Simple Steak Seasoning

By
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches is a grilling and barbecue expert. He has written two cookbooks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 11/25/24
Tested by
Victoria Heydt
Victoria Heydt
Tested by Victoria Heydt
Victoria Heydt is a food photographer, stylist, and the Editorial Operations Director for The Spruce Eats. An Institute of Culinary Education grad, she also develops and tests recipes.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Prep: 2 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 2 mins
Servings: 5 to 6 servings
Yield: 1/3 cup

We can all go to the supermarket and buy a pre-made mix labeled "steak seasoning," and those are a good place to get you started. But why not do it yourself? There are many advantages to making seasoning mixes for steak. If you're using salt, pepper, and dried herbs and spices, you have total control of the flavor and you will have a better sense of how fresh they are. Plus, you can customize the spices according to your preferences or whatever else you're serving with the steak.

Simple steak seasoning in a jar and coating a raw steak on a plate

The Spruce Eats / Ali Redmond

This is undoubtedly a quick steak seasoning and one that you can easily double or even triple, which you'll probably want to do if you grill frequently. Feel free to tweak the ratios—consider it as a base from which you can adjust to your tastes. Like smoky? Add paprika. Need some heat? Don't be afraid to incorporate some cayenne or red pepper flakes. If you like herbal notes with your steak, experiment with some dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary. Some like ground coffee and brown sugar in their mix.

One word of advice, though. Try not to resist the urge, if you get it, to alter the amount of salt in this seasoning blend, as it calls for twice as much salt as pepper. Steak needs it, so please don't be afraid of salting your steak. It will help it become juicier and more tender as it cooks.

Should You Season Steak Before Cooking?

Seasoning steak before cooking infuses more flavor into the meat and yields a tastier final product. If you have time, remove your steak from the fridge, season it (including salt), and let sit for about 30 minutes before cooking.

Tips for Making Steak Seasoning Recipe

  • Double the recipe - Making a double or triple batch of this steak seasoning means that you'll always have enough on hand for future cookouts.
  • Use a jar - Use an airtight glass jar with a lid to mix and store the seasoning. This leaves you with less cleanup and an easy storage solution.
What You'll Need to Make This Steak Seasoning Recipe
U-Taste 18/8 Stainless Steel Measuring Spoon Set
A Great Set of Measuring Spoons
Amazon OXO Good Grips 8-Piece POP Container Baking Set
An Airtight Container
OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Stainless-Steel Mixing Bowl Set
A Mixing Bowl

"If you’re a fan of steak, you’re going to enjoy this simple steak seasoning recipe. It only contains four ingredients, three of which you probably already have in your pantry and is full of flavor. I liberally applied this seasoning to a London Broil I grilled and it was delectable!" —Victoria Heydt

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons sea salt flakes

  • 1 tablespoon onion powder

  • 1 tablespoon black pepper

  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for steak seasoning recipe gathered

    The Spruce Eats / Ali Redmond 

  2. Combine 2 tablespoons sea salt flakes, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper, and 2 teaspoons garlic powder. Place in an airtight container until ready to use. The recipe is enough for 4 to 6 steaks, depending on size and how liberally you apply it.

    Steak seasoning in a jar with lid

    The Spruce Eats / Ali Redmond

How To Store Steak Seasoning

The steak seasoning will stay fresh for up to 1 year if stored properly in a cool, dry place.

Feeling Adventurous? Try This:

There are myriad of ways you can alter this spice blend to your liking. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Make it spicy - Add cayenne pepper to bump up the heat.
  • Make it smoky - Add Hungarian paprika for some smoky sweetness.
  • Try other flavors - Add oregano, parsley, thyme, or rosemary (or some combination thereof) for some herbal notes. Add dried cumin for an earthy flavor. Try chili powder for a Southwestern feel.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
10 Calories
0g Fat
2g Carbs
0g Protein
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 5 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 10
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 2117mg 92%
Total Carbohydrate 2g 1%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 0mg 1%
Calcium 11mg 1%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 38mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)