Outback Steakhouse Steak Seasoning

The first time I made this homemade Outback Steakhouse seasoning blend, the aroma alone transported me back to the restaurant. As it coated my sizzling ribeye, I knew I’d never buy pre-made steak seasoning again. That perfect balance of smokiness, heat, and herbs transformed an ordinary weeknight dinner into a steakhouse experience right at my kitchen table—complete with the satisfaction of knowing exactly what went into my spice blend.

bowl of copycat Outback steak seasoning and two steaks.


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    What Makes This Outback Steak Seasoning Special?

    Unlike many store-bought blends that rely on fillers and preservatives, this homemade version captures the authentic Outback flavor profile with:

    • The perfect balance of savory, spicy, and smoky notes
    • No artificial ingredients or hidden additives
    • A customizable heat level to suit your preference
    • Depth of flavor that enhances the natural taste of beef
    • Versatility that works on multiple cuts and cooking methods

    Why You’ll Love Making Steak Seasoning at Home

    When you craft your own steak seasoning, you gain:

    • Complete control over flavor intensity and heat level
    • The ability to adjust salt content based on dietary needs
    • Freshness that store-bought blends can’t match
    • Cost savings compared to premium pre-mixed seasonings
    • The satisfaction of mastering a steakhouse secret

    Equipment You’ll Need

    • Small mixing bowl
    • Whisk or fork for blending
    • Measuring spoons
    • Airtight container for storage
    • Optional: spice grinder or mortar and pestle for whole spices

    Ingredients and Their Roles in the Recipe

    • Cayenne pepper powder – Delivers the signature spicy kick that makes Outback’s seasoning distinctive among steakhouse blends
    • Smoked paprika – Provides that signature smoky flavor and gorgeous reddish color that gives the seasoning its distinctive look and taste
    • Kosher salt – Enhances all the other flavors while tenderizing the meat through osmosis when applied before cooking
    • Garlic powder – Adds a mellow, aromatic, savory note without the moisture or burning potential of fresh garlic
    • Onion salt – Contributes complex savory depth and additional saltiness that creates the foundation of the flavor profile
    • Dried coriander powder – Brings bright, slightly citrusy notes that balance the deeper flavors and add complexity
    • Ground black pepper – Provides essential heat and pungency that cuts through the richness of steak
    Outback steak seasoning ingredients on a tray.

    How to Make Steak Seasoning 

    To blend your steak seasoning at home:

    • Combine all the ingredients in a small mixing bowl. To bring out the most flavor in your seasoning, try toasting whole coriander seeds in a dry skillet until they become fragrant. Then you can let them cool and grind them fresh for this recipe.  
    Outback steak seasoning ingredients in a bowl.
    1. Whisk the ingredients together.
    2. Store immediately. 
    small bowl of copycat Outback steak seasoning next to two steaks.

    Beyond Steak: Other Amazing Uses

    This Outback-inspired blend isn’t just for beef! Try it on:

    • Scrambled eggs
    • Grilled or roasted chicken
    • Pork chops or tenderloin
    • Roasted potatoes or french fries
    • Onion rings or blooming onions
    • Grilled vegetables
    • Homemade burgers
    two steaks seasoned with copycat Outback steak seasoning.
    bowl of copycat Outback steak seasoning and two steaks.

    Authentic Outback Steakhouse Steak Seasoning

    Master the perfect blend of spices that makes Outback steaks so craveable with this easy 5-minute copycat recipe. Great on steaks, chicken, fries, and more!
    5 from 26 votes
    Print Pin Rate Add to Collection
    Course: Spices
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: steak seasoning
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings:
    Calories: 1kcal

    Ingredients

    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon onion salt
    • ½ teaspoon dried coriander
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • â…› teaspoon cayenne pepper

    Instructions

    • Place all ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine.
    • Sprinkle liberally on your steaks when you cook them.

    Video

    Notes

    Pro Tip:

    Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Most home cooks underseason their steaks. Use approximately 1-1.5 teaspoons of seasoning per side of an 8oz steak.

    Application Trick:

    If you’re having trouble getting the seasoning to adhere, lightly mist the steak with cooking spray before applying the blend.

    Best Cuts for This Seasoning

    This versatile blend works wonderfully on:
    • Ribeye – The fat content beautifully carries the robust flavors
    • Strip steak – Firm texture stands up well to the bold seasoning
    • Sirloin – Leaner cut gets a flavor boost from the seasoning
    • T-bone – Different textures provide interesting flavor variations
    • Filet mignon – Use a lighter hand as the delicate flavor can be overwhelmed
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0.5teaspoon | Calories: 1kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.2g | Protein: 0.04g | Fat: 0.02g | Saturated Fat: 0.004g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 218mg | Potassium: 5mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.02g | Vitamin A: 68IU | Vitamin C: 0.03mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.04mg

    Most people tend to underseason their meat when cooking at home. Don’t make this simple-to-correct mistake, or your steaks will suffer.

    If you are having trouble with the seasoning falling off your steak, some people find that coating the steak lightly with a cooking spray helps the seasoning stick.

    Can You Make This Recipe in Bulk? 

    Yes, you can make a large batch of this recipe. If you plan to make a bulk recipe, use the freshest ground spices you can find.

    How Should You Store Steak Seasoning?

    Keep any extra seasoning blend in a cool, dark place inside a small, airtight container. 

    overhead view of copycat Outback steak seasoning and two steaks.

    Love Outback Steakhouse? Try These Copycat Recipes

    Favorite Seasoning Recipes

    Check out more of my easy DIY recipes and the best copycat Outback recipes on CopyKat!

      About Stephanie Manley

      I recreate your favorite restaurant recipes, so you can prepare these dishes at home. I help you cook dinner, and serve up dishes you know your family will love. You can find most of the ingredients for all of the recipes in your local grocery store.

      Stephanie is the author of CopyKat.com's Dining Out in the Home, and CopyKat.com's Dining Out in the Home 2.

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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Bob Onysko

        There’s an Italian restaurant chain called Brio’s (or Brios). They make an olive oil dipping seasoning that is different from every one else. It has at least one ingredient that makes it outstanding but I can’t identify it. I hope you try to duplicate and publish it.

      2. Dawn S

        5 stars
        I had to laugh when I read this recipe, a good laugh! A few years ago I made a spice blend, stuff I like together for steaks and burgers. My blend is so close to this one, it just made me laugh. And I have only been to Outback Steak House once, more than 15 years ago, so I know it didn’t come from there. 😂
        Also, I love your recipes. They are easy to follow and sound/taste so good!

      5 from 26 votes (25 ratings without comment)

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