The BEST Steak Seasoning

11 reviews

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This steak seasoning is perfect for taking your simple grilled steak to the next level! We all know salt and pepper are all a good steak really needs, but this homemade seasoning adds impact with garlic, onion, and herbs.

Steak seasoning pouring out of a large metal scoop with text overlay - The Best Steak Seasoning.

Best Steak Seasoning

I think the best steak seasoning complements the flavor of meat, rather than overpowers it. This spice blend is mostly salt and pepper, the additional ingredients serve to add interest and balance to the steak. Garlic and onion powders are great savory elements in the rub and the smoked paprika makes any steak taste like it was cooked over an open fire. The herbs add just enough brightness to keep you coming back for more.

This seasoning is pretty simple to make and will last for months if sealed in an airtight container. I like to buy small glass jars that are easy to label and reuse.

Ingredients for the best steak seasoning in a bowl.

Ingredients for Steak Seasoning

This recipe combines salt, pepper, and 5 other beautifully balanced herbs and seasonings to enhance the flavor of the beef without overpowering it. Here’s what you’ll need to make this seasoning:

  • 2 Tablespoons kosher salt
  • 2 Tablespoons black pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 Tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 Tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme

If you want a bolder seasoning blend, try my homemade steak rub with a kick of cayenne and red pepper flakes (inspired by my dad) or my Montreal Steak seasoning for a combination of flavors that works well for beef, chicken, pork, you name it!

Steak being seasoned with homemade steak seasoning.

How to Season Steak

The best way to season a steak depends a little bit on the type of steak you are grilling as well as the level of flavor you like on your meat. With a thicker cut of steak (1.5-2 inches), you can be pretty liberal with this seasoning and thoroughly cover the surface of the meat. That way, the seasoning really carries through each bite.

Remember, you can always add seasoning easier than you can remove it. Start with a light hand and don’t sprinkle too heavily at the beginning. I also recommend pressing the seasoning into the meat with the palm of your hand. This helps the seasoning adhere and you don’t lose as much when you’re moving it around on the grill. Avoid rubbing the seasoning in, as it tends to clump up and you’ll have strong bites of pepper or herbs instead of it being evenly distributed.

Once your steaks are well seasoned, I recommend cooking your steaks using the reverse sear method. It yields perfect results every time.

Grilled steak covered with steak seasoning.

More Steak Seasoning Recipes

If this particular steak seasoning doesn’t float your boat, I’m betting one of these other tasty seasonings should do the trick! Check them each out at the links provided below.

Steak Seasoning Recipe

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This post was originally published in September 2018. We recently updated it with more information and helpful tips. The recipe remains the same.

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Steak Seasoning

By: Susie Bulloch (heygrillhey.com)
4.73 from 11 votes
This steak seasoning is perfect for taking your simple grilled steak to the next level! We all know salt and pepper is all a good steak really needs, but this homemade steak seasoning adds impact with garlic, onion, and herbs.
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Servings10 steaks

Video

Ingredients
 

  • 2 Tablespoons kosher salt
  • 2 Tablespoons black pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 Tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme

Instructions
 

  • Make the seasoning. Combine all ingredients for steak seasoning in a small bowl.
  • Use or store. Sprinkle the steak seasoning liberally on beef steaks and roasts before grilling, searing, or roasting. Store any remaining seasoning in an airtight container for up to 6 months for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 13kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 1398mg | Potassium: 60mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 360IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About

FOUNDER/BBQ BOSS LADY

Susie is the BBQ Brain behind the Hey Grill Hey website. Her passion for smoked meats and developing fun, new recipes have landed her on the Food Network, cooking turkeys with Shaq, and on a couple of Guinness World Records. When she’s not grilling, she is hanging out with Todd and their three kids, preferably outdoors!

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Recipe Rating




Reader Reviews

27 Reviews

  1. Travis says:

    Used this last night on some 10-ounce t-bones, and I tore mine down in under 5 minutes! I’m going to make this again and bottle it for next time! This is better than ANYTHING I could have bought at the store.

  2. Caligirl2020 says:

    My family loved it and they keep asking for a repeat. Thanks.

    1. Hey Grill Hey says:

      Awesome!! Thanks for coming back and leaving a review!

  3. Dean Buttgen says:

    My Wife loves the durkee kansas city steak seasoning, but cannot find it anywhere. Is this similar?

  4. Blair says:

    This was a huge hit at dinner tonight! Thank you for the recipe 🙂

  5. Brett Bowles says:

    Very tasty! Don’t need to adjust anything.

    1. Hey Grill Hey says:

      Thank you so much!

  6. Jason Skerik says:

    Loved it just the way it was.

  7. Brian Bentley says:

    I did the same but substituted it with another seasoning and it wasn’t too salty. I also didn’t have heart burn when I used Mr binghams seasoning and added the other ingredients.

  8. Travioli says:

    Would be 5 buts it’s SO salty. Either cut the salt to one tbs or add 50% more of everything else. My heart almost stopped /s

    1. Hey Grill Hey says:

      Everyone’s tastes are so different, some say not enough salt…:)

      1. Jerry Turner says:

        Thank you for the rub receipt along with all the others that you have provided. All your efforts are most appreciated.
        Everyone should remember that these are starting points and should be adjusted to your liking!

      2. Sean says:

        That is very correct

    2. Lee says:

      I would be willing to bet that those who say it is too salty used table salt and not kosher salt which is quite a bit less dense. If you use regular table salt you would cut in half or so.

    3. Flavius says:

      @Travioli: If the mix is too salty for your taste, then just put less salt in it! It ain’t rocket science dude.

  9. Alphonso Wright says:

    Thank You will try for Christmas. Meats are steaks and ham.

  10. mike says:

    very taste