When you grill steak, taste is really important. A well-seasoned steak can make any meal special. To make steak taste great, you need good seasoning. The right seasoning brings out the meat’s flavor and gives it a nice crispy outside.
At We Speak Meat, we provide high-quality meat from the ranch to your plate. With good seasoning, even the best steak can taste better. Whether you are a pro at grilling or just starting, it’s helpful to know which seasonings to use. This post will look at the top five seasonings for grilling steak to help you choose the best one.
Table Of Contents
- Why Does Steak Need Seasoning?
- How to Choose the Best Steak Seasoning for Grilling
- Top 5 Best Steak Seasonings for Grilling
- How to Use Steak Seasoning for Grilling
- Tips for Perfect Grilled Steak Every Time
- DIY Steak Seasoning Blends You Can Make at Home
- Final Thoughts
Why Does Steak Need Seasoning?
A steak can taste bland without seasoning, but the right seasoning can turn it into something delicious. Seasoning enhances the steak’s natural flavor. A well-seasoned steak highlights its rich taste without covering it up.
Seasoning also helps create a tasty crust, especially when using dry rubs. This crust forms a caramelized layer while grilling, adding a smoky, savory texture that improves the steak’s taste. Plus, a good seasoning blend fills the air with enticing smells that make everyone at the grill eager to eat.
When grilling steak, you can choose a store-bought seasoning or make your own. Homemade blends allow you to control the flavor, while store-bought options offer convenience and consistency. Both choices work well, but seasoning is essential for making your steak flavorful.
How to Choose the Best Steak Seasoning for Grilling
When choosing the best steak seasoning for grilling, it’s important to think carefully rather than just picking any jar off the shelf. Here are some key things to consider.
Flavor Profile
The first thing to think about is the flavor. Different seasonings can make your steak taste smoky, spicy, or savory. Consider the type of steak you are grilling and how the seasoning will work with its flavor:
- Smoky: This flavor adds depth to cuts like ribeye or T-bone, enhancing the grilled taste.
- Spicy: Good for lean cuts like flank or skirt steak, it adds an extra kick.
- Savory/Herbal: Best for milder steaks like filet mignon, this kind of seasoning brings out the meat’s natural flavor without overpowering it.
Texture
The texture of the seasoning is also important. Coarse seasonings in dry rubs can create a crispy crust when you grill, giving your steak the right texture. Fine seasonings may not have the same effect on the outside but work well in marinades or as finishing salts.
Ingredient Quality
The quality of the ingredients matters for seasonings. Fresh spices and natural ingredients make a real difference. Avoid brands with artificial flavors or fillers, as they can harm the true taste of the steak. If you choose a pre-made seasoning, check the ingredient list for high-quality blends.
Rub vs. Marinade vs. Dry Seasoning
You will find three main types of steak seasonings: rubs, marinades, and dry seasonings.
- Rubs: These are dry mixes of spices and herbs added directly to the steak. They create a tasty crust when grilling.
- Marinades: These usually have oil, acid (like vinegar or citrus), and spices. They soak into the meat, helping to tenderize it, which is especially good for tougher cuts.
- Dry Seasonings: You can sprinkle these on the steak just before or during grilling. They add flavor but are often more subtle than rubs.
When picking a seasoning, think about the steak type and how you want the seasoning to mix with it. For instance, lean cuts like sirloin may benefit from a marinade, while thicker cuts like ribeye or New York strip are great for dry rubs.
Top 5 Best Steak Seasonings for Grilling
Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to get to the fun part—the actual seasoning. These top 5 steak seasonings for grilling will not only enhance the flavor of your steak but also provide you with a variety of flavor profiles to suit different tastes.
1. Kinder’s The Steak Blend – The All-Rounder
If you need a seasoning that works well with almost any steak, try Kinder’s The Steak Blend. This seasoning mixes sweet, smoky, and savory flavors that enhance the rich taste of steak. It includes garlic, onion, black pepper, and a touch of brown sugar, creating a balanced flavor that stands out. Whether you’re cooking a thick ribeye or a lean sirloin, this seasoning is great for many cuts. It also works well with chicken and vegetables, making it a handy all-purpose seasoning for grilling. If you want a simple, high-quality seasoning that always delivers, choose Kinder’s The Steak Blend.
2. Badia Steak Seasoning Canadian Blend – The Bold and Complex Choice
If you enjoy bold and complex flavors, try Badia Steak Seasoning Canadian Blend. This seasoning has unique spices like caraway, coriander, and coarse salt. It creates a rich flavor that is perfect for steak lovers. It works especially well with cuts like t-bone or porterhouse, where the seasoning can stand out. What makes this seasoning special is its ability to add a sophisticated herbal touch to the steak, while still providing that savory taste we expect from good steak seasoning. If you want something different from the usual garlic and pepper, Badia’s Canadian Blend is an excellent choice.
3. Jack Daniel’s Steak Seasoning – The Garlicky Delight
If you love garlic, you’ll enjoy Jack Daniel’s Steak Seasoning. This seasoning has a strong garlic flavor with a hint of heat from black pepper. It’s great for steak cuts like ribeye, flank, and skirt. The smoky taste from Jack Daniel’s whiskey adds a special depth that goes well with grilled steak’s charred edges. This seasoning is perfect for those who want a strong garlic flavor and a little extra heat, without overpowering the steak’s natural taste.
4. Montreal Steak Seasoning – The Classic Favorite
Montreal Steak Seasoning is a popular choice for many cooks. It has a coarse texture and a tasty mix of spices, including black pepper, garlic, and paprika. This seasoning adds great flavor to larger cuts of meat like ribeye, t-bone, and New York strip. The coarse texture helps create the ideal crust on steaks, making it a favorite for grilling. This seasoning is a classic because it is simple, effective, and flavorful. It’s perfect for anyone who wants an easy way to add flavor and a nice crust to their steak without any hassle.
5. Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse Rub – The Unexpected Favorite
If you want something different, try Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse Rub. This seasoning gives a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of sweetness, similar to popcorn butter. Though it might seem unusual, it tastes great on steak, especially ribeye and filet mignon. It also works well on chicken, vegetables, and seafood. This seasoning is ideal for those who want a luxurious, buttery flavor that is rich but not too strong. It’s a great choice for adding a bit of indulgence to your grilled meals.
How to Use Steak Seasoning for Grilling
Getting the right steak seasoning is about both technique and the spices you choose. Here’s how to season your steak for the best flavor:
- Dry Rubs: Apply dry rubs about 30 minutes before grilling. Coat your steak evenly on all sides, pressing the rub into the meat. The longer the rub sits, the stronger the flavor will be.
- Marinades: If you use a marinade, let your steak soak for at least 30 minutes. Some cuts may need longer marination. For tougher cuts, marinate for several hours or overnight.
- Seasoning While Grilling: You can add some seasonings, like Montreal Steak Seasoning, during grilling. Just sprinkle a little more on halfway through cooking for added flavor.
The key to seasoning steak is finding balance. You want to enhance the steak’s natural flavor without overpowering it. Start with a little seasoning and add more if needed, since you can always add but cannot take it away once it’s on.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Steak Every Time
Grilling the perfect steak isn’t just about seasoning—it’s about technique. To get the best results, follow these tips:
- Grill Temperature: Make sure your grill is preheated to the correct temperature before placing the steak on it. For medium-rare, the grill should be around 450°F.
- Searing the Steak: Sear the steak on both sides for 2-3 minutes to develop a beautiful crust. This will lock in the juices and give your steak that delicious charred flavor.
- Flipping the Steak: Avoid flipping your steak too often. Only flip it once to get an even sear on both sides.
- Resting Time: After grilling, let the steak rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a juicier, more flavorful steak.
DIY Steak Seasoning Blends You Can Make at Home
If you prefer to create your own steak seasoning, it’s simple to make a delicious, personalized blend. Common ingredients include:
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Brown sugar
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Thyme or rosemary (for a more herbal flavor)
You can try adding your favorite herbs and spices. If you want a sweeter taste, add a little brown sugar. If you want more spice, try chili flakes or cayenne pepper. The options are endless!
Final Thoughts
Picking the best seasoning for grilling steak makes it taste good. You can use Montreal Steak Seasoning, which is a classic, or try Badia’s Canadian Blend for something different. Good seasoning helps your steak taste better. You can try different flavors to see which one you like best.
A great steak tastes good because of how you cook it and what you use to season it, not just the type of meat. To make a tasty steak, use good seasonings and high-quality meat. Next time you cook a steak, pick the best ingredients.
FAQs
- What’s the difference between steak rub and seasoning?
A steak rub is a coarse, dry mix of spices that you rub directly onto the steak before cooking. Seasoning can refer to either a dry rub or a marinade and is generally used to enhance the flavor of the steak.
- How much steak seasoning should I use?
A general rule of thumb is to use about 1 teaspoon of seasoning per side for a 1-inch thick steak. Adjust based on personal preference.
- Can I use steak seasoning for other meats?
Yes! Many steak seasonings are versatile enough to be used on chicken, pork, or even vegetables.
- How long should I let the seasoning sit on my steak before grilling?
For dry rubs, 30 minutes to an hour should suffice. For marinades, anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours works best, depending on the cut.
- Can I make my own steak seasoning blend?
Absolutely! You can easily mix spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt to create a customized seasoning blend.
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Christo Barnhoorn, a seventh-generation rancher, carries a legacy of tradition and ambition from his upbringing on a South African sheep farm. Immersed in the practices of sheep farming, he developed a deep understanding of the industry. With a desire to expand his horizons, Christo moved to the United States and established his own ranch in New Mexico. There, he successfully combined his traditional knowledge with innovative practices, transforming his venture into a flourishing retailer specializing in mail-order meat delivery.
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