This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Take pan-seared and grilled steaks to the next level with this simple 6-ingredient homemade steak seasoning! It’s salty, savory, a little herby, and truly delicious!
Some steak purists might argue that a good steak only needs salt and pepper to season it. However, with just a few more pantry-friendly herbs and spices, you can elevate the flavor even more.
By incorporating these ingredients, you can create a simple steak seasoning that not only enhances the taste but also helps to tenderize and infuse the meat. This seasoning is perfect for pan-searing, grilling, and air frying, bringing out the best flavors in your steak.
This homemade steak dry rub takes just seconds to mix, relies on minimal ingredients for maximum flavor, and transforms even just an okay steak into something truly special. Better yet, by making it at home, you not only avoid artificial flavors and additives, but it’s cost-effective and easily adaptable – able to tweak ingredient ratios to focus on reduced sodium, more heat, etc.
For this recipe, I’ve combined salt and pepper with aromatic garlic and onion, sweet or smoky paprika, and herby dried rosemary. You could also experiment with several optional add-ins for an aromatic, savory, and sometimes smoky and/or subtly sweet flavor.
Best of all, while this is the best seasoning for steak, steaks aren’t the only food that will benefit from this seasoning. This versatile steak rub recipe works just as well for seasoning pork chops, chicken, turkey, burger patties, potatoes (fries or roasties), eggs, cooked vegetables, and more!
Want to save this recipe?
What Is In Steak Seasoning?
You can make this steak seasoning recipe with just a few pantry-friendly spices. Just ensure they’re fresh to achieve the best flavor.
So, here is what seasoning to put on steak:
- Salt & black pepper: To make the best steak seasoning, use kosher salt or sea salt (not table salt, which is saltier) and freshly cracked black pepper, though white pepper also works.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: For savory, aromatic flavor. Dried onion and garlic flakes would also work.
- Dried rosemary: I love the combination of steak and rosemary, though thyme would also work, or even a combination of the two.
- Paprika: Depending on your desired flavor profile, use sweet or smoked paprika.
What Else Could I Add to This Steak Dry Rub Recipe?
- Red pepper flakes/cayenne pepper – added to taste, for heat,
- Cumin – for an earthy, savory flavor,
- Parsley flakes – for a subtle fresh taste,
- Brown sugar – about 1 Tbsp, provides a little sweetness and caramelization.
How to Make Steak Seasoning
Combine all the steak rub ingredients in a small bowl or jar, mix/whisk well, and store the combined spice mix in an airtight container.
How to Store
Store the jar in a cool, dark, dry place like a pantry or kitchen cupboard. Homemade seasoning is best used within a relatively short period of time to maintain optimal freshness and flavor. It’s recommended to make smaller batches of seasoning that can be used within a few weeks or up to a couple of months.
How to Season Steak
- Steak is always best seasoned before cooking. It’s best to start with a room-temperature steak, if possible (leave it to sit at room temperature for 35-45 minutes).
- Then sprinkle a generous amount of the steak rub over both sides of the steak and gently rub it in so the meat absorbs the flavor.
- Press/pat the spice blend into the beef to help it adhere and form a crust.
- Allow the steaks to rest for at least 15-20 minutes when you have time, to allow the flavors to marinate. Though you can leave it up to overnight in the fridge.
- Grill to pan-sear the steak to your desired doneness, or air-fry it, and enjoy!
As a general rule, you need 1 tablespoon of steak seasoning mix per 1 lb of meat. However, use less/more based on the thickness of the steaks. It’s best to start lighter and increase (you can always add more but can’t easily remove it).
More Homemade Easy Spice Blends
- The Best Steak Marinade
- Burger Seasoning
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- Chicken Seasoning
- French Fry Seasoning
If you try this easy steak seasoning, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
The Best Steak Seasoning Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp salt
- 1 Tbsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder or dried garlic flakes
- 1.5 tsp onion powder or dried onion flakes
- 1.5 tsp dried rosemary
- 1.5 tsp Paprika sweet or smoked
Instructions
- Combine all the spices in a small bowl or jar, mix/whisk well, and store the spice mix in an airtight container.
- Store the jar in a cool, dark, dry place like a pantry or kitchen cupboard and use it within 4-6 months for the best flavor and freshness. It becomes less potent later on. However, note it's really only as fresh as the spices used to make it.
- To season a steak: As a general rule, you'll need about 1 tablespoon of seasoning per 1 lb of meat. However, use less/more based on the thickness of the steaks. It's best to start lighter and increase (you can always add more but can't easily remove it).
Notes
- Red pepper flakes/cayenne pepper – added to taste, for heat,
- Cumin – for an earthy, savory flavor,
- Parsley flakes – for a subtle fresh taste,
- Brown sugar – about 1 Tbsp, provides a little sweetness and caramelization.
- Steak is always best seasoned before cooking. It’s best to start with a room-temperature steak, if possible (leave it to sit at room temperature for 45-60 minutes).
- Then sprinkle a generous amount of the steak rub over both sides of the steak and gently rub it in so the meat absorbs the flavor.
- Press the mixture into the meat to help it adhere and form a crust.
- Allow the steaks to rest for at least 15-20 minutes when you have time, to allow the flavors to marinate. Though you can leave it up to overnight in the fridge.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
