Easy Homemade Steak Seasoning Blend
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A good steak doesn’t need much — but the right seasoning makes all the difference. This Homemade Steak Seasoning is the blend I keep on hand all grilling season long, made with spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder to bring out the natural flavor of the beef without overpowering it. It mixes up in minutes with simple pantry spices — no premade blend needed — and the ratios are easy to adjust to your taste. It’s just as good on burgers, chicken, and roasted vegetables as it is on a great steak.
Sheila’s Recipe Snapshot
Ever since John started smoking meats, he’s been playing around with seasoning blends — like his pulled pork dry rub — so it was just natural that he would try his hand at a good steak seasoning. It all began with sifting through the dry rub recipes in Weber’s Way to Grill, our go-to grilling guide, and tweaking one that suited our tastes.
Now, this is the seasoning blend I reach for anytime we’re firing up the grill. It’s simple, balanced, and lets the steak shine while still adding just enough smoky, savory flavor to make it memorable.
One of the things I love most about making your own seasoning is control — you can adjust the salt, dial up the heat, or tweak the spices to suit your taste.
Ingredient Notes for The Best Seasoning for Steak
- Kosher salt | Enhances the natural flavor of steak. Coarse kosher salt works best for even coverage and better texture.
- Black pepper | Adds a classic bite that pairs perfectly with beef. Freshly cracked gives the best flavor.
- Chili powder | Adds a gentle warmth and complexity without making the blend spicy.
- Onion and garlic powder | Garlic and onion powder bring savory notes to the rub.
- Smoked paprika | Provides a mild smoky flavor and rich color — perfect for grilled or pan-seared steaks.
- Oregano | A light herbal note that complements the richness of the beef.
- Cumin | This warm and nutty spice deepens the flavors of the steak seasoning.
Variations and Substitutions
- Adjust the salt level. Reduce or omit the salt if you’re watching sodium, or season your steak separately before applying the blend.
- Make it spicier. Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
- Swap the paprika. Use sweet paprika instead of smoked for a milder, less smoky flavor.
- Change up the herbs. Try rosemary, basil, or tarragon in place of oregano for a slightly different flavor profile.
How to Make Homemade Steak Seasoning
Once summer cookouts start, I like to make a double batch of this homemade seasoning to keep on hand.
STEP 1 | Mix and store
Mix all the steak seasoning ingredients in a small bowl until they are well combined. Then, store the dry steak rub in an airtight container, like a mason jar, and keep it in a cool and dry place for up to 6 months!
STEP 2| Season the steaks
Sprinkle the seasoning on all of the surfaces, including the sides of the steak, and gently press it in. Allow the steaks to rest at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes.
STEP 3 | Grill, rest, and serve
Preheat the grill to 450 degrees. Once heated, grill the seasoned steaks until you reach your desired internal temperature. You can check this using an instant-read thermometer.
Remove the steaks to a plate and tent them with aluminum foil for about 5 to 10 minutes. All that’s left is to serve it up and enjoy. If you happen to have leftovers, slice them up to use in a steak quinoa bowl!
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Recipe Success Tips
Storage Tips
- Storage: Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, this seasoning will stay fresh for up to 6 months. For the best flavor, try to use it within the first few months.
- Make a larger batch. Double or triple the recipe and store in an airtight container for quick use anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can reduce or omit the salt in the blend and season steaks with salt separately to better control the sodium level.
A good rule of thumb is about 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of steak. For individual steaks, use roughly 1 to 2 teaspoons per side, depending on thickness and your taste.
You can technically season your meat right before cooking, but for a deeper flavor, I recommend seasoning your steak at least an hour or two in advance to allow the spices to really soak in and let the salt tenderize the meat.
Do a sniff test; if the aroma is strong, that’s a good sign that the seasoning blend is still fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Try this blend on my Grilled Steak Salad with French Vinaigrette for an easy dinner. Or, swap the basic seasoning of this Steakhouse-Quality Pan-Seared New York Strip Steak Recipe for your freshly mixed homemade blend.
Homemade steak seasoning is also great for adding flavor to these Air Fryer Baked Potatoes or simple Grilled Corn in Foil.
Looking For More Homemade Seasoning Blends?
These are a few more homemade blends worth keeping in your spice cabinet — my Taco Seasoning, Italian Seasoning Substitute, and Citrusy Salmon Rub are all easy to mix up and so much better than store-bought.
You can find even more in my condiments and sauces collection.
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omemadel Steak Seasoning
Ingredients
- 4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
Instructions
- Mix together all the spices in a small bowl until well combined. Store tightly sealed in a dry place for up to 6 months.
- To use, sprinkle seasoning on all surfaces (even the sides) of steaks and gently press into the surface. Allow the steaks to rest at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Grill the steaks on a 450-degree grill until the desired internal temperature. Remove steaks and tent with aluminum foil for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Nutrition facts are for the seasoning only and do not include the meat.
- You have complete control over the measurements and ingredients of this steak spice blend, so make it your own for the best flavor!
- Mix the steak seasoning blend with olive oil for a tasty marinade.
- For the seasoning to stick to the steak’s surface, remember to pat it dry with a paper towel first.
Nutrition
Life Love and Good Food does not claim to be a registered dietician or nutritionist. Nutritional information shared on this site is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
Not Montreal Steak by a long shot. Not saying it isn’t good steak seasoning, it’s just not Montreal. Montreal is centered on crushed dill seed and coriander.
probably because its supposed to be “better than montreal”…doesnt say anywhere that its supposed to be like Montreal, you dolt.