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Homemade Steak Seasoning

This homemade steak seasoning transforms ordinary beef into a flavor-packed masterpiece with just a handful of spices. Ready in under 5 minutes, this blend beats store-bought versions every time and works on everything from ribeyes to chicken thighs.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 24 teaspoons
Course: Seasoning
Cuisine: American
Calories: 6
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 4 tablespoons coarse kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons black pepper freshly ground if possible
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat

Equipment

  • Small mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Whisk or fork
  • Airtight glass jar or spice container
  • Small funnel (optional)
  • Labels for dating

Method
 

  1. Measure out all your spices into small prep bowls or directly into your mixing bowl. This ensures you don't accidentally double an ingredient or forget something halfway through.
  2. Add the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to your mixing bowl. These four ingredients form the foundation of the steak seasoning.
  3. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and dried thyme over the base mixture. The paprika adds flavor and helps create a beautiful dark crust on seared steaks.
  4. If you want heat, add the cayenne pepper now. Start with less if you're unsure about spice tolerance since you can always add more later but can't take it out.
  5. Use a whisk or fork to blend all the spices together for at least 30 seconds. You want complete integration so every pinch contains the same flavor profile.
  6. Press any visible clumps against the side of the bowl with your whisk or the back of a spoon. Break up clumps to prevent concentrated pockets of single spices on your meat.
  7. Funnel or carefully spoon your finished seasoning into an airtight jar or spice container. Make sure your container is completely dry before adding the seasoning.
  8. Write the name and date on a label and stick it on your container. Store in a cool, dark cabinet away from the stove for up to 6 months.

Notes

Store your steak seasoning in a cool, dark cabinet away from the stove. Heat and light degrade the spices quickly. Apply seasoning at least 40 minutes before cooking or right before hitting the heat. Use about 1 teaspoon of seasoning per pound of meat as a starting point. Shake the container before each use because the different particle sizes naturally separate over time.