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The Best Steak Seasoning and Prep You Will Ever Try!

I can still remember the first time I tasted a truly great steak. It wasn’t in some fancy restaurant, but at a neighborhood barbecue, hosted by a family friend who took grilling very seriously. The aroma of wood smoke, mingled with the savory scent of seasoned beef, filled the air. That first bite – the perfectly seared crust giving way to a juicy, tender interior – was a revelation. It set me on a lifelong quest to recreate that flavor, and after years of experimenting, I’ve finally perfected a seasoning and prep method that I’m excited to share with you. I promise, you’ll never look at steak the same way again!

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: Varies depending on desired doneness
Total Time: 5 minutes (plus resting time)
Servings: 2
Yields: 2 steaks
Dietary Type: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

1 cup salt
1 cup pepper
1/2 cup garlic salt
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup chopped parsley (fresh or dried)
2 rib eye or 2 strip steaks (about 1-inch thick)
Olive oil

Equipment Needed

Grill (gas or charcoal)
Tongs
Small mixing bowl
Airtight container for storing the seasoning

Instructions

In a small mixing bowl, thoroughly mix together the salt, pepper, garlic salt, sugar, and chopped parsley. This is your steak seasoning. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for future use. This recipe makes a generous amount, which is great for convenience!
Take the steaks out of the refrigerator and place them on the counter for at least 15 minutes, allowing them to come closer to room temperature. This is crucial for even cooking. Bringing the steaks closer to room temperature allows the meat to cook more evenly. The center won’t be cold while the outside is overcooked.
Prepare your grill for high heat. Whether you’re using gas or charcoal, make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled. A hot grill is essential for achieving that beautiful, flavorful sear.
Drizzle each steak with olive oil. Don’t be shy, but don’t drown them either. You want a light coating that will help the seasoning adhere and promote a nice crust.
Generously top each steak with the seasoning mix (about a teaspoon or so per steak) and rub it into the meat on all sides. Really massage the seasoning in so it adheres well. You want a good, even coating.
Place the steaks on the preheated grill, seasoned side down. Immediately season the unseasoned side with the same seasoning mix.
Cook the steaks to your desired level of doneness, remembering to avoid excessive flipping and any piercing of the meat. This will help the tenderness and keep the steak moist. Follow these guidelines (use a meat thermometer for best results):
- Rare: 125-130°F (about 3-4 minutes per side for a 1-inch steak)
- Medium-Rare: 130-140°F (about 4-5 minutes per side for a 1-inch steak)
- Medium: 140-150°F (about 5-6 minutes per side for a 1-inch steak)
- Medium-Well: 150-160°F (about 6-7 minutes per side for a 1-inch steak)
- Well-Done: 160°F+ (not recommended)
Tip: To preserve tenderness and keep the steaks moist, try to only move the steaks 4 times during the cooking process. This encourages a perfect sear.
Once the steaks have reached your desired temperature, remove them from the grill with tongs and place them on a clean plate or cutting board. It’s crucial not to pierce the steak with a fork or knife, as this will release the precious juices.
Allow the steaks to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Tenting the steaks loosely with foil during resting can help keep them warm.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Don’t skip the resting period! This is arguably the most important step in achieving a truly tender and juicy steak.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter steak, add a bit more sugar. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
Use a meat thermometer! This is the most accurate way to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
For extra flavor, add a pat of garlic herb butter to the steak while it’s resting. The butter will melt and create a delicious sauce.
To amp up the smoky flavour, add wood chips to your charcoal grill.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the steaks immediately after resting. They pair perfectly with grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad. For a truly special meal, serve with a glass of robust red wine.

Leftover steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or in a preheated oven at 300°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the steak tough and dry. You can also slice the leftover steak thinly and use it in sandwiches, salads, or stir-fries.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	366 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	19 g	5%
Saturated Fat	0.9 g	4%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	56625 mg	2359%
Total Carbohydrate	89 g	29%
Dietary Fiber	17.7 g	70%
Sugars	26.3 g	105%
Protein	12.4 g	24%

Variations & Substitutions

Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
Herb it up: Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano, in the seasoning mix.
Sweet and savory: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the seasoning mix for a more complex flavor profile.
Lower sodium: Reduce the amount of salt in the seasoning mix or use a low-sodium salt substitute.
Different cuts of meat: This seasoning works well with other cuts of beef, such as sirloin, flank steak, or skirt steak. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use this seasoning on other meats besides steak?

A: Absolutely! This seasoning is also delicious on chicken, pork, and even fish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: How long will the seasoning last in the airtight container?

A: When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, the seasoning will last for several months.

Q: Can I use this seasoning in a cast iron skillet instead of on a grill?

A: Yes, you can! Heat the cast iron skillet over high heat until it’s smoking hot, then follow the same instructions for seasoning and cooking the steak. Be careful, as the skillet will be very hot!

Q: What if I don’t have parsley on hand?

A: You can omit the parsley or substitute it with another dried herb, such as oregano or thyme.

Q: Why is it important to let the steak rest after cooking?

A: Resting allows the juices in the steak to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. If you cut into the steak immediately after cooking, all of those juices will run out, leaving you with a drier steak.

Final Thoughts

This steak seasoning and preparation method is a game-changer. It’s simple, straightforward, and delivers incredible results every time. I encourage you to give it a try and experience the difference for yourself. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasoning mix and find what works best for your taste. Once you’ve mastered this technique, you’ll be grilling steaks like a pro! And please, let me know what you think – I’d love to hear about your culinary adventures! Consider serving it with a side of perfectly grilled asparagus and a crisp Caesar salad for the perfect summer meal. Cheers to perfectly cooked steak!

The Best Steak Seasoning and Prep You Will Ever Try! Recipe