This steak seasoning recipe is a simple flavor combination that will take your grilled or seared steak to the next level, perfect for any cut of steak.

The Best Steak Seasoning Recipe

When it comes to cooking up steaks, there are a couple different rules of thumb. The first way is to forego all seasoning other than salt and pepper, and let the flavor of the steak speak for itself. The other way is to introduce a nice steak seasoning blend to compliment the steak.

Which do I prefer?

Both! Honestly, it really depends on the cut of the steak. If I’m cooking up a juicy ribeye, I MOSTLY go salt and pepper only and either cook it up on the grill with a nice reverse sear, or I’ll sear it up in a cast iron pan.

For a tender filet mignon, I go back and forth with kosher salt and pepper only OR a nice steak seasoning mix, depending on my mood and what I’ll be topping the steak with that evening. The same goes for other cuts of steak, of which there are MANY! It depends on your mood.

Most times salt and pepper is just fine, but sometimes you want to introduce some new and interesting flavor elements, and that is where a good steak seasoning mix comes into play.

Steak Seasoning Mix Recipe - Great on any cut of beef.

The Best Steak Seasoning

Like this one! This is a blend I prefer. It incorporates many of my favorite seasonings.

It’s a mixture here of chili powders (paprika and spicy cayenne) along with granulated garlic, onion powder, mustard powder, brown sugar for flavor and caramelization, salt and pepper, turmeric, cumin, and a pinch or THREE of ghost pepper chili powder.

OK, maybe a teaspoon of ghost pepper powder.

Steak Seasoning Mix Recipe - Just mix it all up in a big bowl and use as needed.

I do like my heat, you know!

Let's talk about how to make steak seasoning. It's a bit like a Montreal steak seasoning blend, but better.

Steak Seasoning Ingredients

The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Paprika. You can use sweet paprika or hot paprika, though smoked paprika adds a nice flavor element.
Cayenne. For a nice touch of heat.
Granulated Garlic. I love garlic with steak. Garlic powder is good, too.
Onion Powder.
Mustard Powder.
Brown Sugar. For a tiny touch of sweetness, but also for a nice caramelization.
Turmeric. A nice addition of earthiness.
Cumin. Freshly toasted and ground.
Sea Salt and Black Pepper.
Extra Spicy Chili Powder. Optional, for those who love it extra spicy. I like a pinch or 3 of ghost chili powder.

How to Make Steak Seasonings

Mix all of the ingredients together in a small bowl until they are well combined.
Use as a seasoning rub for steaks by rubbing in a generous portion into the steaks before cooking.

Boom! Done! Your new homemade steak seasoning spice blend is good to go. Time to grill up the steaks! I'm ready to get cooking. Who's with me?

Recipe Tips & Notes

Adjust the Ratios. As with any seasoning mix, it’s all about the ratios, so feel free to play around with them. If you prefer more garlic, add more in. Dial back on the ghost powder (or omit) if you want a LOT less heat. Cayenne will give you a nice kick as well, so keep an eye on the amount you use.

This is a nice, rustic blend that works best as an initial dry rub. Generously rub the steak seasoning mix into room temperature steaks before you cook them up.

It is best to give them a nice sear on the grill or in a hot pan to seal in the juices and take advantages of those seasonings, though a good reverse sear works nicely, too.

Steak Toppings

Ready to bring your perfectly grilled steak to the next level? Try my Cowboy Butter for Steak for a spicy, buttery finish. You'll also love this Blue Cheese Dressing or this amazing Chimichurri Recipe. So good!

Bring it on, my friends! Who’s buying the steaks tonight? What cuts are you popping on the grill? Let’s hear it! Let me know what you think of this steak seasoning mix. Enjoy! – Mike H.

Here are Some of My Steak Recipes to Try

Check Out Some of My Other Homemade Seasoning Blends

Steak Seasoning Mix Recipe - Make a big batch!

If you try this recipe, please let us know! Leave a comment, rate it and tag a photo #ChiliPepperMadness on Instagram so we can take a look. I always love to see all of your spicy inspirations.