Request This Texas Roadhouse Sauce For An Elevated Steak

Texas Roadhouse is many diners' go-to when they're craving a quality steak without shelling out lots of money, an affordability it's able to maintain thanks to longer supply contracts and strategic menu pricing. Patrons also appreciate the fun, laid-back vibe, which is different from the buttoned-up, fancier atmosphere at more expensive restaurants. However, you can still have an elevated meal at Texas Roadhouse. Start by asking to hand-select the steak you want, and then order it with the chain's richly flavorful portobello mushroom sauce.

It's normally one of two choices, along with peppercorn sauce, for the Filet Medallions dish that comes with three filets over seasoned rice. It's also an essential element of the Portobello Mushroom Chicken, a grilled, marinated chicken breast covered with the sauce and various cheeses. It's not a listed option for any of the other steaks, but you could ask your server for the creamy topping on whichever one you're ordering, from the lowest-cost 6-ounce sirloin to the most expensive porterhouse T-bone.

A former Texas Roadhouse employee revealed on Reddit that the signature sauce relies on mushroom and vegetable bases to deliver a deep umami punch. This savory profile is mirrored in the beef itself and further intensified by the addition of soy sauce. To balance this richness, white wine adds essential acidity and depth, while buttermilk provides the creamy texture needed to perfectly coat the steak.

Portobellos give the sauce more flavor than if Texas Roadhouse used standard button mushrooms. The two are actually the same species; buttons are the youngest stage of development, and portobellos the oldest, with creminis in the middle. This large variety features a more substantial, dense consistency. They also have a lower percentage of water, so they deliver a stronger taste packed with concentrated umami flavor. They're often described as meaty because of this combination, and can appear as a beef substitute in dishes like balsamic portobello burgers.

If you want to try Texas Roadhouse's delicious sauce at home, you can make a similar version with portobellos or other strongly savory mushrooms. Sauteing them first, perhaps with shallots or garlic, intensifies their taste, and optionally deglazing the pan with wine or brand brings flavor and contrasting acidity. Thyme and rosemary are among the herb possibilities, and stir in soy sauce or Worcestershire if you want an even bigger umami punch. Choices for the liquid include mushroom or vegetable stock, while beef stock is a robust option for red meat dishes like this wine-braised beef with mushroom sauce. Add heavy cream to create a velvety texture, or you could alternately use cream of mushroom soup as the liquid.

Top sides like mashed or baked potatoes or polenta with sauce, too, or sop up its luscious goodness with bread. Round out your meal with a salad, or sauteed or roasted veggies.