This Texas Roadhouse Steak Seasoning turns ordinary beef into a steakhouse-worthy meal at home! My copycat recipe perfectly captures that signature taste with just the right blend of brown sugar, spices, and a secret ingredient. Once you try this on a sizzling ribeye, you'll never buy pre-made steak rubs again.
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As a dedicated BBQ enthusiast who's spent years perfecting restaurant-worthy recipes at home, I've tested dozens of variations to get this blend just right. This seasoning brings out the natural flavor of beef while creating that perfect savory crust whether your steak is grilled, smoked, or seared in a cast-iron pan. You can even use it on my popular Smoked Pork Chops!
If you love this Texas Roadhouse steak seasoning recipe, you'll also want to try my Smoked Pork Chops, Perfect Wagyu Steak, or Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon using the same blend!
Ingredients for Recipe
Before we get to the step-by-step instructions, a few notes about the ingredients and substitutions:
- Brown sugar: This ingredient creates an incredible caramelized crust when the seasoned steak hits the hot grill. You can also use raw sugar, maple sugar, or coconut sugar.
- Kosher salt: More than just adding flavor, salt helps tenderize the meat and lock in moisture. You can also use coarse salt or sea salt.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground provides the best taste with aromatic qualities that pre-ground simply can't match. But you can still use fine ground pepper if that's what you have.
- Smoked paprika: This gives a subtle smokiness that enhances the grilled flavor. It's one of my favorite spices for beef and adds beautiful color to the seasoning. If you don't have smoked paprika, you can make your own by combining 2 parts of regular paprika with 1 part of ground cumin. You can also use regular paprika.
- Garlic powder: A must-have in any steak rub, garlic powder provides that savory depth that makes steakhouse flavors crave-worthy. Granulated garlic or garlic flakes can be used as substitutes.
- Onion powder: Granulated onion or onion flakes will work as well.
- Chili powder: I love ancho chili powder or chipotle chili powder, but regular chili powder works too!
- Turmeric: My special addition! While not obvious in the final taste, turmeric adds gorgeous color and a subtle earthiness that elevates the entire blend.
Check the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
How To Make Texas Roadhouse Steak Seasoning
Step 1: Combine Spices
Add brown sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and turmeric to a small bowl.
Step 2: Mix Thoroughly
Stir the mixture until all spices are evenly combined. You can also pour seasonings into a small glass jar, put the lid on, and give it a good shake until mixed. Break up any clumps of brown sugar for consistent flavor throughout.
Step 3: Store or Use
Transfer your finished seasoning blend to an airtight container, mason jar, or empty spice jar with a shaker-type top. Store for up to 2 months. This recipe makes about 2½ tablespoons, enough for 3-4 steaks. Double or triple the recipe as needed.
How to Use Your Texas Roadhouse Seasoning
Perfect for Grilled Steaks
For the best flavor on any cut of steak, especially a well-marbled ribeye:
- Pat your steak completely dry to remove surface moisture.
- Drizzle with a light coating of olive oil.
- Apply the seasoning generously to all sides, pressing it gently into the meat.
- Let the steak rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Season the steaks and cook them using your preferred recipe. Check out my Reverse-Seared Traeger Steak or Marinated Smoked Steak recipes. Cook until you reach your preferred level of doneness using a meat thermometer (medium rare at 135°F creates that perfect warm red center).
- Let your steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Best Cuts of Steak for This Seasoning
While this blend enhances any cut of meat, these are my favorite cuts of steak to pair with Texas Roadhouse seasoning:
- Ribeye: The rich marbling absorbs the flavors perfectly, and the brown sugar in the seasoning caramelizes wonderfully with the fat for incredible flavor.
- Filet Mignon: The mild flavor of filet benefits from this seasoning blend, which enhances without overwhelming the tender meat.
- New York Strip: Has a robust beef flavor that stands up beautifully to these spices.
- T-Bone/Porterhouse: Get the best of both worlds with these cuts that combine strip and tenderloin in one steak.
Can I use this Texas Roadhouse seasoning on other meats?
Absolutely! While designed for beef, this blend enhances the flavor of chicken, pork chops, and even hearty fish like salmon. The brown sugar creates beautiful caramelization on any protein.
What makes this seasoning blend taste like Texas Roadhouse?
The specific ratio of sweet to savory elements with that background hint of turmeric creates the signature flavor profile. While Texas Roadhouse doesn't share its exact formula, this copycat recipe gives you remarkably similar results.
How long will homemade steak seasoning last?
You can store leftover seasoning mixture in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 months. Keep it in the fridge for up to 6 months for longer storage.
More Homemade Rub Recipes You'll Love!
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Steak Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
Instructions
- Combine: Add brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and turmeric to a small bowl.
- Mix: Stir the mixture thoroughly until all spices are evenly distributed and well combined. Break up any clumps of brown sugar with a fork or your fingers. Alternatively, place ingredients in a small jar with a lid and shake vigorously.
- Store: Transfer the seasoning blend to an airtight container, mason jar, or empty spice jar with a shaker-type top. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 2 months.
- Use: To use, pat steaks dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Lightly coat with olive oil, then generously apply the seasoning blend to all sides of the steak, gently pressing it into the meat.
- Rest: For best results, let seasoned steaks rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
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Notes
Seasoning Tips for Success
- This recipe makes enough for 3-4 large steaks. Double or triple as needed.
- Always use fresh spices less than 6 months old for the best flavor.
- Apply the seasoning more heavily than you think is necessary - some will fall off during cooking.
- Transfer to an empty spice jar with a shaker-type top for easy application.
Substitutions
- Regular paprika can be used instead of smoked paprika.
- Sea salt can substitute for kosher salt (use slightly less).
- Coconut sugar or maple sugar can replace brown sugar.
- Ancho or chipotle chili powder adds nice complexity if available.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 months.
- Keep in the refrigerator for extended freshness up to 6 months.
- Freeze for up to 1 year in a completely sealed container.
- Protect from heat, light, and moisture to maintain flavor potency.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
About Jeri Walker
Jeri Walker is the founder and CEO of Winding Creek Ranch. She is a self-taught home cook who specializes in easy family-friendly recipes. Jeri is also a food writer who regularly writes articles for MSN. Read about Jeri's journey and connect with her on your favorite social media channels!
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