Texas Roadhouse is a popular steakhouse chain known for its hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, made-from-scratch sides, and signature bread. But one of the staples at Texas Roadhouse that keeps customers coming back for more is the addictive, signature BBQ sauce.
What makes Texas Roadhouse BBQ sauce special?
The Texas Roadhouse BBQ sauce has a unique, signature taste that sets it apart from other BBQ sauces. It has a sweet yet tangy flavor with a hint of smokiness. The sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. It’s thick, rich, and deeply satisfying without being too overpowering. The sweetness comes from brown sugar while the tanginess comes from a blend of tomato paste, vinegar, and spices.
Some of the stand-out flavors in Texas Roadhouse BBQ sauce include:
- Molasses – adds a robust, deep sweetness
- Worcestershire sauce – provides savory umami flavor
- Chili powder – brings a touch of heat
- Mustard – adds tanginess
- Garlic – provides rich, aromatic flavor
- Onion – brings out sweetness and depth of flavor
Texas Roadhouse uses a special technique when making their BBQ sauce. The sauce simmers for hours which allows the flavors to meld and develop. The long cooking time gives the sauce a rich mahogany color. It also thickens the sauce so it beautifully coats and clings to proteins like steak and ribs.
What is the recipe for Texas Roadhouse BBQ sauce?
While the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, Texas Roadhouse has shared some of the key ingredients and techniques they use to make their famous BBQ sauce. Here is a breakdown of what goes into this signature sauce:
- Tomato paste – provides the rich, deep red color and tomato flavor base
- Brown sugar – adds sweetness and depth of flavor
- Apple cider vinegar – brings tanginess and acidity to balance the sweetness
- Molasses – amplifies the sweet and smoky notes
- Worcestershire sauce – contributes savory umami taste
- Mustard – provides tangy spice
- Onion and garlic – give aromatic backbone
- Spices like chili powder, black pepper, paprika – incorporate subtle heat
In addition to the ingredients, the technique Texas Roadhouse uses includes:
- Simmering the sauce slowly for hours to let flavors develop
- Adding the ingredients in stages starting with the tomatoes and sugars first
- Stirring the sauce frequently to prevent burning or sticking
- Adding spices at the end so their flavors stay vibrant
What’s the best way to use Texas Roadhouse BBQ sauce?
The rich, sweet tanginess of Texas Roadhouse BBQ sauce goes well with a variety of foods. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy this sauce:
- As a dip for Texas Roadhouse rolls – slather on the sauce for a sweet, savory bread app
- As a topper for steaks – brush over steaks on the grill or after cooking to add moistness and flavor
- As a dip for fries or tater tots – use it as a flavorful dipping sauce for crispy sides
- As a glaze for ribs – baste fall-off-the-bone ribs while cooking or toss ribs in sauce after
- In meatballs – mix sauce into ground meat before making meatballs or simmer cooked meatballs in sauce
- In chili – stir some sauce into hearty beef or turkey chili
- In baked beans – mix sauce into baked beans to add sticky sweetness
- On pulled pork – toss juicy pulled pork in the sauce or serve it on the side
The sauce also works great as a base for making your own BBQ marinades and sauces. For a marinade, thin it with oil, vinegar, and spices. For a sauce, simmer it with extra tomatoes, onions, garlic, and brown sugar.
Can you buy Texas Roadhouse BBQ sauce in stores?
Yes, Texas Roadhouse has bottled their signature BBQ sauce so people can enjoy its unmatched flavor at home. You can find bottles of the sauce at select grocery stores and online retailers including:
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Publix
- HEB
- Albertsons
- Safeway
- Amazon
The sauce is usually stocked in the barbecue or steak sauce aisle. Texas Roadhouse makes it easy to get your BBQ sauce fix wherever you are!
Nutrition Facts for Texas Roadhouse BBQ Sauce
Texas Roadhouse BBQ sauce packs a flavor punch, but how does it measure up nutrition-wise? Here is the nutrition breakdown for a 2 tablespoon serving of Texas Roadhouse Original BBQ Sauce:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 260 mg |
| Total Carbs | 12 g |
| Sugars | 10 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
As you can see, 2 tablespoons contains 60 calories, 0 g fat, 260 mg sodium, 12 g carbs, 10 g sugar, and 0 g protein. The nutritionals reflect the sauce’s focus on flavor-building ingredients like tomatoes, sugar, vinegar, and spices rather than fat, protein or micronutrients.
The sauce is low in fat, cholesterol, and protein. The carbs and sugars come primarily from the tomatoes, brown sugar, molasses, and other natural sweetening agents. The sodium level is moderate at 13% of the daily recommended value per serving. Overall, the sauce can be enjoyed guilt-free as part of a healthy, balanced diet when used in moderation.
Ways to Reduce Calories, Carbs, or Sodium in Texas Roadhouse BBQ Sauce
For people looking to lighten up the sauce a bit, there are some easy ways to tweak it:
- Use reduced sodium tomato paste or diced tomatoes
- Substitute honey for some or all of the brown sugar
- Use low sodium Worcestershire sauce
- Skip added salt and increase black pepper for flavor
- Use half the amount of sauce in recipes
- Mix it with mustard, vinegar or oils to make it spread farther
With just a few simple adjustments, you can customize the Texas Roadhouse sauce to suit your specific dietary needs while still enjoying that signature sweet and tangy BBQ flavor.
How long does bottled Texas Roadhouse BBQ sauce last?
An unopened bottle of Texas Roadhouse BBQ sauce will generally stay fresh for about 12-18 months past the printed “best by” date. Once opened, the sauce will keep well for about 1 month when stored properly.
Here are some tips for maximizing the shelf life of Texas Roadhouse BBQ sauce after opening:
- Keep the sauce refrigerated at all times to prevent bacterial growth
- Store it towards the back of the fridge where temperatures are cooler
- Screw the lid on tightly after each use
- Keep the bottle clean when removing sauce to prevent contamination
- If mold appears, discard the sauce
- For optimal quality and taste, use within 1 month of opening
Some signs that the sauce may have gone bad before the 1 month mark include changes in texture, appearance, or smell. The sauce may look more watery or separated, become thicker and gloopy, or develop an unusual color. Rancid, sour, or moldy odors are also indicators it has spoiled. When in doubt, throw it out.
Where to Buy Texas Roadhouse BBQ Sauce
Wondering where you can pick up a bottle or two of Texas Roadhouse’s signature sweet and tangy BBQ sauce? Here are some of the best places to buy it:
Grocery Stores
As mentioned earlier, many major grocery store chains stock the sauce on their shelves. Check the barbecue sauce aisle at stores like Walmart, Kroger, Publix, HEB, Safeway, and Albertsons.
Online
Prefer to shop from the comfort of home? Texas Roadhouse BBQ sauce is available online at large retailers like Amazon, Walmart.com, Target.com, and more. Bottles are eligible for Prime shipping on Amazon.
Restaurant Locations
You can always pick up a to-go bottle right from any Texas Roadhouse restaurant. Keep an extra stash at home so you never run out!
Texas Roadhouse Website
Buy bottles of the BBQ sauce straight from the source at shop.texasroadhouse.com. You can purchase it individually or in packs.
Does Texas Roadhouse sell their BBQ sauce in bulk?
Great news for BBQ sauce lovers – Texas Roadhouse does offer bulk quantities of their addictive original sauce in addition to the regular retail bottles. Bulk options allow you to save money while keeping plenty of sauce on hand.
Here are some ways to buy Texas Roadhouse BBQ sauce in bulk:
- Gallon jugs – Available on the Texas Roadhouse website, these contain 128 oz of sauce
- Cases of 12 bottles – Sold online and at restaurant locations
- Cases of 1 gallon jugs – Contains 4 gallon jugs, sold online
- 5 gallon bag-in-box – Ideal for restaurants wanting large quantities
Bulk Texas Roadhouse BBQ sauce can be purchased online through sites like Amazon Business, WebstaurantStore, and from food service distributors. Be sure to search for “bulk” or “foodservice.”
Buying sauce in bulk is great for large gatherings, meal prepping, using as an ingredient in other recipes, or just for Texas Roadhouse mega-fans!
Copycat Recipe for Texas Roadhouse BBQ Sauce
While Texas Roadhouse keeps their exact BBQ sauce recipe top secret, creative home cooks have come up with copycat versions that aim to mimic its signature sweet and tangy flavor profile. Here is one highly-rated copycat recipe to try:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients and whisk until smooth.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and allow sauce to cool and thicken slightly before using.
- Store cooled sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month.
This homemade copycat version allows you to enjoy the Texas Roadhouse barbecue flavor you love with ingredients likely already in your pantry. Adjust brown sugar, vinegar, and spices to taste as you experiment to mimic the original.
Conclusion
With its hero ingredients like tomato, brown sugar, and molasses, Texas Roadhouse BBQ sauce delivers a one-of-a-kind sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor profile. It’s the perfect match for steaks, ribs, chicken, and an array of sides. The sauce’s popularity has led to it being bottled and sold in stores, allowing fans to take the taste home. With a few minor tweaks, the sauce can accommodate an array of dietary needs. Home cooks can even whip up their own copycat recipes to approximate the signature flavor. So slather on the goodness of Texas Roadhouse’s famous BBQ sauce and enjoy its lip-smacking taste anytime.