doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Rest the Steaks:
Remove the steaks from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. This resting period redistributes the juices, creating a more flavorful and juicy steak.

Serving Suggestions:

Classic Sides: Serve with a side of garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a Caesar salad for a classic steakhouse experience.
Beverage Pairing: A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot pairs beautifully with this steak seasoning. Alternatively, a dark, full-bodied beer like stout or porter is also a great choice.
Add Finishing Touches: Top the steak with a pat of herb butter or a sprinkle of fresh herbs (like parsley or rosemary) to enhance the presentation and add a burst of fresh flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips:

Storage: This seasoning blend keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months. Make a larger batch and store it for quick, flavor-packed meals.
Meal Prep Tip: Season steaks ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bring them to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking for an even, tender cook.

Variations:

Spicy Cajun Twist

Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the mix for a spicier, Southern-inspired flavor.

Smoky BBQ Blend

Replace the paprika with smoked paprika and add 1/2 teaspoon of cumin to bring a BBQ-like smokiness to your steak seasoning.

Herb-Infused Seasoning

Mix in 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, thyme, or oregano for an herbaceous flavor that pairs beautifully with grilled meats.

Conclusion:

With this Texas Roadhouse-inspired steak seasoning, you’ll be bringing the restaurant experience straight to your kitchen. The blend of salty, savory, and slightly sweet flavors creates a delicious crust, while the resting time ensures a tender and juicy steak. Whether you’re grilling, searing, or broiling, this seasoning blend will make every steak a standout.