The BEST Steak Seasoning - Hey Grill, Hey (2024)

This steak seasoning is perfect for taking your simple grilled steak to the next level! We all know salt and pepper are all a good steak really needs, but this homemade seasoning adds impact with garlic, onion, and herbs.

Best Steak Seasoning

I think the best steak seasoning complements the flavor of meat, rather than overpowers it. This spice blend is mostly salt and pepper, the additional ingredients serve to add interest and balance to the steak. Garlic and onion powders are great savory elements in the rub and the smoked paprika makes any steak taste like it was cooked over an open fire. The herbs add just enough brightness to keep you coming back for more.

This seasoning is pretty simple to make and will last for months if sealed in an airtight container. I like to buy small glass jars that are easy to label and reuse.

Ingredients for Steak Seasoning

This recipe combines salt, pepper, and 5 other beautifully balanced herbs and seasonings to enhance the flavor of the beef without overpowering it. Here’s what you’ll need to make this seasoning:

• 2 Tablespoons kosher salt
• 2 Tablespoons black pepper
• 2 Tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 Tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 Tablespoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme

If you want a bolder seasoning blend, try my homemade steak rub with a kick of cayenne and red pepper flakes (inspired by my dad) or my Montreal Steak seasoning for a combination of flavors that works well for beef, chicken, pork, you name it!

How to Season Steak

The best way to season a steak depends a little bit on the type of steak you are grilling as well as the level of flavor you like on your meat. With a thicker cut of steak (1.5-2 inches), you can be pretty liberal with this seasoning and thoroughly cover the surface of the meat. That way, the seasoning really carries through each bite.

Remember, you can always add seasoning easier than you can remove it. Start with a light hand and don’t sprinkle too heavily at the beginning. I also recommend pressing the seasoning into the meat with the palm of your hand. This helps the seasoning adhere and you don’t lose as much when you’re moving it around on the grill. Avoid rubbing the seasoning in, as it tends to clump up and you’ll have strong bites of pepper or herbs instead of it being evenly distributed.

Once your steaks are well seasoned, I recommend cooking your steaks using the reverse sear method. It yields perfect results every time.

More Steak Seasoning Recipes

If this particular steak seasoning doesn’t float your boat, I’m betting one of these other tasty seasonings should do the trick! Check them each out at the links provided below.

• Montreal Steak Seasoning
• Chipotle Seasoning
• Homemade Steak Rub

Steak Seasoning Recipe

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This post was originally published in September 2018. We recently updated it with more information and helpful tips. The recipe remains the same.