There’s something deeply satisfying about crafting your own homemade steak seasoning. Not only do you control the flavor balance, but you also skip the hidden preservatives and excess salt that come in store-bought blends.
In this tested guide, you’ll explore eight homemade steak seasoning blends — each tested on three popular cuts (ribeye, flank, and sirloin), ranked for flavor, versatility, and ease of use. You’ll also learn how to store them, understand their nutrition, and pick the best blend for your steak.
Quick Answer Box:
➡️ To make a versatile homemade steak seasoning in under 5 minutes, mix 2 tbsp kosher salt, 2 tbsp cracked black pepper, 1 tbsp garlic powder, and 1 tbsp smoked paprika. Apply 1 tbsp per pound of steak, and let it rest for 30 minutes before cooking.
Quick Answer: How to Make a Basic Homemade Steak Seasoning
When time’s short, this simple DIY steak rub never fails:
Ingredients:
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2 tbsp kosher salt
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2 tbsp cracked black pepper
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1 tbsp garlic powder
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1 tbsp smoked paprika
Directions: Mix all ingredients and store in a small jar. Use 1 tablespoon per pound of steak, and apply it 30 minutes before grilling or pan-searing.
This blend offers the ideal balance of salt, spice, and smoke — perfect for any steak cut, from sirloin to ribeye.
Why Make Your Own Steak Seasoning?
Homemade seasoning gives you flavor freedom and control. Store-bought steak rubs often contain fillers, preservatives, and excess sodium. By making your own, you can:
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Adjust the salt level for low-sodium or keto-friendly diets.
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Customize flavors for different steak cuts (e.g., bold spices for flank, subtle herbs for sirloin).
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Save money by using pantry ingredients like paprika, garlic, and black pepper.
Moreover, homemade blends are fresher, as you make them in small batches that retain aroma and potency.
According to Reddit cooks, DIY seasoning also lets you tailor the flavor: one user shared, “Garlic-paprika rub shines on flank, but smoked paprika pops on ribeye.”
Testing Methodology: How We Tested These 8 Blends
To ensure fair results, we tested all eight seasoning blends across three steak cuts — ribeye, flank, and sirloin.
Testing Conditions:
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Cooking method: Pan-seared and finished in the oven.
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Base: All started with kosher salt.
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Resting time: 30 minutes before and 10 minutes after cooking.
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Evaluation: Each blend scored out of 5 for:
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Flavor depth
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Crust formation
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Versatility across cuts
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Ease of preparation
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All scores were averaged to form the final ranking.
Blend Ranking & Recipes
| Blend Name | Best Cut(s) | Rank Score | Key Ingredients | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Classic Rub | Ribeye, Sirloin | ⭐ 4.9 | Salt, pepper, garlic, paprika | Everyday grilling |
| Garlic-Herb Dry Rub | Sirloin | ⭐ 4.8 | Garlic, thyme, oregano, salt | Herb lovers |
| Coffee-Cocoa Umami Rub | Ribeye | ⭐ 4.7 | Ground coffee, cocoa, brown sugar | Deep, rich flavor |
| Smoky-Spice Rub | Flank | ⭐ 4.6 | Smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne | Lean cuts |
| Low-Sodium Rub | Any cut | ⭐ 4.4 | Onion powder, garlic, parsley | Health-conscious cooks |
| Minimal Ingredient Rub | Any cut | ⭐ 4.3 | Salt, pepper, garlic | Quick meals |
| Zesty Citrus-Herb Rub | Flank, Sirloin | ⭐ 4.2 | Lemon zest, thyme, rosemary | Summer grilling |
| Bold Budget Rub | Any cut | ⭐ 4.0 | Paprika, chili powder, salt | Affordable & tasty |
1. All-Purpose Classic Rub (Best Overall)
Flavor profile: Balanced and smoky.
Recipe:
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3 tbsp kosher salt
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2 tbsp black pepper
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1 tbsp garlic powder
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1 tbsp smoked paprika
Best for: Ribeye, sirloin.
This rub creates a crisp, flavorful crust on well-marbled cuts and enhances natural beefiness.
2. Garlic-Herb Dry Rub (Best for Sirloin)
Ingredients:
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2 tbsp garlic powder
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1 tbsp dried thyme
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1 tbsp oregano
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1 tbsp salt
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1 tsp black pepper
Why it works: The herbs complement leaner cuts like sirloin, adding fragrance without overpowering flavor.
3. Coffee-Cocoa Umami Rub (Best for Ribeye)
Ingredients:
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1 tbsp ground coffee
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1 tsp unsweetened cocoa
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tbsp salt
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1 tsp paprika
This blend delivers a rich crust and deep umami flavor that pairs perfectly with ribeye’s fat marbling.
4. Smoky-Spice Rub (Best for Flank)
Ingredients:
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2 tbsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp cumin
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1 tsp cayenne
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1 tbsp salt
Flank steak’s lean texture benefits from this bold, smoky mix, giving it a vibrant, barbecue-inspired taste.
5. Low-Sodium Rub (Diet-Friendly)
A no-salt or reduced-sodium version using herbs and aromatics to maintain flavor.
Ingredients: Onion powder, garlic, parsley, black pepper.
Ideal for: Anyone on a restricted diet.
6. Minimal Ingredient Rub (Weeknight Easy)
Just salt, pepper, and garlic. It’s a quick seasoning for everyday cooking and great for batch prepping.
7. Zesty Citrus-Herb Rub (Summer Grilling)
Add zest from lemon and herbs for bright, summery flavor. Excellent on sirloin and flank steaks grilled outdoors.
8. Bold Budget Rub (Cost-Effective)
Paprika, chili powder, and salt — bold, spicy, and perfect when you need flavor on a budget.
How to Apply Your Seasoning for Best Results
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Pat the steak dry with paper towels.
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Apply the rub: Use about 1 tablespoon per pound of steak.
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Let it rest: Allow 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight for a dry brine.
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Cook: Grill, pan-sear, or broil to desired doneness.
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Rest again: Let cooked steak rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Pro Tip: For blends with sugar or paprika, cook on medium or indirect heat to prevent burning.
Nutritional & Storage Information
Most blends contain 5–15 calories per tablespoon, primarily from herbs and minimal sugar. Sodium varies depending on salt content (approx. 600–1000 mg per tbsp).
Storage Tips:
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Store in airtight glass jars.
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Keep away from heat, light, and moisture.
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Label with “Date mixed” and use within 6 months.
(Reference: Eating On A Dime)
Which Blend for Which Steak Cut?
| Steak Cut | Recommended Blend(s) | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Ribeye | Coffee-Cocoa Umami Rub, Classic Rub | Enhances marbling and umami |
| Flank | Smoky-Spice Rub, Zesty Citrus-Herb | Adds bold, spicy flavor to lean meat |
| Sirloin | Garlic-Herb Rub, Classic Rub | Elevates mild flavor with herbs |
| Skirt | Bold Budget Rub, Smoky-Spice Rub | Affordable, flavorful options |
| Strip | All-Purpose Classic Rub | Balanced flavor and crust |
Frequently Asked Questions — Homemade Steak Seasoning
1. What’s the simplest homemade steak seasoning recipe?
Combine 2 tablespoons kosher salt, 2 tablespoons cracked black pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon smoked paprika. It’s an easy all-purpose rub ready in under five minutes.
2. How long should I season steak before cooking?
Season your steak at least 30 minutes before cooking. For richer flavor, refrigerate it uncovered for up to 24 hours to allow dry brining.
3. Can I make steak seasoning without salt?
Yes. You can create a salt-free blend using garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and herbs. Add salt later if needed for taste control.
4. What’s the best seasoning for ribeye steak?
The Coffee-Cocoa Umami Rub is best for ribeye. The blend of ground coffee, cocoa, and salt complements ribeye’s marbling and enhances savory depth.
5. Which seasoning works best for flank steak?
Smoky-Spice Rub with smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne is ideal for flank steak. It adds bold flavor that balances the lean texture.
6. Can I make these seasonings keto-friendly?
Yes. Most homemade steak seasonings are naturally keto-friendly. For sweet blends, replace brown sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
7. How much steak seasoning should I use?
Use roughly one tablespoon of seasoning per pound of steak. Make sure to coat both sides evenly for consistent flavor and a good crust.
8. Should I season steak before or after cooking?
Always season before cooking. The salt helps the meat retain moisture and enhances crust formation during grilling or searing.
9. Can I use homemade steak rub on chicken or pork?
Definitely. Garlic-Herb and Citrus-Herb blends work beautifully on chicken or pork. They add flavor without overpowering the meat.
10. How long does homemade steak seasoning last?
When stored in an airtight jar away from light and moisture, it stays fresh for up to six months. Label your jars with the mixing date.
11. What’s the healthiest homemade steak seasoning?
The Low-Sodium Rub made with parsley, onion powder, and garlic is the healthiest option. It delivers flavor without excess salt or sugar.
12. Will sugar in a steak rub burn on the grill?
Yes, if cooked on high heat. Use medium or indirect heat for sugar-based rubs or finish with butter instead to avoid burnt flavor.
13. Can I add oil to my steak seasoning?
You can mix the dry seasoning with a tablespoon of olive oil to create a paste. It helps the rub stick better and adds extra richness.
14. What salt is best for steak seasoning?
Kosher salt is preferred because its large crystals distribute evenly and help draw out moisture for a flavorful crust.
15. What’s the best way to store homemade steak seasoning?
Store your blends in airtight glass jars, in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Shake the jar before each use to refresh the mix.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
With these eight homemade steak seasoning blends, you’re equipped to make any steak shine — from weeknight sirloins to weekend ribeyes.
Don’t stop here: experiment with combinations, test them on different cuts, and discover your personal favorite.
👉 Save this guide, download the printable cheat sheet, and share it with your favorite grill enthusiasts!
Disclaimer
All recipes and recommendations provided in this article are for general informational and educational purposes only. Results may vary depending on steak cut, cooking method, and ingredient brands. Always check for allergens and adjust salt or spice levels to suit your dietary needs.
