My original post can be found here and was written nearly 6 years ago. The recipe has been tweaked a bit and I have included it at the bottom of this post. If you have any seasoning blends you would like to share, please let me know in the comments section.
The basic spices every grillmaster should have in her/his kitchen are salt, pepper, garlic salt, onion powder and paprika. These five basic spices can be combined together to make a simple but tasty seasoning mix that can be used for almost any type of meat that is grilled. Some of my favorite recipes are:
Steak Seasoning: This is a delicious seasoning blend for steak and works especially well on grilled steak or hamburgers…or any grilled or pan cooked meats or vegetables.
Salt Free Seasoning: I personally prefer salt free seasonings because they allow you to taste the food without adding extra sodium but if you do use salt, go sparingly…a little bit goes a long way.
You can also add your favorite herbs and spices to these mixes to create unique flavor combinations and experiment with new tastes. Have fun with it! You’ll like the results!
Most people like a steak with a little bit of spice. Some like it hot and spicy, some mild, and some like their steaks to be peppered with herbs and seasonings. Below is a list of the basic spices every grillmaster should have.
This is my list of spices that I generally use on my steaks. Of course you can add more or less to your own liking, but this is the basic recipe that I usually stick to.
1/4 cup of cracked black pepper (not pictured because I ran out)
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Black pepper gives your steak a nice spicy kick, although it’s not too overpowering for those who don’t want too much spice in their food.
1/4 cup dry parsley flakes (not pictured because I ran out)
Parsley is one of those herbs that has many uses in both cooking and in life in general; it’s been used as an herb since before even the ancient Greeks and Romans. It’s also quite easy to grow at home if you have some extra space in your backyard. Parsley can be added as a garnish or just sprinkled over your steak after its been seasoned as well. You can buy parsley flakes at most grocery
Seasoning literally means to add flavor to something. There are some basic spices that you should keep on hand if you enjoy grilling your steak. The following are some spices to consider keeping in your pantry.
The rule of thumb is the bigger the piece of meat the more time it needs to marinate or have a dry rub applied before grilling. Remember the longer the protein sits, the greater chance there is for bacteria to grow. So, I suggest if you are going to marinate something overnight, do it right before you grill. If you must do it ahead of time make sure and add an acid such as lemon juice or vinegar since this will act as a preservative and will also tenderize your meat.
Tarragon: This herb has a lemony flavor and goes well with lamb and chicken.
Basil: Basil leaves work great with chicken, seafood and vegetables. Fresh basil really packs a punch so I suggest using 1/2 cup per pound of meat.
Ginger: Ginger is a pungent root that has been used for centuries in Chinese cooking as well as being used in European cooking in stews and soups. Ginger has a slightly peppery flavor that goes well with pork, chicken and fish.
Cilantro:
The following is a list of ingredients to create the best steak ever.
Kosher Salt – When it comes to salt, Kosher salt is the way to go. It is coarse, pure, and dissolves quickly, making it perfect for seasoning steaks and other meats.
Salt – Pretty self explanatory. If you don’t have Kosher salt, regular salt will do as well and bring out a bit more flavor.
Pepper – This makes a pretty obvious addition to any steak recipe, but there are different types of pepper you can use. Black pepper will add some spice and kick to your steak, while white pepper will add a more subtle flavor with more of an earthy taste.
I would recommend keeping both on hand for various recipes.
Garlic Powder – Garlic powder is my personal favorite for grilling steaks. It gives a great garlic flavor that really enhances the meat without overpowering it. Just sprinkle some on before you throw the steak on the grill!
Chili Powder – The same goes for chili powder, which also adds a nice smoky flavor to your meat as well as another layer of seasoning. I personally like using this along with garlic powder for an extra kick!
Onion Powder – Onion powder is another great option
Steak seasoning is really one of the best ways to enhance the flavor of a good steak. The trick is to add the mix before you start grilling. You want to use about a tablespoon for two pounds of meat. The exception is if the meat has a lot of marbling, in which case you can use less.
The basic recipe has just five ingredients. I would recommend keeping everything on hand and purchasing an airtight container to store it in. I found my container at World Market for $2.99 (check out this link for more details).
It’s also important to let your steaks rest after you cook them (at least 10 minutes, and up to 30 minutes depending on thickness). This also allows the seasoning time to soak into the meat while it cooks.
The three most essential ingredients in steak seasoning are salt, pepper and sugar. Salt dries out the surface, sugar caramelizes on the surface, and pepper seasons the steak. A little bit of rosemary or thyme can be added for a hint of flavor, but any seasoning should complement the salt, pepper and sugar and not overpower it.
Tarragon, ginger, nutmeg and turmeric can all be used to enhance the flavor of steak.
Turmeric is a member of the ginger family; it is a common ingredient in Indian cooking, where it is considered an anti-inflammatory agent as well as having antioxidant properties. As such, it is believed to have anti-cancer properties as well. Turmeric also gives food a yellow color; this makes it easier to judge doneness since yellow meat does not have as much blood in it and will therefore cook faster. Turmeric also gives food a bitter taste; in some regions this bitterness is appreciated as a good thing when eating meat.
A study published in 2007 found that tumeric may boost exercise performance and delay muscle fatigue by preventing the build up of lactic acid during exercise. The researchers believe that turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties may also help reduce pain due to muscle soreness after training or competition
