When it comes to making a perfect steak, few elements matter as much as steak seasoning. Whether you're grilling a ribeye, pan-searing a sirloin, or smoking a thick New York strip, the right blend of spices brings out the meat’s natural richness and helps create a flavorful crust.
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What Is Steak Seasoning?
Steak seasoning is a flavorful blend of salt, pepper, herbs, and spices designed to enhance the taste of beef. Unlike marinades, which penetrate deeper into the meat, steak seasoning creates a savory crust and boosts the steak’s natural umami.
Many cooks use steak seasoning not only for beef, but also for chicken, pork, roasted vegetables, and even grilling rubs.
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Types of Steak Seasoning
There are many ways to season a steak, and each blend offers a different flavor profile. Some of the most popular include:
1. Classic Steak Seasoning
A simple mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, great for nearly any cut.
2. Montreal Steak Seasoning
Known for its coarse texture and strong flavor, this blend typically includes:
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Crushed pepper
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Coriander
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Dill seed
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Garlic
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Paprika
3. Texas-Style Steak Seasoning
Bold, smoky, and pepper-forward, often featuring chili powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar.
4. Garlic & Herb Steak Seasoning
A lighter, aromatic style that includes rosemary, thyme, oregano, and parsley.
5. Spicy Steak Seasoning
Often mixed with cayenne, red pepper flakes, or jalapeño powder for heat lovers.
Common Steak Seasoning Ingredients
The best steak seasoning blends combine salt, spice, and aromatics. Here are the core ingredients most blends use:
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Kosher salt or sea salt for bold flavor
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Coarse black pepper for heat and texture
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Garlic powder
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Smoked or sweet paprika
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Cayenne pepper or chili flakes
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Brown sugar (optional) for caramelization
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Dried herbs: rosemary, thyme, oregano, parsley
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Mustard powder, coriander, or cumin for depth
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Coffee or cocoa powder in modern gourmet blends
These ingredients also work well for BBQ rubs, grilling seasoning, or all-purpose dry rubs.
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How to Make Homemade Steak Seasoning
A homemade steak seasoning blend is fresher, cheaper, and fully customizable.
Basic Homemade Steak Seasoning Recipe
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2 tbsp kosher salt
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1 tbsp coarse black pepper
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1 tbsp garlic powder
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1 tbsp onion powder
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2 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Mix well and store in an airtight jar.
Flavor Variations
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Smoky blend: add more smoked paprika
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Herb-forward: increase rosemary and thyme
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Spicy rub: add cayenne or chipotle powder
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Low-sodium steak seasoning: reduce salt and add more herbs
How to Use Steak Seasoning
How Much to Use?
A good rule of thumb is 1–1.5 teaspoons per pound of steak, but thick cuts may need more.
When to Season the Steak
Seasoning before cooking works best. For extra juiciness, dry brine the steak by seasoning it 30 minutes to 24 hours before cooking.
Best Cuts for Steak Seasoning
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Ribeye
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Striploin
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Sirloin
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T-bone
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Filet mignon
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Skirt steak
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Flank steak
Best Cooking Methods
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Grilling
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Cast-iron pan searing
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Oven-baked steak
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Reverse sear
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Sous vide followed by sear
A coarse, pepper-forward blend works best on grilled steaks, while herb blends shine in pan-seared recipes.
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Substitutes for Steak Seasoning
If you don’t have a blend on hand, try:
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Salt + pepper + garlic powder
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Cajun seasoning
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BBQ rubs
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Garlic herb blend
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Chili powder mixes
These substitutes work well on beef, chicken, pork, and even vegetables.
Tips from Chefs for Restaurant-Quality Steak
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Use coarse pepper for a better crust
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Don’t season with iodized salt
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Add seasoning both before and after cooking
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Try blooming spices in warm butter for more aroma
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Finish steak with garlic herb butter for extra richness
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best seasoning to put on a steak?
Salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika are classic essentials for any steak.
2. Should you season steak before or after cooking?
Season before cooking for maximum flavor.
3. How long should seasoning stay on a steak?
At least 30 minutes, but up to 24 hours in the fridge for dry brining.
4. Can you use steak seasoning on chicken or pork?
Absolutely, steak seasoning is extremely versatile.
5. Is steak seasoning the same as a dry rub?
Not exactly; a dry rub may include sugar or additional spices, but the purpose is similar.
6. Can I make steak seasoning without salt?
Yes, simply increase the herbs and spices for a flavorful salt-free version.
