This easy, homemade steak seasoning is a simple way to boost the flavor of any cut. It offers far more than just salt and pepper and can be stored in your pantry for next time. Make a double batch for a crowd or keep a jar handy for regular steak nights.
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Steak Seasoning Recipe:
Steak night is a favorite in our house — a simple, satisfying meal that’s worth planning for. This homemade steak seasoning is an easy way to elevate any steak, from flank to filet mignon. It’s versatile, pantry-friendly, and perfect whether you grill, broil, pan-sear or bake your steak.
Why I love this recipe:
This seasoning blend is a smart pantry staple for several reasons:
- It keeps on hand so your steaks are consistently flavorful.
- It uses basic spices likely already in your kitchen.
- It’s quick to mix and easy to scale up for a crowd.
- A small jar makes a thoughtful homemade gift.
Think of it as a homemade Montreal-style steak seasoning you can mix in minutes. Make a single batch for a few steaks or double it for a party.
Why you should season steak:
Seasoning is essential to bring out the best in red meat. Salt is particularly important: it tenderizes, enhances aroma, and balances flavors. Salt your steak generously and let it rest in the fridge for at least 45 minutes or up to 24 hours to deepen flavor. The salt draws moisture out, then the meat reabsorbs it, creating a juicier bite.
Beyond salt and pepper, a dry rub like this adds layers of flavor and creates a flavorful crust when seared. For best results, set the steak out for 30–45 minutes before cooking so it comes to room temperature and cooks more evenly. Rub the seasoning into all surfaces of the steak before cooking.
What you need to make this recipe:
Basic tools: a bowl, a whisk or spoon, and a mason or spice jar to store the mix. Labels help keep track of dates.
Grocery list for the spice mix:
- Black pepper — coarsely ground for more texture and flavor, but pre-ground works too.
- Granulated garlic — coarser than garlic powder; garlic powder is an acceptable substitute.
- Granulated onion — similar to granulated garlic; onion powder can be used if needed.
- Dried parsley — store-bought or home-dried from fresh herbs.
- Kosher salt — Diamond Crystal preferred; sea salt works. Avoid table salt, which is saltier by volume.
- Dried rosemary — use finely crushed dried leaves so they mix evenly.
- Smoked paprika — adds a subtle smoky depth; regular paprika is fine if you don’t have smoked.
- Red pepper flakes — a small amount brings warmth without significant heat; omit if sensitive to spice or swap a pinch of cayenne for a different profile.
How to make Steak Seasoning
Follow these simple steps:
- Combine black pepper, granulated garlic, granulated onion, dried parsley, kosher salt, dried rosemary, smoked paprika and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Stir until the spices are evenly distributed. Alternatively, add everything to a mason jar, tighten the lid and shake to mix.
- Transfer the blend to a spice jar or mason jar and label it with the date.
Use this seasoning generously on all sides of the steak before cooking. It works with any cut and any method — grilled, broiled, pan-seared or baked. It’s also great on chicken, pork, and roasted vegetables like broccoli.
Let’s talk ingredients!
You likely have most of these spices already. Scroll to the recipe card below for exact measurements and instructions.
How to store:
Keep the seasoning in an airtight, food-safe container — a mason jar, spice jar, bottle, or a sealed bag. Store it in a cool, dry place. The mix is best used before the earliest expiration date among its ingredients; rotate and refresh your spices as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Salt the steaks well and rest them in the fridge for 45 minutes to 24 hours. About 30–45 minutes before cooking, bring them to room temperature and rub the steak seasoning over the entire surface. This helps create a flavorful, evenly cooked steak.
A typical steak seasoning includes salt and pepper, granulated garlic and onion, dried herbs such as parsley and rosemary, paprika (often smoked), and a touch of red pepper flakes for warmth.
Quick tips and tricks to making the best Steak Seasoning
- Check spice freshness: Replace spices that are stale or past their best; fresh spices make a big flavor difference.
- Mix thoroughly: Shake the blend in a jar for even distribution and store in a cool, dry spot.
- Rest the seasoned steak: Let the seasoned steak sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before cooking so it cooks evenly.
Steak recipes to try:
- Garlic Butter Steak
- Grilled Skirt Steak
- Steak Flatbread
Recipe card:
Homemade Steak Seasoning
Erin Parker, The Speckled Palate
Equipment
- Mason jar (pint)
- Whisk or spoon
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (coarsely ground)
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated onion
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary (finely crushed)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl or mason jar.
- Stir or shake until evenly distributed.
- Use immediately on steaks or funnel the mix into a labeled jar for storage.
Notes
You can double or triple this recipe. This amount seasons about 3–4 steaks depending on size.
Nutrition
Let us know how it was!