Longhorn Steakhouse is a popular American casual dining chain known for its generous portions of juicy, grill-seared steaks. They use a proprietary seasoning blend to coat their steaks before cooking. This spice mix adds a bold, savory-sweet depth of flavor that has become a signature of Longhorn Steakhouse.
The exact blend of spices used in their original seasoning mix is a well-guarded secret. But with a bit of trial and error, I came up with a homemade recipe that replicates those familiar notes of garlic, pepper and other spices. It adds a kick of flavor when sprinkled on their Spinach Dip, steaks, chops, burgers and more.
What Does Longhorn Steakhouse Seasoning Taste Like?
The taste of Longhorn Steakhouse seasoning is savory, slightly spicy, and very bold. Onions and garlic provide an aromatic backbone, while paprika lends a rich, roasted flavor. A touch of heat from cayenne pepper contrasts with earthy, musky notes from coriander and turmeric. Basil adds a sweet yet savory herbal quality. The blend of salt and black pepper ties everything together. Overall, the seasoning mix tastes robust, a little hot, and distinctly steakhouse-flavory. It brings out the best in beef and other meats and adds interest to vegetables too.
How to Make Longhorn Steakhouse Seasoning at Home
Recreating the Longhorn Steakhouse seasoning blend at home is simple with just a few basic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients Needed
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/4 teaspoons paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon salt (I use a mix of Himalayan and iodized salt)
- 1 1/4 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried sweet basil leaves (or fresh if you have it)
Kitchen Tools
- Jar with lid
- Spoon
Step-by- Step Instructions
Step 1: Mixing the Ingredients
Combine all the ingredients in a jar.
Step 2: Shake the Ingredients
Shake well to ensure even distribution of the spices.
Recipe Variations
- Customize the blend to suit your tastes. Add more cayenne for extra heat or an extra pinch of garlic powder for more robust flavor.
- Use other dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary in place of or in addition to the basil.
- For a lower-sodium option, cut the salt amount in half.
- This versatile blend can also be used as a dry rub on meats, mixed into burger patties, or sprinkled on eggs, pasta, soups, and more. Get creative with ways to use it in your cooking!
- Make a large batch to have the seasoning on hand. It also makes a great homemade gift for the grill masters in your life.
Serving Suggestion
This versatile homemade Longhorn Steakhouse seasoning recipe can liven up all kinds of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Steaks and chops – Sprinkle liberally on steaks, chops, or any grilled or broiled meat before cooking. Really brings out the flavor!
- Chicken – Use it as a rub under the skin or sprinkle over chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks before baking, grilling or sautéing.
- Fish – Excellent seasoned on salmon, tilapia, stuffed shrimp and other types of fish before broiling or grilling.
- Vegetables – Toss chopped veggies with a drizzle of oil and the seasoning for a flavorful roasted vegetable side. Also works well sprinkled on potatoes.
- Popcorn – For a kicked-up snack, use the seasoning instead of regular salt on your favorite popcorn or corn recipe.
- Eggs – Add a dash of the seasoning to scrambled eggs or egg salad for extra flavor.
- Pasta – Toss with cooked pasta, olive oil and Parmesan for a quick weeknight meal.
- Meatballs – Mix into the ground meat before forming meatballs or meatloaf for extra spice.
- Soups and stews – Sprinkle over individual bowls of soups and stews for a flavor boost.
Storing the homemade Longhorn Steakhouse Seasoning
- Keep it in an airtight container such as a jar, spice shaker, or resealable plastic bag. This prevents the spices from being exposed to air and losing potency.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from light and heat if possible. A cupboard or pantry works perfectly.
- Avoid storage in humid areas like above the stove or near the sink where exposure to moisture can make spices clump.
- If storing in a shaker container or plastic bag, press out excess air before sealing to minimize air exposure.
- Glass jars make great storage containers as they are airtight and allow you to clearly see the spice blend. Just make sure to keep the lid on tight.
- Transferring the mix to smaller jars for storage makes it easier to use up within a few months before the spices stale.
- Write the date you prepared the seasoning on the storage container so you know when it was made.
- Give the jar or container a good shake before each use to redistribute any settled powder.
- Properly stored in an airtight container, the seasoning will stay fresh for up to 6 months. If the spice blend ever appears clumpy or dull, it’s time to make a new batch.
FAQs
What types of pepper are used in Longhorn Steakhouse seasoning?
Based on my testing, I found a blend of black pepper and cayenne pepper replicates their seasoning well. The black pepper provides most of the punch while the cayenne adds subtle heat.
Can I adjust the heat level of this homemade seasoning recipe?
Absolutely. If you want more spiciness, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne pepper. For less heat, reduce the cayenne to 1/8 teaspoon.
What’s the best way to apply the seasoning to steak?
I prefer sprinkling it liberally over both sides of the raw steak and pressing in the spices a bit before cooking. This helps the seasoning adhere and form a flavorful crust when grilled.
Can I use fresh garlic and onion instead of powder?
Dried onion and garlic powder allow the seasoning to keep longer compared to fresh. But if you have those ingredients on hand, substitute 1/2 tsp minced garlic and onion.
What steak cuts work best with this Longhorn seasoning?
It’s great on juicy ribeyes, strip steaks, filet mignon, T-bones and other well-marbled cuts. Leaner steaks can work too though the seasoning flavor may overpower.
Longhorn Steakhouse Seasoning Recipe
Homemade copycat recipe for the tasty Longhorn Steakhouse seasoning blend. With just 9 ingredients you likely have on hand, easily recreate the flavor of this popular steakhouse spice mix.
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/4 teaspoons paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon salt (I use a mix of Himalayan and iodized salt)
- 1 1/4 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried sweet basil leaves (or fresh if you have it)
Instructions
- Mixing the Ingredients: Combine all the ingredients in a jar.
- Shake the Ingredients: Shake well to ensure even distribution of the spices.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Sodium: 5821mg
The nutrition information provided below is estimated using an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered medical advice or guaranteed to be accurate. Please consult a professional for any dietary needs or restrictions.
Conclusion
Longhorn Steakhouse Seasoning recipe in your culinary repertoire, you hold the key to recreating the magic of Longhorn Steakhouse in your kitchen. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or sautéing, this seasoning is your ticket to flavor-packed perfection. Elevate your dishes, experiment with variations, and savor the essence of Longhorn Steakhouse in every bite.
