The Best Steak Seasoning

Name: The Best Steak Seasoning Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp peppercorns; 3 Tbsp kosher salt; 1 Tbsp garlic powder; 2 tsp dried thyme; 2 tsp dried rosemary; 2 tsp sumac powder; ½ tsp cayenne pepper ((optional))

If you're looking for the Best Steak Seasoning recipe, this is it! It's a well-balanced mixture of some common ingredients like kosher salt, cracked peppercorn, and garlic powder, mixed with a few unexpected ingredients like cayenne and sumac! Try it with this grilled ribeye recipe!

steak seasoning in a jar with more in a wooden spoon.

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This steak seasoning recipe is loaded with flavor and guarantees a flavorful and delicious steak! Although I love Montreal steak seasoning like the next guy (or girl), I wanted to try something a little different. One of the ingredients that makes my spice blend unique is sumac powder. Sumac is excellent on beef kofta kebabs and sumac chicken, so why not use it to season steaks?

When planning this steak seasoning recipe, I considered adding smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, chipotle pepper, and onion powder, but in the end, I was happy with the spice mixture that I created, which included dried rosemary and thyme.

I tested this steak seasoning recipe on reverse-seared smoked ribeyes all I can say is "WOW!" That had to be one of the most flavorful steaks I'd ever prepared. So if you think this spice mix sounds a little different, it is, but in a good way!

I use this seasoning as a dry rub; however, you can easily mix it into a small amount of olive oil to make a paste or add more oil to make a marinade.

Jump to:

🔖 Ingredients & Substitutions
🥩 How to Make the Best Steak Seasoning
🍽 Other Ways To Use Steak Seasoning
🤷🏻‍♀️ Recipe FAQs
👩🏼‍🍳 Pro Tips
🧂 More Spice Recipes
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

🔖 Ingredients & Substitutions

steak seasoning spices on a white plate.

Pepper: Cracked peppercorn is my first choice, but if you have to substitute black pepper, use ½ the amount since it's much finer.
Salt: I prefer to use kosher salt because of its coarse texture. If you need to substitute, I recommend using an equal amount of sea salt.
Garlic: Garlic powder, make sure you don't accidentally use garlic salt!
Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary. I don't recommend using fresh herbs, because they will spoil when stored in the jar long-term.
Other: Sumac, cayenne (optional). You can substitute 1 teaspoon of chile pepper flakes or chipotle pepper.

🥩 How to Make the Best Steak Seasoning

Step 1: Grind peppercorns using a spice grinder or spice mill until coarse.

peppercorn in a coffee grinder with a blue napkin.

Step 2: In a small bowl, mix ground pepper with salt, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, sumac, and cayenne pepper (optional). Stir to combine, then pour into a spice jar or a mason jar and store in a cool, dry location, for example, a pantry.

spices in a jar with some wooden spoons behind it.

Step 3: To use this seasoning, generously season the steak on all sides and cook as usual. I recommend using approximately 1 tablespoon of this seasoning for a 1-½ lb steak.

a raw seasoned steak on a white plate with green trim.

🍽 Other Ways To Use Steak Seasoning

This simple steak seasoning recipe can be used to season ribeyes, New York strip steak, or any other steak, but is versatile enough to season pork chops, elk backstrap, and chicken. But that is not all! This spice blend can also be used to season potatoes (like this air-fried potato wedges recipe) and grilled vegetables.

🤷🏻‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

What is the best seasoning for steak?

If you are after quick results, you can't go wrong with Montreal steak seasoning. However, if you want a unique flavor profile, consider making your own spice blend using your favorite spices.

Some popular seasoning options include cracked peppercorn, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Don't forget to add dried herbs to your seasoning too! You can't go wrong with thyme and rosemary.

How to season steak?

Make sure you dry your steak thoroughly with paper towels first, then sprinkle seasoning all over the steak. Use your palm to gently press seasoning into the steak so that it will adhere to it.

If the steak is thick, 1-½+, use more seasoning than if you are working with a smaller, thinner steak. Sprinkling the spice mix with your hand gives you better control than using a shaker.

What is dry brining?

Dry brining is a technique that involves seasoning steak with salt and spices, then letting it air-dry in the refrigerator for several hours or more. Initially, the salt draws out moisture from the steak, creating a flavorful brine that is then reabsorbed, enhancing both taste and tenderness. The dry exterior helps achieve a perfect sear while sealing in the steak's natural juices for a more flavorful bite.

👩🏼‍🍳 Pro Tips

Feel free to add some smoked paprika to this homemade seasoning blend for a hint of smoky flavor.
For a more umami flavor, ground mushroom powder or MSG can enhance the flavor of this steak seasoning recipe!
Try reverse searing the steaks, if you haven't already. The idea is to cook the steaks below the internal temperature that you prefer, then sear them at the end to get a nice crust and to bring up the temperature to your preferred doneness.
Store steak rub in an airtight container, in a cool dry place, and it will keep for many months to come!

steak seasoning in a jar with a wooden spoon set .

🧂 More Spice Recipes

If you enjoy this steak seasoning recipe, check out these other great spice mixes!

📖 Recipe

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steak seasoning in a wooden spoon over a jar of more steak seasoning.

Hilda Sterner