How to Season your Steak: A Step-by-Step Guide

We will explain how to season a steak, the right way folks! When it comes to cooking a mouthwatering steak, seasoning plays a key role in enhancing the flavor of the beef and even creating a delicious crust.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner in the kitchen, the right mix of spices and herbs can take your steak from good to truly unforgettable. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of seasoning a steak to perfection.

How to season steak beyond the basics

Later, in this article, we will teach how to season a steak beyond the same old salt and pepper. Although salt and pepper are fine on steaks, there is a world of flavor you can experience by stepping out of the “norm” and trying something new.

“Fine and good” are ok on a steak but we can take it to bold, mouth-watering flavored steak.

Choosing the Right Cut of Steak

Before we dive into the seasoning process, it’s important to start with a quality cut of steak. While personal preferences may vary, popular options such as ribeye, New York strip, T-bone, and filet mignon are known for their tenderness and flavor.

The steak cut is important but more so is its quality. Select steaks that are evenly marbled with fat, as this will contribute to the juiciness and richness of the final result.

Prepping the Steak

Before seasoning, make sure your steak is at room temperature. Remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to sit for about 30 minutes. This will ensure even cooking and a more flavorful outcome.

The Basic Seasoning Technique

1. Salt: Begin by generously seasoning both sides of the steak with kosher salt or sea salt ( your choice). This will help to enhance the natural flavors and create a caramelized crust.
2. Black Pepper: Next, grind fresh black pepper over the steak to add a touch of heat and complexity. Adjust the amount according to your personal taste preferences.
3. Optional Enhancements: While a well-salted and peppered steak can stand on its own, you can also experiment with additional seasonings. Common options include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or a blend of your favorite herbs. Sprinkle these seasonings lightly on each side of the steak or create a customized rub by combining them together.

Best way to season a steak for bold FLAVOR

If you want to try something beyond the same old salt and pepper blend and want the best way to season your steaks and experience bold flavor, try our beef seasoning, Gypsy. We crafted the perfect blend of herbs and spices to bring you the most balanced steak seasoning in the world.

Gypsy goes beyond salt and pepper and adds an exquisite flavor profile to steaks and aroma with natural flavors derived from herbs.

Applying the Seasoning

Gently press the seasonings into the surface of the steak with your hands, ensuring an even distribution. Allow the seasoned steak to rest for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.

For maximum flavor, you can place the steaks in the refrigerator for a few hours and then let them sit in a room texture for a few hours before cooking.

Extra Tips: Cooking the Steak

Now that your steak is perfectly seasoned, it’s time to cook it to your desired level of doneness. You can choose to grill, sear or reverse sear, pan-sear, or broil your steak, depending on your cooking equipment and personal preference.

With every method, the goal is to reach the desired level of doneness, remove the steak from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board or plate for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy steak.

Broiling the Steak

Broiling is a quick and convenient method for cooking steak, especially when you want a nicely charred exterior and a juicy interior. Follow these steps to broil a steak:

1. Preheat the broiler: Adjust the oven rack to the highest position, typically about 4-6 inches from the heat source. Preheat the broiler on high.
2. Prepare the steak: Season the steak with salt, pepper, and any additional desired seasonings or marinades.
3. Place the steak on a broiler pan or oven-safe rack: Elevating the steak on a broiler pan or rack helps to promote even cooking.
4. Broil the steak: Place the steak under the broiler and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side for a medium-rare steak. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness, so monitor it closely.
5. Resting and serving: Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.

Pan Sear

Pan-searing a steak is a delicious way to cook it, allowing for a perfect balance of a flavorful crust and tender interior. Follow these steps to pan sear a steak:

1. Choose the right pan: Start by selecting a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan. These types of pans retain heat well and promote even cooking.
2. Preheat the pan: Place the pan over medium-high heat and allow it to preheat for a few minutes. You want the pan to be hot, but not smoking.
3. Prepare the steak: While the pan is preheating, season your steak with salt, pepper, or use Gypsy for bold flavor. Make sure both sides of the steak are evenly coated.
4. Add oil or butter: Once the pan is hot, add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan. This will prevent the steak from sticking and help develop a flavorful crust. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or even clarified butter.
5. Sear the steak: Carefully place the seasoned steak in the pan, laying it away from you to avoid any splattering. Allow the steak to cook undisturbed for a few minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook it for about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Flip the steak: Using tongs, gently flip the steak to the other side. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the desired level of doneness is reached. Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your personal preference, so adjust accordingly.
7. To check the doneness of the steak, you can use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 130-135°F (55-57°C). Keep in mind that the steak will continue to cook as it rests, so you can remove it from the pan when it is a few degrees below the desired temperature.
8. Rest the steak: Once cooked to your liking, remove the steak from the pan and place it on a cutting board or plate. Allow it to rest for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
9. Slice and serve!

Grill Searing a Steak

Grill searing is a popular method for cooking steak, offering a great combination of smoky flavor and a charred crust. Follow these steps to grill sear a steak:

1. Prepare the grill: Preheat your grill to high heat, aiming for a temperature of around 450-500°F (230-260°C). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
2. Season the steak: Before placing the steak on the grill, season it with salt, pepper, or your preferred seasonings. You can also use Gypsy for a bolder flavor. Coat both sides of the steak evenly.
3. Sear the steak: Once the grill is hot, place the steak directly over the high heat. Searing the steak on high heat will help to develop a flavorful crust. Close the grill lid and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, without moving or flipping the steak. This will create beautiful grill marks and enhance the taste.
4. Reduce the heat: After searing, move the steak to a cooler part of the grill, or reduce the heat to medium. This will allow the steak to continue cooking more gently and reach the desired level of doneness.
5. Continue cooking: Cook the steak for an additional 3-4 minutes on each side for a medium-rare steak, adjusting the cooking time based on the thickness of the steak and your personal preference. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure it reaches around 130-135°F (55-57°C) for medium-rare.
6. Rest the steak: Once the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board or plate for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy steak.
7. Slice and serve: After resting, slice the steak against the grain into thin or thick slices, depending on your preference. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious flavors!

Grill searing is a fantastic way to achieve that classic barbeque taste while retaining the juiciness of the steak.

Conclusion

Seasoning a steak can be as simple as adding salt and pepper or you can go outside the box and use seasoning blends like Gypsy to add another level of complexity and flavors.

if you are cooking the steak in a pan, seasoning generously as you will lose some of the seasoning during the cooking process.

Whether you choose to grill, pan-sear, or broil your steak, these cooking methods can help you achieve a delicious and perfectly cooked piece of meat. Experiment with different seasonings, marinades, and cooking times to find your preferred level of doneness and flavor. Remember to let the steak rest before slicing and serving to ensure a juicy and satisfying eating experience. Enjoy your steak!