The Texas Roadhouse team has developed its own signature steak seasoning, which is especially delicious thanks to the addition of two common ingredients: sugar and salt.

From an evolutionary perspective, humans crave sweet foods because they supply quick bursts of energy. We crave salty food because sodium is an essential nutrient to our diets.

Combining salty and sweet not only satisfies both cravings, but it also provides a complementary flavor enhancement when added to rich foods like a thick, juicy steak.

The seasoning works so well because salt brings the steak's natural flavors to the surface and helps them caramelize, which is further aided by the sugar.

Other ingredients in the seasoning include dehydrated garlic and onion to impart some savory aromatics, paprika for smokiness, turmeric for depth, and MSG for umami-ness.