A sprinkling of salt and pepper on your steak is pretty much all you need. But if you want to take it a step further, try using a good seasoning blend instead.

The main benefit of seasoning a steak is that it can tenderize it. This happens when the salt draws out moisture from the meat, and then it gets reabsorbed into it as it cooks.

1. McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning

The McCormick brand offers a robust blend of peppers, garlic and spices that create a bold savory flavor you can see. Use it to liven up your steaks, burgers and other beef dishes as well as fresh vegetables and salads.

You can also use it as a marinade before grilling to add flavor to your grilled meats, especially if you’re using a higher fat cut of steak. Mix 1/2 teaspoon with oil and a tablespoon of soy sauce to add flavor to one pound of beef or chicken before marinating for 30 minutes to 2 hours, never more than 24 hours.

Montreal steak seasoning is a popular spice blend that you can find in many grocery stores. However, if you don’t want to buy it or don’t have it in your kitchen, there are plenty of alternatives that can offer similar flavor profiles. You can try all-purpose steak seasoning, Carne Asada steak seasoning, chili rub steak seasoning, Worcestershire sauce and coarse black pepper or herb-infused olive oil to bring robust flavor to your meals.

2. Bolner’s Steak Seasoning

A good steak seasoning blend will unlock your meat’s natural flavor and complement it beautifully. This can be done through a marinade, dry rub or simply a sprinkle of salt.

Bolner’s Steak Seasoning is one of the most popular and highly-rated options on the market. It contains the classic flavors of salt, pepper and garlic that make a steak taste amazing, but it also includes just a little spice.

It is also gluten-free, organic, kosher and MSG-free. It can be used as a dry rub or mixed with oil to help it stick to the meat.

This seasoning can be used on steaks, chicken and pork. It is a great addition to your grilled meals and adds a delicious zest to your favorite dishes. It’s a perfect mix of salt, garlic, onion and spices. It’s also a tenderizer that makes even the simplest cuts of beef tasty and juicy!

4. Jacobsen Salt Co. Steak Seasoning

Steak seasoning blends are an essential part of any steak chef’s arsenal, especially when it comes to grilling. With the right blend, you can elevate your entire meal with a bold and delicious flavor without overpowering your meat.

Jacobsen Salt Co.’s steak seasoning blend combines their artisanal salt harvested from Netarts Bay on the Oregon coast with garlic, coriander seed, paprika, fennel seed, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. It’s a great addition to any meat, fish, or vegetable dish and helps bring out the flavors in everything.

The company is also focused on sustainability and looks to give back, both through their products and in the community. They participate in Chef’s Cycle to raise money for the No Kid Hungry foundation and donate their products throughout the year. They are continually refining their processes to lower their carbon footprint and are working on ways to make plastic-free packaging for their products. For more information, visit their website.