Best Steak Seasoning
There is nothing quite like a perfectly seasoned, big juicy steak cooked on the grill. This dry rub seasoning can be used on any cut of steak or beef that you prefer, and it is even better when left on the meat for at least an hour, or as long as overnight.
A great steak is the perfect choice for a quick, yet hearty main dish, or a simple and elegant date night meal.
You want to make sure that the meat has a rich and beefy flavor that is elevated by the perfect blend of spices with a simple recipe.
Next to the best steak rub seasoning, the cut of meat you are using and the “doneness” of the meat is what will make this meal spectacular.
I wrote a blog on how to cook the perfect steak with a lot of valuable tips and tricks that will give you the perfect steak every time.
This is a tried and true homemade steak seasoning recipe of mine that I hope you love as much as my family does.
For other great grilling recipes, be sure to check out my fantastic smoked chicken thighs, grilled baked potato, or incredible chicken sandwiches.
What Makes the Best Steak Seasoning?
In order to have the most flavorful meat, you want to have the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, smokey, and salty.
Using dried herbs allows for the perfect coverage on the meat and prevents the seasoning from getting burned before the steak is fully cooked.
You can absolutely adjust any of these spices to cater to your specific tastes, however, you will want to make sure that you substitute with a spice that has a similar flavor profile for the kick of flavor that you want.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is intended to season two large steaks. You can double or triple this recipe and store in an airtight container (preferably glass) and keep on hand for several months. You can use New York strip, filet mignon, or sirloin steak. Any good quality steak will work!
- The brown sugar in this seasoning mix gives the perfect amount of sweetness and allows the steak to create the perfect caramelized exterior.
- You can add smoked paprika to give the meat a smokier flavor as well as adding some chili powder to give the mix a little heat. Make sure you start with ½ a teaspoon and adjust depending on your preference.
- There are no special ingredients for this recipe and most of the spices are probably pantry staples. If you are missing something, you can always omit or substitute with a similar tasting spice.
- Using this seasoning mix will make the perfect delicious steak every single time. You can have a steakhouse quality meal at home without spending half the money.
Tell Me About Steak Seasoning
- Taste– This mixture is the perfect blend of sweet, salty and spicy. The flavors of this seasoning really elevates the meaty flavor of the steak.
- Texture– Because this spice mix has brown sugar there may be clumps, so make sure you use a fork to redistribute the seasoning mixture evenly.
- Ease– The spices in this seasoning mixture are all ingredients you probably already have on hand, eliminating a trip to the store.
- Time– Creating the seasoning blend takes less than 5 minutes and can be stored for future use, saving you even more time.
Ingredients for Steak Seasoning
- Salt– Meat needs salt to bring out all the fat and creates the perfect exterior. You can use sea salt, table salt, or kosher salt.
- Paprika– You can use regular or smoked paprika for this mix, depending on what you have on hand.
- Dried Oregano– Before adding the oregano, place the measured amount into the palm of your hand and gently rub together to reawaken the herb.
- Brown Sugar– This is an essential ingredient to render the fat and create the perfect caramelized flavor.
- Black Pepper– Pepper will give the meat the perfect amount of spice without making the meat too spicy.
- Garlic Powder– Garlic is another ingredient that every steak seasoning mix includes because it adds a ton of flavor.
- Onion Powder– Onion powder adds a savory umami flavor to the steak.
- Ground Mustard– Trust me on this one. This is an ingredient that will have everyone guessing, “What is that?”, when they taste the finished product!
Make Steak Seasoning in 3 Easy Steps
- Add the Seasonings– Add all of the seasonings to a bowl.
- Mix– Whisk seasonings together well.
- Store or Use– Store in an airtight container or use immediately.
Tips for Making the Best Steak Seasoning
- When you are ready to cook the steaks, apply the seasoning mix liberally to both sides of the steak. You can grill it right away or refrigerate overnight, depending on the amount of time you have.
- If you are using the seasoning for more than two steaks, you will want to make sure to increase the recipe depending on the amount of steaks you are grilling.
- Instead of buying a pre-made seasoning blend like Montreal Steak Seasoning, make a large batch of this recipe and use it anytime you are making steaks.
- It is really hard to over-season your meat, so make sure you rub the spice mixture all over the surface of the steak, including the sides.
- Any season is grilling season when your steak is seasoned with the best steak seasoning mix.
How Do You Store Leftover Steak Seasoning?
A good reason to recycle your old spice jars is so that you can reuse them for any homemade seasonings you make.
Then you can use a small funnel and pour the steak seasoning into the clean, airtight glass jar.
You can even use masking tape or a label maker and create a new label for reference.
If you don’t have a spice jar, you can store the spice mixture in an airtight container in a cool dry place in your spice cabinet.
For best results, store it for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best way to season your steak is for at least one hour in the refrigerator so that the seasoning really infuses into the meat. However, if you don’t have time to let the meat season for that long, this seasoning mix will still flavor your steak perfectly. You always want to season your meat at room temperature so that the mixture can stick to the meat. If the steak is refrigerated, bring it to room temperature before cooking. If you cook or season your steak when it’s cold, you will get a tougher exterior and the seasoning will come off on the grill.
This seasoning would be great on fajitas, roasted potatoes, pork chops, or any cut of red meat. You could easily use these flavors on a pork shoulder or tenderloin to give a bold flavor. Roasted vegetables would taste amazing with this seasoning blend and served with roasted chicken and potatoes.
Best Steak Seasoning Recipe
Best Steak Seasoning Recipe
Equipment
- 1 small glass jar with lid
- 1 small bowl
- 1 small funnel optional
- 1 whisk
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp light brown sugar
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp ground mustard
Instructions
- Add all of the seasonings to a bowl and whisk them together well.
- Store in an airtight container and use to season 2 medium steaks.
Notes
- When you are ready to cook the steaks, apply the seasoning mix liberally to both sides of the steak. You can grill it right away or refrigerate overnight, depending on the amount of time you have.
- If you are using the seasoning for more than two steaks, you will want to make sure to increase the recipe depending on the amount of steaks you are grilling.
- Instead of buying a pre-made seasoning blend like Montreal Steak Seasoning, make a large batch of this recipe and use it anytime you are making steaks.
- It is really hard to over-season your meat, so make sure you rub the spice mixture all over the surface of the steak, including the sides.
- Any season is grilling season when your steak is seasoned with the best steak seasoning mix.