Are the Steaks at Texas Roadhouse Dairy-Free? What You Need to Know

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the restaurant's allergen information, Texas Roadhouse cooks all grilled items, including steaks, with butter. While the standard preparation is not dairy-free, diners with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance can request a specially prepared steak and navigate the menu safely.

Quick Summary

Texas Roadhouse steaks are not dairy-free by default due to butter used in cooking. However, customers can ask for a steak prepared without butter or seasoning that may contain milk. Proper communication with the server and kitchen staff is key to a safe meal.

Key Points

Steaks Contain Dairy: Texas Roadhouse's standard steak preparation includes cooking with butter, making them not dairy-free by default.
Special Order Required: To get a dairy-free steak, you must make a special request for it to be cooked without butter or milk-containing seasonings.
Communicate Clearly: Inform your server directly and clearly about your dairy allergy to ensure the kitchen staff is properly notified.
Specify Separate Cooking: Ask for your steak to be cooked in a clean, separate pan or area to avoid cross-contamination from other items cooked with butter.
Check All Sides: Most sides, like green beans and baked potatoes, are prepared with butter; you must request plain versions without dairy.
Cross-Contamination Risk: Due to shared kitchen space and utensils, some risk of cross-contamination remains, even with a special request.

Standard Texas Roadhouse Steak Preparation

When you order a standard steak at Texas Roadhouse, it is not dairy-free. Multiple online sources and customer experiences confirm that steaks are cooked with butter to enhance flavor and create a rich sear. Additionally, the seasoning blend used on some steaks can contain milk derivatives. This standard procedure means individuals with dairy allergies must take special precautions when ordering.

The Role of Butter in Texas Roadhouse Steaks

For Flavor and Sear: A generous amount of butter is used during the cooking process to achieve a golden-brown crust and add a signature buttery flavor. This is a key part of the Texas Roadhouse experience for many customers.
For Seasoning Application: The butter also helps the seasoning stick to the meat, ensuring an even coating. The seasoning itself can be a hidden source of dairy, so it's important to clarify the ingredients.
High-Volume Cooking: Due to the high volume of steaks cooked, it is standard practice to use a single method unless a specific allergy request is made. Without an explicit request, a customer with a dairy allergy will receive a steak cooked with butter.

How to Order a Dairy-Free Steak

Ordering a dairy-free steak at Texas Roadhouse requires clear communication with your server. Do not assume any modifications will be made without requesting them. Here is a step-by-step guide to a safer dining experience:

Inform Your Server Immediately: As soon as you are seated, tell your server that you have a severe dairy allergy. Use clear, direct language like, "I have a dairy allergy and need my meal prepared without any butter or milk products." This alerts the server to a serious health issue and not just a preference.
Request a Plain Steak: Ask for a steak with only salt and pepper. Many locations can accommodate this request, but it's crucial to specify the seasoning to avoid any pre-mixed blends that might contain dairy.
Specify Cooking Method: Explicitly request that your steak be cooked in a separate, clean pan or on a freshly cleaned part of the grill to avoid cross-contamination from butter used on other items. Mentioning "no butter" is not enough; specifying a separate pan is necessary to prevent contamination.
Confirm Side Dishes: Most side dishes are also cooked with butter. Ensure you order dairy-free sides like a plain baked potato (no butter, sour cream, or cheese), plain steamed vegetables (no butter), or applesauce.
Reiterate Your Request: When the server brings your meal, it's a good practice to politely confirm that your steak and sides were prepared without dairy, butter, or seasonings that contain milk.

Potential for Cross-Contamination

While Texas Roadhouse can often accommodate special requests, the risk of cross-contamination in a busy restaurant kitchen is always a factor for those with severe allergies.

Shared Grill Surface: The grill is used for many items cooked with butter. Despite requests for separate cooking, there is a risk of contact with trace dairy proteins.
Shared Utensils: Spatulas and tongs may be used for multiple dishes, increasing the chance of cross-contamination.
Communication Breakdown: In a fast-paced environment, a server's message may not be perfectly relayed to the kitchen staff, or a new cook may not be aware of the specific allergy order.

Comparison: Standard vs. Dairy-Free Steak

To help visualize the difference, here is a comparison of a standard Texas Roadhouse steak and a custom dairy-free order:


Feature	Standard Steak	Dairy-Free Steak (Special Request)
Cooking Method	Seared in butter on a flat top and grilled.	Cooked in a separate, clean pan or dedicated grill section, with no butter.
Seasoning	Uses a proprietary seasoning blend which may contain milk derivatives.	Seasoned with only salt and pepper upon request.
Flavor Profile	Rich, buttery, and savory with a distinct crust.	Pure beef flavor with notes of salt and pepper; less rich and crusty.
Sides	Typically served with sides that are cooked with or topped with butter and cheese.	Paired with explicitly requested dairy-free sides like a plain baked potato or steamed vegetables.
Risk of Dairy	High, due to intentional dairy in preparation.	Lower, but not zero, due to potential for cross-contamination in a busy kitchen.

Conclusion: Can You Eat a Dairy-Free Steak at Texas Roadhouse?

In summary, the standard steaks at Texas Roadhouse are not dairy-free, as they are cooked with butter. However, it is possible for diners with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance to order a specially prepared steak. This requires explicitly communicating your dietary restrictions to the staff, requesting a plain steak with no butter, and confirming that it is cooked separately to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. For the safest experience, always discuss your needs with your server before ordering. Texas Roadhouse's accommodating nature can often lead to a successful dining experience for those with allergies, provided all necessary precautions are taken.

Go Dairy Free's comprehensive guide to eating dairy-free at Texas Roadhouse provides additional details on menu items and ordering tips.

Note: While Texas Roadhouse staff are generally attentive, the responsibility for navigating food allergies ultimately rests with the diner. It is crucial to be proactive and informed during the ordering process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Texas Roadhouse confirms that all grilled items, including steaks, are cooked with butter during their standard preparation process.

Yes, you can request a steak cooked without butter. You should inform your server of your dairy allergy and ask for the steak to be cooked plain, with only salt and pepper, in a separate pan to prevent cross-contamination.

Some of the proprietary seasoning blends used at Texas Roadhouse can contain milk derivatives. It is safest to request your steak be seasoned with only simple salt and pepper.

There is a risk of cross-contamination in a busy restaurant kitchen due to shared cooking surfaces and utensils. It is important to ask for your meal to be prepared separately to minimize this risk.

By default, most side dishes contain dairy. For a dairy-free meal, you must specifically order sides like a plain baked potato, plain steamed vegetables, or applesauce, confirming they are prepared without butter or other milk products.

When ordering, be very clear and direct. State that you have a severe dairy allergy and need all items to be prepared without butter or any milk products. Confirm the special preparation method for both your main course and sides.

While Texas Roadhouse can accommodate dairy-free requests with modifications, it is not a dairy-free restaurant. For those with severe allergies, the risk of cross-contamination should be considered carefully, despite the staff's efforts to prepare meals separately.