If you want to grill the perfect steak, you can’t forget one crucial step: seasoning. Fear not, the process isn’t nearly as daunting as it might sound. At Ruth’s Chris Steak House, we know all about how to season a steak for peak flavor, and we’re here to share our insight with you. Without further ado, check out our tips on seasoning your steak for the grill below!
Keep It Simple: Season with Salt and Pepper
Yes, you read that right. You could go with a marinade or spice rub, but honestly, salt and pepper are all you need to season your steak for the grill. That said, don’t just grab the shakers from your kitchen table; instead, use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Compared to table salt, kosher salt is better for seasoning a steak because the coarse crystals will cling to the meat when you toss it on the grill. The same goes for freshly ground black pepper. Plus, you’ll enjoy a little added crunch.
Now, if you insist on getting fancy, you can add a spice like paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder. But trust us experts at Ruth’s Chris when we say that you don’t need to go crazy!
Generously Season Your Steak
Because you’ll likely lose some seasoning when the steak hits the grill, you want to use generous amounts—more than you think. Keep in mind that the ideal steak is about an inch and a half thick, so you need to apply enough salt and pepper to properly season each full bite.
First, pat the steak dry with paper towels. Now it’s time to cover the entire surface in salt and pepper. To help the kosher salt crystals and freshly ground black pepper grab onto the steak, lightly press the seasoning into the meat with your hands. Don’t forget to coat the sides of the steak as well as the top and bottom!
When to Season Steak
Chefs all over the world have different opinions about when to season a steak for the grill, as late as immediately before or as early as 24 hours in advance. We won’t tell you which way is “correct” at Ruth’s Chris because it all comes down to personal preference. Generally, though, you can’t go wrong with seasoning about an hour before grilling.
Take the steak out of the fridge, pat dry, apply your seasoning, and then let the steak sit on a cooling rack for an hour to give it time to absorb the salt. When you’re ready to grill, you may have to pat the steak dry again if the salt pulled some moisture out of the meat. A dry steak will form a browner crust than a wet one. Now your seasoned steak is ready for the grill!
Don’t Feel Like Grilling? Visit Ruth’s Chris for a Steak Dinner Tonight
If you’d rather sit back and relax while expert chefs prepare your steak for you, then be our guest! Visit your nearest Ruth’s Chris Steak House for dinner to savor a well-seasoned steak every time.