Bold & Smoky Prairie Dust Steak Seasoning

Honestly, I probably use this blend on something every single day… it’s that good. The best part is you can make a huge batch for under $3 using basic spices, and it has this perfect balance of smoky and savory that works on practically everything. I keep a jar right next to my stove because I use it on every meat I cook: it’s a great steak rub and a simple mix to put on chicken tenders before quickly cooking in a skillet and chopping up for salad.

Making your own seasoning blends is one of those simple kitchen wins that saves you serious money. I probably make this batch for under $3, and it lasts me about a month. I keep mine right next to the stove in a mason jar with a shaker lid .

What You’ll Need

Everything is pretty standard and simple, but if you want less heat, you can use red pepper flakes instead of cayenne pepper or skip the cayenne altogether.

This recipe is easily doubled or tripled if you want to make a larger batch. You can make adjustments in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Equipment

• small mixing bowl
• small jar

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 ½ teaspoons paprika
• 2 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

How to Make

You probably already know what to do.

Step 1: Gather Your Spices Get all your spices out on the counter so you can see what you’re working with. I always do this first because there’s nothing worse than getting halfway through and realizing you’re out of paprika. Make sure your spices are relatively fresh – if that paprika has been sitting around for two years, it’s not going to give you much flavor.

Step 2: Start With the Base Add your salt, regular paprika, and black pepper to your mixing bowl first. These are your biggest quantities and your flavor base. Give them a quick stir so they’re evenly distributed before you add the smaller amounts.

Step 3: Add the Other Spices Now add your onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. The smoked paprika is what gives this blend its magic, so don’t skip it. If you can only find regular paprika, the seasoning will still be good, but it won’t have that signature smoky depth.

Step 4: The Heat (Optional but Recommended) Add your cayenne pepper last. I do this so I can make 100% sure that it’s mixed in well.

Step 5: Combine. No streaks, no pockets of one spice. I use a small whisk for this because it really gets everything incorporated. If you see any color variations, keep mixing.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust Take a tiny pinch and taste it. Does it need more smokiness? Add a bit more smoked paprika. Want more heat? Pinch more cayenne. This is YOUR seasoning blend, so make it work for you.

Step 7: Store It Right Transfer to an airtight container – I use a mason jar with a shaker lid because it’s practical and I can see how much I have left. Store it somewhere cool and dark, but honestly, I keep mine right next to my stove because I use it constantly.

Storing

Store this seasoning blend in an airtight container for up to 6 months. I keep mine in a mason jar with a shaker lid right next to my stove – not the prettiest spot, but it’s where I actually USE it. If you want it to last longer, store it in a cool, dark pantry instead.

The key is making sure your container seals well. Spices lose their punch when they’re exposed to air, and you’ll be sad when your perfectly mixed blend turns into flavorless dust.

Using

This is your new go-to for any meat you’re grilling or cooking. Sprinkle it on steaks before they hit the grill, rub it all over chicken breasts, or toss it with some olive oil for a quick marinade. It’s also amazing on roasted potatoes and grilled vegetables.

Questions You May Have

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