Last year, I went out for dinner with some friends at Texas Roadhouse, and we all ordered steaks. As soon as I tasted the steak, I couldn’t stop thinking about the sauce that came with it. It was the perfect blend of creamy and peppery, and it made the steak taste even better.
I decided to try making it at home, and after a few tries, I finally nailed the recipe. Now, I want to share this Texas Roadhouse Peppercorn Sauce with you! It’s rich, creamy, and has a nice peppery kick that goes perfectly with steaks, chicken, or even veggies. It’s the kind of sauce that takes any meal to the next level!
The recipe is surprisingly simple, and with just a few ingredients, you can recreate this delicious Texas Roadhouse peppercorn sauce copycat at home. Give this recipe a try – it’s super easy and tastes amazing! I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as I do.
What Makes Texas Roadhouse Peppercorn Sauce Special?
- Bold Flavor: The rich, creamy base perfectly complements the sharp, peppery kick of freshly crushed peppercorns, creating a sauce that’s both indulgent and flavorful. It adds a restaurant-quality touch to any dish.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday staples like butter, cream, and shallots, this recipe doesn’t require any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients. Most of these might already be in your kitchen!
- Versatile: Whether drizzled over a perfectly grilled steak, spooned onto roasted chicken, or used to elevate vegetables and pasta, this sauce adapts beautifully to a variety of dishes.
- Quick to Make: Perfect for busy evenings or last-minute meal upgrades, the sauce comes together in under 20 minutes, making it as practical as it is delicious.
What Is in Texas Roadhouse Peppercorn Sauce Recipe?
- 2 Shallots: Finely chopped, they add a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
- 2 tbsp. Whole Peppercorns: Crushed to release their bold flavor.
- 40g Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the shallots.
- 100ml Double Cream: Creates the creamy texture of the sauce.
- 1 Beef Stock Cube: Adds depth and umami.
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy edge that balances the creaminess.
- 50ml Brandy: Enhances the flavor with a slight sweetness and richness.
Ingredient Substitutions for This Peppercorn Sauce
- Shallots: Don’t have shallots on hand? You can use finely chopped onions instead. They’ll provide a similar sweetness, though onions have a slightly stronger flavor. For a milder alternative, try using green onions (white part only).
- Brandy: Not a fan of cooking with alcohol? Substitute with white wine for a similar depth of flavor. Alternatively, skip it altogether and add an extra splash of beef stock or water for an alcohol-free option.
- Double Cream: Swap it with heavy cream for a similar richness. For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut cream—it will change the flavor slightly but still provide a creamy consistency.
- Beef Stock Cube: To make the sauce vegetarian or lighter in taste, replace the beef stock cube with a vegetable stock cube or bouillon powder. It will still add a robust base to the sauce.
- Peppercorns: If whole peppercorns aren’t available, use freshly ground black pepper. It’s less bold but will still provide the signature peppery kick.
Kitchen Appliances Needed
- Sharp Knife: For finely chopping the shallots, ensuring they cook evenly and blend smoothly into the sauce.
- Cutting Board: A clean and sturdy surface for safe and efficient ingredient preparation.
- Saucepan: A medium-sized, non-stick or stainless steel saucepan works best to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution.
- Pestle and Mortar (or Spice Grinder): Use these to crush the peppercorns, releasing their robust flavor. A spice grinder is great for a finer texture if preferred.
- Wooden Spoon: Perfect for mixing the sauce as it simmers, helping to incorporate the flavors and avoid lumps or burning.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Peppercorn Sauce
Step 1 | Prepare Ingredients: Finely chop 2 shallots and crush 2 tablespoons of peppercorns using a pestle and mortar. Set them aside.
Step 2 | Sauté Shallots: In a saucepan, melt 40g of butter over low heat. Add the chopped shallots and cook for 5 minutes on medium heat, stirring constantly.
Step 3 | Combine Base Ingredients: Add 100ml of double cream, the crushed peppercorns, and a crumbled beef stock cube. Stir well.
Step 4 | Add Liquids: Pour in 125ml of boiling water, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 50ml of brandy. Mix until fully combined.
Step 5 | Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, stirring regularly, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 6 | Season and Serve: Season with salt, remove from heat, and serve immediately over your favorite steak or dish.
Special Recipe Notes
- Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or cream.
- Peppercorn Texture: Adjust the grind size to your preference. Finely ground peppercorns will result in a smoother sauce.
- Alcohol-Free Tip: Replace brandy with beef stock or omit it entirely.
Recipe Variations and Additions
- Garlic Peppercorn Sauce: Add minced garlic for a garlicky twist.
- Herbed Peppercorn Sauce: Stir in chopped parsley or thyme for added freshness.
- Spicy Peppercorn Sauce: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a bit of heat.
How to Serve Texas Roadhouse Peppercorn Sauce
- Classic Steak Pairing: Pour the sauce generously over a grilled ribeye or sirloin steak.
- Roast Chicken: Use the sauce as a flavorful topping for roasted or pan-seared chicken.
- Vegetable Side: Drizzle it over roasted potatoes, broccoli, or asparagus.
- Pasta Dish: Toss with cooked pasta for a creamy, peppery pasta sauce.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore the consistency.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream may separate when thawed.
Texas Roadhouse Peppercorn Sauce FAQs
1. What makes this peppercorn sauce different from other recipes?
Texas Roadhouse Peppercorn Sauce stands out because of its perfect balance of creamy texture and bold pepper flavor. Unlike other sauces, we use whole peppercorns ground fresh, which gives a more intense and authentic taste. The combination of brandy, beef stock, and Dijon mustard creates a depth of flavor that truly mimics a restaurant-quality sauce.
2. Can I make this sauce without alcohol?
Absolutely! If you prefer to skip the brandy, you can substitute it with additional beef stock or even apple juice for a hint of sweetness. The key is to maintain the liquid volume and depth of flavor. You’ll still get a delicious sauce that’s packed with flavor, just without the alcoholic component.
3. How do I get the perfect sauce consistency?
Achieving the right consistency is all about patience and heat control. Start with low heat and simmer slowly, stirring frequently. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a little more cream or stock. If it’s too thin, continue simmering to reduce and thicken. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon smoothly when it’s just right.
4. What are the best meats to serve with this sauce?
This peppercorn sauce is incredibly versatile! It’s absolutely perfect with:
- Beef steaks (ribeye, sirloin, filet mignon)
- Grilled or roasted chicken
- Pork tenderloin
- Lamb chops
5. How spicy is this peppercorn sauce?
The heat level is moderate and customizable. Whole peppercorns provide a warm, slightly spicy kick without being overwhelming. If you love more heat, crush the peppercorns more finely or add extra. For a milder version, reduce the amount of ground peppercorns or use a mix of black and white peppercorns.
6. What if I don’t have shallots?
No worries! If you can’t find shallots, you can substitute with:
- Mild white onions (finely chopped)
- Green onions
- A mix of onion and garlic
7. How long does it take to prepare this sauce?
The sauce will take about 15-20 minutes to prepare. The process is straightforward: chopping, grinding peppercorns, and simmering. Most of the time is spent letting the sauce reduce and develop its rich flavor.
8. Is this sauce healthy?
While delicious, this sauce is rich and should be enjoyed in moderation. It’s high in calories and fat due to butter and cream. For a lighter version, you could:
- Use half-and-half instead of cream
- Reduce butter quantity
- Use a low-fat stock cube
Texas Roadhouse Peppercorn Sauce Recipe
Texas Roadhouse Peppercorn Sauce is a creamy, flavorful sauce with a bold peppery kick. Perfect for steak, chicken, or vegetables, it’s simple to make and delicious!
Ingredients
- 2 Shallots: Finely chopped, they add a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
- 2 tbsp. Whole Peppercorns: Crushed to release their bold flavor.
- 40g Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the shallots.
- 100ml Double Cream: Creates the creamy texture of the sauce.
- 1 Beef Stock Cube: Adds depth and umami.
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy edge that balances the creaminess.
- 50ml Brandy: Enhances the flavor with a slight sweetness and richness.
Instructions
Step 1 | Prepare Ingredients: Finely chop 2 shallots and crush 2 tablespoons of peppercorns using a pestle and mortar. Set them aside.
Step 2 | Sauté Shallots: In a saucepan, melt 40g of butter over low heat. Add the chopped shallots and cook for 5 minutes on medium heat, stirring constantly.
Step 3 | Combine Base Ingredients: Add 100ml of double cream, the crushed peppercorns, and a crumbled beef stock cube. Stir well.
Step 4 | Add Liquids: Pour in 125ml of boiling water, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 50ml of brandy. Mix until fully combined.
Step 5 | Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, stirring regularly, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 6 | Season and Serve: Season with salt, remove from heat, and serve immediately over your favorite steak or dish.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size per servingAmount Per Serving Calories 240Total Fat 22gSodium 500mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 1gProtein 2g
Conclusion
Texas Roadhouse Peppercorn Sauce is definitely a must-try! It’s super easy to make, packed with rich, peppery flavor, and will take any meal to the next level. This sauce is perfect for steak, chicken, or veggies. I really hope you give it a try because I know you’ll love it just as much as I do.
It’s the kind of sauce that makes every bite feel special. So, grab your ingredients, start cooking, and enjoy this delicious, homemade sauce that’s sure to impress! Happy cooking, and I hope you enjoy every bite!
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