Homemade Steak Seasoning

ByEmily Rider Updated
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Homemade Steak Seasoning brings together smoky paprika, savory garlic and onion, fragrant herbs, and freshly cracked black pepper to create a simple spice blend you’ll reach for again and again. While it’s perfect for steaks, I use it just as often on hamburgers, grilled chicken, pork chops, roasted potatoes, and vegetables. Keeping a jar mixed up in the pantry makes it easy to add bold, balanced flavor to everyday meals.

Homemade steak seasoning blend being whisked together in a glass mixing bowl with a labeled mason jar of the finished seasoning nearby

This versatile seasoning comes together in just a few minutes with simple pantry spices, making it easy to keep on hand for busy weeknights, weekend cookouts, and meal prep. One batch goes a long way, and you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.

Once you have a jar on hand, try it in Homemade Hamburger Patties, sprinkle it over Authentic Beef Fajitas, or serve those burgers on Hamburger Buns with Freshly Milled Flour for an easy homemade meal your family will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Made with simple pantry spices – Everything in this blend is easy to find, making it simple to mix up a fresh batch whenever your jar starts running low.
  • More than just a steak seasoning – Sprinkle it on steaks, burgers, chicken, pork, roasted potatoes, vegetables, fries, and more. It’s an everyday seasoning you’ll reach for again and again.
  • Ready in just minutes – Measure, stir, and pour into a jar. There’s no special equipment or prep work required.
  • Makes a generous batch – This recipe fills most of an 8-ounce mason jar, so you’ll have plenty ready for weeknight dinners, grilling season, and meal prep.
  • Easy to customize – Adjust the salt, pepper, or smoky flavor to suit your family’s tastes, or make a double batch to share as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients for homemade steak seasoning including smoked paprika, kosher salt, onion powder, freshly cracked black pepper, dried oregano, ground cumin, garlic powder, and light brown sugar in small bowls

Ingredients

  • Kosher salt – Kosher salt forms the foundation of this seasoning blend, enhancing the natural flavor of meat and vegetables while helping the spices cling to the surface. Its coarse texture also distributes more evenly than table salt.
  • Smoked paprika – Smoked paprika gives this blend its rich color and subtle smoky flavor. It adds depth without making the seasoning spicy and pairs especially well with grilled and roasted foods.
  • Onion powder – Onion powder adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor that blends seamlessly throughout the seasoning. Since it’s finely ground, it mixes evenly and stores well.
  • Garlic powder – Garlic powder provides a rich, savory flavor that complements beef, chicken, pork, and vegetables without overpowering the other spices.
  • Dried oregano – A small amount of oregano adds a light herbal note that balances the richer spices and brings a little brightness to the blend.
  • Freshly cracked black pepper – Freshly cracked black pepper adds bold flavor and a slightly coarse texture that gives the seasoning extra character. Its fresh, robust taste makes a noticeable difference compared to pre-ground pepper.
  • Light brown sugar – Brown sugar balances the savory spices and encourages beautiful caramelization when grilling or roasting. It doesn’t make the seasoning taste sweet but adds depth to the finished dish.
  • Ground cumin – Ground cumin contributes a warm, earthy flavor that ties the seasoning together. It’s subtle but adds richness that works especially well with beef and grilled meats.
Homemade steak seasoning stored in a glass mason jar with a black label reading steak seasoning, ready for pantry storage

Variations & Add-Ins

  • Reduce the salt – If you prefer to season your meat separately before cooking or if you’re watching your sodium intake.
  • Swap the paprika – Use sweet paprika instead of smoked paprika for a milder flavor, or use half of each for a balance of sweet and smoky.
  • Add a little heat – Stir in cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
  • Adjust the pepper – Use finely ground black pepper for a smoother blend or coarsely cracked black pepper for more texture.
  • Add more herbs – Stir in a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary for an herb-forward seasoning that’s especially delicious on roasted chicken and pork.
  • Double the batch – Keep an extra jar in the pantry or divide it into smaller glass spice jars for thoughtful homemade gifts.

Recipe Tips

Use fresh spices for the best flavor – Ground spices gradually lose their potency over time. If your spices have been in the pantry for several years, your seasoning won’t have the same bold flavor. Starting with fresh spices makes a noticeable difference.

Kosher salt works best in this recipe – This seasoning was developed using kosher salt because its coarse texture mixes evenly with the other spices and seasons food without tasting overly salty. If you substitute table salt, reduce the amount since it’s much finer and more concentrated.

Freshly cracked black pepper adds more flavor – Cracking whole peppercorns just before mixing gives this seasoning a brighter, more robust flavor than pre-ground pepper. It also adds a little texture that’s especially delicious on grilled steaks and hamburgers.

Season generously for the best results – A good starting point is about 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of meat, adjusting slightly based on the thickness of the cut and your personal preference. For burgers, you can either mix the seasoning directly into the ground beef or sprinkle it evenly over both sides before cooking.

This seasoning works as both a blend and a dry rub – Sprinkle it lightly over vegetables, potatoes, or burgers for everyday seasoning, or coat steaks, pork chops, or chicken more generously and let them rest before cooking to use it as a flavorful dry rub.

Store it in a glass spice jar – This recipe makes enough to fill most of an 8-ounce mason jar, making it easy to keep on hand for everyday cooking. Store it in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dark pantry and give it a quick shake before each use since the spices naturally settle over time.

Unmixed spices for homemade steak seasoning arranged in sections in a glass bowl before whisking, with a whisk and mason jar nearby
Hands whisking together smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and other spices to make homemade steak seasoning
Fully blended homemade steak seasoning in a glass bowl with a whisk resting in the center before transferring to storage
Homemade steak seasoning being poured from a glass bowl into a metal bowl with a wooden spoon guiding the transfer

Instructions

  1. Measure the spices. Add the kosher salt, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, freshly cracked black pepper, light brown sugar, and ground cumin to a medium mixing bowl.
  2. Mix well. Stir everything together until the spices are evenly combined, breaking up any small clumps of brown sugar with the back of a spoon or a small whisk.
  3. Fill the jar. Transfer the seasoning to a clean 8-ounce mason jar or another airtight glass spice jar.
  4. Label and store. Label the jar with the name and date, then store it in a cool, dark pantry until you’re ready to use it.
  5. Enjoy. Sprinkle the seasoning over steaks, hamburgers, chicken, pork chops, roasted potatoes, vegetables, or any recipe that could use a savory boost of flavor.
Homemade steak seasoning stored in a glass mason jar with a black label reading steak seasoning, ready for pantry storage

Gifting Ideas

  • Fill a glass spice jar – Spoon the seasoning into an 8-ounce mason jar or decorative glass spice jar and finish it with a handwritten label for a simple homemade gift.
  • Pair it with grilling favorites – Tuck the jar into a gift basket with steak tools, a cast iron skillet, or your favorite barbecue sauce for the grill enthusiast in your life.
  • Create a seasoning collection – Bundle this Homemade Steak Seasoning with a few other homemade spice blends to create a thoughtful pantry gift that’s useful all year long.
  • Include a favorite recipe – Tie the jar together with a printed copy of your Homemade Hamburger Patties recipe or another favorite meal that uses the seasoning, giving the recipient inspiration for their first batch.

Storage

  • Pantry – Store the seasoning in an airtight glass spice jar or 8-ounce mason jar in a cool, dark pantry away from heat and direct sunlight.
  • Shelf life – For the freshest flavor, use the seasoning within 6 to 12 months. While it will remain safe to use beyond that, the spices will gradually lose their potency over time.
  • Keep moisture out – Always use a clean, dry measuring spoon when scooping from the jar to help prevent moisture from clumping the spices.
  • Shake before using – The spices naturally settle over time, so give the jar a quick shake before each use to redistribute everything evenly.
  • Make another batch – Once you start using this seasoning on everything from burgers to roasted vegetables, you’ll probably want to keep a fresh jar stocked in the pantry. It’s one of those homemade staples you’ll reach for again and again.

FAQ

This Homemade Steak Seasoning is made with kosher salt, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, freshly cracked black pepper, light brown sugar, and ground cumin. Each spice adds something different to the blend, creating a savory seasoning that’s smoky, well-balanced, and full of flavor without being overly spicy.

Absolutely! While this blend was created with steak in mind, it’s one of my favorite seasonings for burgers. I use it in homemade hamburger patties, but it’s also delicious sprinkled over formed patties just before grilling or cooking on the stovetop.

A good starting point is about 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of meat. For steaks, season generously on all sides before cooking. For burgers, you can mix the seasoning directly into the ground beef or sprinkle it over the outside of the patties before cooking.

Yes! This has become one of my favorite all-purpose savory seasonings. It’s delicious on grilled chicken, pork chops, roasted potatoes, oven fries, vegetables, and even sprinkled over popcorn for a smoky, savory snack.

Store the seasoning in an airtight glass spice jar or mason jar in a cool, dark pantry. For the best flavor, use it within 6 to 12 months and always use a clean, dry spoon when measuring to help keep moisture out of the jar.

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Unmixed spices for homemade steak seasoning arranged in sections in a glass bowl before whisking, with a whisk and mason jar nearby
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Homemade Steak Seasoning

Author: Emily Rider
Homemade Steak Seasoning is a savory, smoky blend of paprika, garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, cracked black pepper, and a touch of brown sugar. Keep a jar in the pantry to season steaks, hamburgers, chicken, pork chops, roasted potatoes, and vegetables.
Print Recipe Rate this Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep:5 minutes
Total:5 minutes
Servings: 1 8 oz Jar

Equipment

  • Measuring spoons
  • Medium Mixing Bowl
  • Small whisk or spoon
  • Clean 8-ounce mason jar or airtight glass spice jar

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons salt
  • 3 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 3 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar packed
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin

Instructions

  1. Measure the spices – Add the salt, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, freshly cracked black pepper, light brown sugar, and ground cumin to a medium mixing bowl.
  2. Mix the seasoning – Stir or whisk everything together until the spices are evenly combined. Use the back of a spoon or a small whisk to break apart any clumps of brown sugar.
  3. Fill the jar – Transfer the steak seasoning to a clean, dry 8-ounce mason jar or another airtight glass spice jar.
  4. Label and store – Label the jar with the seasoning name and the date. Store it tightly covered in a cool, dark pantry until ready to use.
  5. Season and enjoy – Sprinkle the seasoning over steaks, hamburgers, chicken, pork chops, roasted potatoes, vegetables, or any savory dish that needs an extra boost of flavor.

Notes

Storage – Keep the seasoning in a tightly sealed jar in a cool, dark pantry. Always use a clean, dry spoon to prevent moisture from getting into the mixture.
Brown Sugar – Light brown sugar may form small clumps during storage. Stir or shake the seasoning well before each use.
Before Using – Shake or stir the seasoning to redistribute the spices, since the finer ingredients may settle toward the bottom of the jar.
Serving Suggestion – Use this blend on steaks, burgers, chicken, pork chops, roasted potatoes, or vegetables before cooking.

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Emily Rider

Home miller since 1999 with fresh-milled flour & sourdough experience. Sharing from-scratch recipes and traditional kitchen skills, rooted in the seasons and inspired by everyday cottage living and seasonal rhythms.

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