The Best Steak Seasoning

To make the perfect steak, you need the best homemade steak seasoning. With bold aromatics and a hint of spice, this recipe is easy to make with classic ingredients you already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s easy to customize to make it your own!

about this easy steak seasoning

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly cooked steak. As someone who’s spent years learning the art of steak-making, I can tell you that achieving mouthwatering perfection is no easy task.

I used to get totally stressed out when it came to making steak. The idea of over cooking or under cooking the steak had me paralyzed with fear. Considering how expensive that cut of meat it, you don’t want to ruin it!

I’ve tried all sorts of techniques, from different cooking methods to fancy marinades, but it wasn’t until I whipped up a homemade steak seasoning that everything clicked. It took some trial and error – did you know there are tons of different steak rubs out there?

I personally don’t love something super citrusy or herbaceous, because I don’t want to mask the natural flavor of the meat. This particular blend strikes a balance between savory, aromatic, and just a hint of heat. The combination of spices complements the natural beefiness of the steak without overpowering it.

Once you’ve tried a steak rubbed with this seasoning, you’ll never go back to plain salt and pepper again.

ingredients

salt. Flaky sea salt (also known as fleur de sel) is preferred for a steak rub. You can also use coarsely ground kosher salt, if you prefer. Neither of these options will clump like fine salt or table salt, making it coat the steak more evenly.

onion powder. Dehydrated and ground onion to give you the aromatics the steak needs.

black pepper. Freshly cracked black pepper is preferred to give this mix a peppery hit.

garlic powder. Garlic is dehydrated and then ground to add to the aromatics.

dry mustard powder. Gives a sharp and authentic taste to the spice mix.

crushed red pepper flakes. This is what gives some heat to the mixture.

this recipe’s must-haves

There’s no need to bring out the mortar and pestle or a spice grinder to grind up whole peppercorns or any other ingredients. You will just need a bowl and a spoon to stir everything together!

Use a mason jar to store the spice rub (or even a spice jar!).

here’s how to make steak seasoning

measure out ingredients

Measure out all of the steak seasoning ingredients for the spice rub as listed in the ingredients list.

mix together and store

Add all ingredients to a small bowl, stirring to combine. Make sure to use the back of the spoon to break down any clumps.

Store in a glass jar with a lid or a resealable bag in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months to 1 year (depending on when you purchased your spices).

variations and substitutions

There are tons of variations you can use to customize this steak seasoning blend! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Make it Spicy – give it some added heat by increasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to 2 teaspoons.
• Make it Italian – omit the dry mustard powder and add in 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme.
• Make it Mexican – omit the dry mustard powder and add in 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.

More tasty steak recipes to try out: Grilled New York Strip Steak | Steak Fajita Foil Packets | Balsamic Glazed Grilled Flank Steak | Grilled Flank Steak Tacos

when should I season my steak?

Steak seasoning can be applied in a couple of different ways, depending on the time you have.

If you want to do a dry rub marinade, you can apply the rub up to 24 hours before grilling. This method will tenderize the steak! Refrigerate the steak on a baking rack set inside a baking sheet pan without covering the steaks. Bring the steaks to room temperature before grilling (this will ensure you get the right cook on the inside with a nice sear on the outside).

You can also season the steaks 1 hour before grilling them, as you are bringing the steaks to room temperature.

Finally, if you want a nice seasoned crust on the steak, apply the seasoning a couple of minutes before grilling.

should you rub seasoning into steak?

Yes, be sure to rub the seasoning thoroughly into the meat. This helps the spice rub stick to the meat well.

how much seasoning should I use for a steak?

The general rule of thumb is to use about 1 Tablespoon steak seasoning per pound of steak. Make sure that you are using a liberal amount to season the entire steak. You might think it is too much, but trust me, it isn’t. You want that flavor to get into the steak and tenderize it!

how long does steak seasoning last?

The shelf-life of new spices is about 1 year, so if you are using spices you just bought, this mixture will last for about 1 year. If the spices have been sitting in the pantry for a while, the steak seasoning will last closer to 6 months as the spices lose potency over time.

Need some inspiration for dinner this week? Check out my main dish recipes page!

how to use this steak seasoning

Obviously, steak seasoning should be used to season your steaks, whether it’s a t-bone, sirloin steak, or flank steak! You can use this seasoning to flavor any cut of steak, or even ribs. We like to pair our steak seasoning with a steak marinade! Marinade the steak, then add the steak rub to the steaks before grilling or searing them.

However, this seasoning is also delicious with pork, turkey, and chicken! You can even use it to add so much flavor to your favorite grilled or roasted vegetables.

how to store

Store. Store in an airtight container or resealable bag. We like to use an empty spice jar or small mason jar for easy storage with the rest of our spice mixes. Make sure to keep it in a cool, dry place.

more spice mixes to try out

BBQ chicken rub is rich, smoky, and full of bold flavor!

Make your own chicken taco seasoning for taco night at home. You can easily customize it to the right level of heat too!

Finally, if you make this steak seasoning recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!