A perfectly cooked steak embodies sizzling perfection. Throw the best steak seasoning blends into the mix, and you turn a beef cut into an exquisite masterpiece with a taste that lingers on the palate. Whether you want to up your game or try seasoning for the first time, let us show you how to make steaks with flavor notes that will impress your taste buds.
How to Season Steak
There are different types of steaks, each with its flavor and texture. The most popular ones are:
- Ribeye: The ribeye is a marbled cut from the rib. It is one of the juiciest and most flavorful steaks and is renowned for its intense flavor.
- Filet mignon: This part is from the tenderloin. It is leaner than other cuts but still tender. As a result, the filet mignon is perfect for those looking for steaks that melt in the mouth.
- T-Bone: The T-bone separates the filet mignon on one side and the New York strip on the other. Hence, it combines flavor and tenderness from both sides. By the way, the New Yori strip or sirloin steak has a robust flavor and fine tenderness.
- Other steaks include flat iron steak. skirt steak, flank steak, round steak, and Porterhouse.
Related: See all beef cuts of a cow in our complete guide to beef cuts.
The first step to seasoning is to choose the steak. It can be from any of the examples above.Typically, ingredients to add include a combination of salt, ground pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and olive oil.
Salt and Pepper
Salt is a fundamental seasoning that enhances the natural flavor of steak. While most people use kosher salt, sea salt offers better adherence. Similarly, black pepper adds a robust and pungent flavor. Most importantly, it complements the meat’s richness. Apart from black pepper, you can try cayenne pepper, red chili flakes, chili powder, red bell pepper, white pepper.
Garlic and Onion Powder
Garlic improves the steak by providing a savory and aromatic quality. Likewise, onion powder adds a sweet and savory depth. Together, the seasonings improve the overall taste.
Paprika
Paprika is available in smoked, sweet, and hot variants. Depending on what you want, paprika can add a subtle kick or mild smokiness to your steak.
Thyme
Dried or fresh thyme adds an earthy flavor that goes well with steaks, especially leaner cuts. Alternatively, try rosemary. The herb gives an aromatic note and creates a fragrant and savory profile for grilled steaks.
Olive Oil
Olive oil allows the seasonings to stick to the steak. Apart from this, it adds richness and gives the steak a flavorful crust when you cook. If you want sauce, try soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
Follow these procedures to season your steak:
- Bring the meat out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before cooking. This routine allows it to come to room temperature and ensures an even cooking.
- Pat it dry with paper towels to give it a good sear.
- Season with salt on both sides and sprinkle other seasonings. Don’t rub the seasoning into the meat, or it may clump. Instead, sprinkle it from 8-10 inches above and press it with your palm.
- Add a bit of olive oil over the steak and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Grill, boil or pan-sear the steak until you are satisfied with the doneness.
Best Steak Seasoning
There are different ways to season your steak. However, shopping for all ingredients at different times is expensive and time-consuming. One way to avoid the hassle is to buy a seasoning set that combines different spices into one. Checkout the best seasonings for steaks below:
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Deluxe Steak & Beef BBQ Seasonings Collection $29.70 on Virginia Boys Kitchen
The deluxe BBQ seasoning will bring out the best in your steak and beef BBQ. The three-pack gourmet is handcrafted to create a complex and unforgettable flavor. Whether you’re an experienced grill master or a newbie, the seasoning sets are versatile and easy to use.
Products in the Collection
- Argentine Chimichurri & Steak Seasoning Set: Garlic, Sea Salt, Parsley, Oregano, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes, Red Cayenne, Worcestershire (Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Onion, Tomato and Apple, Natural Caramel Color), Lemon Zest.
- Brazilian Steakhouse BBQ Blend: Granulated Garlic, Minced Garlic, Sea Salt, Cane Sugar, Black Pepper, Ginger, Cinnamon, Cilantro, Oregano, Cayenne Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes, Green Bell Pepper, Oregano.
- Spicy Korean BBQ Rub: Garlic, Sea Salt, Red Chili Flakes, Onion, Paprika, Cane Sugar, Chili Powder, Sesame Seeds, Ginger, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Mustard Seed, Chives, Red Cayenne Pepper.
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ButcherBox: Seasoned To Perfection - Protein Pack $33 on Virginia Boys Kitchens
The exclusive butcherbox collection contains 5 packs of gourmet seasoning blends. As a result, they are perfect for making tasty steaks. Apart from the meat, the ingredients are suitable for side dishes. A magnetized backing allows the cans to stick to metal surfaces, and the ingredients are free from artificial colors and flavors.
Products in the Collection
- All Day Every Day Seasoning: Oregano, Thyme, Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Ground Celery Seeds, Red Pepper, Paprika, Onion, Garlic. 1.9 oz (54g) net wt.
- Garlic Pepper Rub: California Salt, Garlic, Black Pepper, Red Bell Pepper, Parsley. 2.1 oz (60g) net wt.
- Pacific Seafood Seasoning: Celery Seed, White Pepper, Bay Leaves, Clove, Sea Salt, Allspice, Ginger, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Paprika, Mustard Powder. 2.3 oz (65g) net wt.
- Montreal Steak Seasoning: Garlic, Crushed Black Pepper, Coriander Seed, Dried Chili Peppers, Sea Salt, Paprika. 2.5 oz (71g) net wt.
- Smoked Prime Cut Seasoning: Smoked Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Sugar, Celery Seed Powder, Salt, Black Pepper Ground, and Arrowroot Powder. 2.1 oz (60g) net
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Gourmet Steak & Beef Seasoning Gift Set $38.50 on Virginia Boys Kitchens
This gourmet seasoning set is the perfect gift for a steak lover. The ingredients are sustainably sourced and don’t contain fillers, MSG, and GMOs. All you need to do is rub, marinate, sprinkle, season, or finish the seasonings and transform your steak into a signature dish.
Products in the Collection
- Montreal Steak Seasoning & Rub: Garlic, Crushed Black Pepper, Coriander Seed, Dried Chili Peppers, Sea Salt, Paprika.
- Garlic Pepper Rub: California Salt, Garlic, Black Pepper, Red Bell Pepper, Parsley.
- Everything But The Burger Seasoning: Garlic, Sea Salt, Sugar, Black Pepper, Worcester Powder, Red Cayenne, Red Bell Pepper, Mustard Powder, Mushroom Powder.
- Smoked Prime Cut Seasoning & Rub: Smoked Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Sugar, Celery Seed Powder, Salt, Black Pepper Ground and Arrowroot Powder.
- Ultimate Gourmet BBQ Seasoning & Rub: California Salt, Garlic, Black Pepper, Ancho Chili, Red Bell Pepper, Oregano, Thyme, Ground Celery Seeds, Red Pepper, Paprika, Onion, Parsley.
- French Onion Seasoning: Sea Salt, Onion, Sugar, Dill Tips, Chives, Garlic, Basil, Chervil, Tarragon, White Pepper, Parsley.
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Steak Lovers' Dream $47.30 on Virginia Boys Kitchens
This pack of 6 gourmet seasonings and rubs is every steak, chops, racks, and ribs lover’s dream. They enhance meat without overwhelming them and are crafted in small batches to avoid spoilage. Each blend adds deep, rich, savory flavor layers from the crust to the bone.
Products in the Collection
- Argentine Chimichurri & Steak Seasoning:
- Garlic, Sea Salt, Parsley, Oregano, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes, Red Cayenne, Worcestershire (Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Onion, Tomato and Apple, Natural Caramel Color), Lemon Zest.
- Brazilian Steakhouse BBQ Blend: Granulated Garlic, Minced Garlic, Sea Salt, Cane Sugar, Black Pepper, Ginger, Cinnamon, Cilantro, Oregano, Cayenne Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes, Green Bell Pepper, Oregano.
- Everything But The Burger Seasoning: Garlic, Sea Salt, Sugar, Black Pepper, Worcester Powder, Red Cayenne, Red Bell Pepper, Mustard Powder, Mushroom Powder.
- Everything But The Taco Seasoning: Paprika, Garlic, Salt, Red Pepper Flakes, Sugar, Oregano, Black Pepper, Red Pepper, Coriander, Chipotle Peppers, Chili Peppers, Jalapeño Peppers, Cilantro, White Pepper, Fenugreek, Fennel, Nutmeg, Cardamom, Cloves, Basil, Rosemary, Celery, Thyme, Marjoram, Ginger, Cumin, Cinnamon.
- Montreal Steak Seasoning: Garlic, Crushed Black Pepper, Coriander Seed, Dried Chili Peppers, Sea Salt, Paprika.
- Garlic Truffle Steak Rub: Pretzel Salt, White Pepper, Coriander, Truffle Zest, Dill Seed, Rosemary, Thyme, Marjoram and Garlic Powder.
FAQs
- What should I season my steak with?
You can season your steak with anything that makes you feel good. The staple seasonings are salt, garlic, pepper, paprika, onion, and olive oil.
- What herbs and spices are good for steak?
Rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, and coriander are good for steak. You can also add cayenne pepper, cumin, sage, and mustard powder.
- Can I put onion powder on the steak?
Yes, you can. Onion powder adds a sweet and savory depth to the meat.
Conclusion
A well-seasoned and cooked steak provides an unparalleled sensory experience for the eater. Use the seasonings above to create a tidal wave of flavor for yourself, your friends, and your family.
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