The Easiest Perfect Steak Seasoning Recipe (Better Than Store-Bought)

When steak night rolls around, the last thing you want is bland meat. The good news? The secret to a good steak isn’t complicated—it’s all about the perfect seasoning blend. Forget overpriced seasoning mixes from the grocery store. With a few simple ingredients from your spice cabinet, you can whip up a homemade steak rub that delivers amazing flavor every single time.

Why Homemade Steak Seasoning?

Making your own homemade spice blend means:

• No artificial flavors or fillers.

• You can tweak it to your taste (a little sweeter, a little spicier, or saltier).

• It’s versatile—this dry rub isn’t just for steak; it’s also great on pork chops, pork tenderloin, beef brisket, and even chicken.

Once you try it, you’ll never go back to bottled mixes again.

How to Choose the Best Cut of Meat

Even the best seasoning blend can’t save a poor-quality steak. Choosing the right cut of beef is just as important as how you season it. Here’s a quick guide:

• Ribeye – Rich, marbled, and juicy. Perfect for a big, flavorful steak.

• Filet Mignon – Lean, buttery-tender, and elegant. Best for special occasions.

• New York Strip – A balance of tenderness and bold beef flavor. Great all-around choice.

• Top Sirloin – Leaner but still flavorful. Budget-friendly and perfect for weeknight steak dinners.

• Flank Steak – Long, flat cut with bold flavor. Best sliced thin across the grain.

• Hanger Steak – Sometimes called “butcher’s steak,” packed with amazing flavor.

• Whole Prime Rib – The ultimate choice for holiday feasts and big gatherings.

👉 Tip: Look for good marbling (thin streaks of fat running through the meat). More marbling = more flavor and tenderness.

The Best Ingredients for Steak Seasoning

Here’s the blend of spices I use for the ultimate steak seasoning recipe:

• Kosher salt or coarse sea salt – locks in juiciness and gives you that amazing crust.

• Black pepper – freshly cracked for the best flavor.

• Garlic powder – a pantry staple that deepens the savory taste.

• Onion powder – balances the flavor.

• Paprika – adds color and warmth (smoked paprika takes it to the next level).

• Brown sugar (optional) – caramelizes beautifully on the surface of the meat, giving you that steakhouse-style sear.

• Red pepper flakes (optional) – for a subtle kick.

• Dried oregano (optional) – adds an herby note that works especially well on a New York strip or hanger steak.

The Perfect Ratio (Full Recipe)

In a small bowl, combine:

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)

• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Mix well, then transfer to a jar.

How to Store Homemade Steak Seasoning

Once you’ve mixed up your homemade steak seasoning blend, keep it fresh by storing it properly:

• Container: Use an airtight container, like a mason jar or an airtight glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.

• Location: Store in a cool dry place, such as your spice cabinet or pantry—away from heat, sunlight, and humidity.

• Shelf Life: For the best flavor, use within 6 months. The seasoning won’t spoil, but ground spices naturally lose strength over time.

• Pro Tip: Make a big batch and label the jar with the date you mixed it. That way, you’ll always know when it’s time to refresh.

How to Season Steak the Right Way

Here are the detailed instructions for the best steak seasoning recipe:

1. Pat dry – Use paper towels to dry the sides of the steak. A dry surface = better crust.

2. Season generously – Sprinkle the spice rub over the entire surface of the meat. Don’t forget the sides of the steak.

3. Rest at room temperature – Let the steak sit for 20–30 minutes so the salt penetrates and tenderizes.

4. Choose your cooking method – Whether you’re making pan-seared steaks in olive oil, firing up the grill, or roasting a whole prime rib, this rub works for every cut of beef.

5. Cook to perfection – Ribeye, filet mignon, flank steak, top sirloin, or hanger steak—no matter the cut of steak, this blend gives you maximum flavor.

Pro Tips for the Best Flavor

• For an extra boost, finish cooking with butter, fresh herbs, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

• Make a big batch of this steak seasoning blend so it’s always ready in your spice cabinet.

• Use this as a base, then try different recipes like Montreal steak seasoning, a homemade blackened seasoning, or even a coffee rub with ground coffee for a smoky twist.

Final Thoughts

This simple seasoning is the easiest way to turn a plain steak into a big juicy steakhouse-style dinner. It’s budget-friendly, uses pantry staples, and works on all cuts of meat. Next time you want a steak dinner with amazing flavor, skip the store-bought seasoning mixes and make your own homemade steak rub—it’s the best part of cooking steak at home.

The Best Easy Steak Seasoning Recipe - Perfect and Simple!

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Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
• ½ teaspoon brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Rub generously on steak.