Spice Things Up a Little: A List Of The Best Handmade Rubs and Steak Seasonings
The best grass fed steaks deserve the best steak seasoning. Check out these easy recipes!
It doesn't take much to make a good piece of steak taste delicious. But, if you're ever in the mood to do something a little different when you're cooking, one of the best ways to amp up the flavor is to use a homemade steak seasoning!
Steak seasonings aren't as complicated to create as they seem. All it takes is a basic understanding of what makes a good seasoning, plus a willingness to try new things and play with different recipes until you find your perfect mix.
Here are five delicious steak seasoning recipes to help you get used to cooking with something other than salt and pepper - and maybe inspire you to create your own recipe!
1. Simple Seasoning
There are plenty of steak lovers out there who like to keep their seasoning simple because the taste of the cuts they buy is just that good. If you're also a fan of classic flavors, this is the best steak seasoning to start experimenting with.
For a simple seasoning, the only ingredients you need are:
- sea salt
- black pepper
- onion flakes
- garlic powder
The key is to mix two parts onion and garlic to one part salt and pepper. Don't be afraid to go a little heavier on one of these ingredients if you know you like it. Make sure you rub the seasoning all the way around to really bring the flavor out.
If you want to take this dry rub up a notch, mash fresh garlic instead of using garlic powder. Mix that with the salt, pepper, and onion into a paste-like consistency, then rub all over the steak until you have an even spread.
2. Smoky Seasoning
The next step up from a classic steak seasoning is one with a bit of a smokiness to it. To get that kind of flavor, you need to add paprika to the mix.
You can also add dried rosemary and dried thyme, so the full list of ingredients would be:
- salt
- pepper
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- paprika
- rosemary
- thyme
It's worth playing with the ratios of each seasoning until you find what you like best. As you're mixing everything together, smell the aromas in the air and maybe dip a piece of bread into the seasoning to check whether or not you're on the right track.
3. Steakhouse Rub
Ever wondered why steakhouse cuts have such a unique flavor? It's all in the seasoning! Steakhouse chefs know a thing or two about how to combine different flavors to bring out that beefy taste and texture every steak lover appreciates.
The secret to many steakhouse rubs is sugar. Adding something sweet to the mix helps balance all the acidity that's typically in a rub. It also brings out a great taste in the meat.
To make a simple steakhouse rub, use:
- salt
- pepper
- brown sugar
- garlic powder
- garlic salt
- onion powder
- turmeric
- paprika
- chili powder
Again, it's worth eyeballing everything until you think you're onto something. This makes the process more fun - and helps you come up with a unique steak seasoning!
4. Adventurous Blend
It may sound crazy to put turmeric in a steak rub, but the key to that ingredient is to only add a touch. That's not the craziest thing to ever go in a steak rub, though. Everyday steak lovers and top chefs use all kinds of different tactics to bring out the flavor they're looking for.
If you're among the adventurous types of cooks, you have to try this seasoning recipe. You'll need:
- salt
- pepper
- paprika
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- oregano
- cumin
- brown sugar
Between the strong herby touch of the oregano, the smokiness of the paprika, and the gentle kick of the cumin, everything comes together really well. In fact, this steak seasoning may even inspire you to add a few more ingredients and make it your own!
5. All-Purpose Seasoning
The final option on the list of steak seasoning recipes is an all-purpose rub that you can use on steak, chicken, and pork. It's great to make a batch of an keep in the pantry at all times, or to make specially for nice occasions, too.
Whatever your preference on quantity is, though, make sure you have these ingredients before you start to make the seasoning:
- salt
- black pepper
- garlic powder
- paprika
- onion powder
- coriander
- red pepper flakes
- dried mustard
- dried parsley
This is clearly the most adventurous of all the options, but it's definitely worth trying if you're looking for something new. You can rub it right on a steak a few hours before grilling or let it soak overnight as part of a marinade.
Either way, this is a bold steak seasoning choice you can't go wrong with.
Steak Seasoning, Marinating, and More
Making steak seasoning from scratch is an art that takes a bit of time to perfect. This is why the most important thing is to have fun with the process. As you start to transition from store-bought seasoning to something your own, don't get too caught up on perfection.
Rather, notice the flavors that stand out to you whenever you try a new seasoning blend. Remember the ingredients you want to use in your next attempt and don't forget about the ones you'd rather not include again.
Slowly but surely, your ideal steak seasoning will start to become clear to you.
For other cooking tips to help you create the best steak every single time you prepare one, click here.
