We’ve tried so many steak seasonings over the years, but this one? It hits just right. We’ve tested, tweaked, and tasted until we got it real close to what you get at Golden Corral. You can trust us-this recipe works and it tastes amazing.
The Golden Corral steak seasoning recipe is a simple mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. It creates a bold, balanced flavor that enhances the meat without overpowering it.
Wanna know how to make it at home? We’ll show you the exact mix, how to use it, and even give you tips for making your steak taste like it came from a restaurant.
What Makes This Golden Corral Steak Seasoning So Delicious?
What makes this Golden Corral steak seasoning so delicious is its perfectly balanced blend of savory herbs, smoky paprika, and bold aromatics.
Toasting the spices deepens their flavor, while ingredients like garlic, onion, and cracked pepper create a rich, steakhouse-style profile that enhances everything from beef to chicken and veggies.
Ingredients Required for Golden Corral Steak Seasoning Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Golden Corral Steak Seasoning
- ¼ cup kosher salt (optional for low-sodium diets)
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons granulated garlic (roasted, if available)
- 2 tablespoons granulated onion
- 1 tablespoon ground rosemary (ground is key-no chewing on twigs!)
- 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste or omit)
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon ground celery seed
- 1 tablespoon ground marjoram
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Measuring spoons and cups
- A small mixing bowl
- A clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid (for storage)
- A spoon or small whisk for mixing
- Optional: Funnel (for transferring into the jar)
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: None
Recipe for Golden Corral Steak Seasoning
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Golden Corral Steak Seasoning at home
1. Measure All Ingredients
Start by measuring out each spice and herb into a small mixing bowl. Make sure your spices are fresh for the best flavor-they should be fragrant and vibrant in color.
2. Optional: Toast the Spice Blend
This step is optional but highly recommended. Pour the blended spices into a dry nonstick skillet or sauté pan set over medium-low heat. Stir constantly for about 2–3 minutes, just until the mixture becomes noticeably fragrant.
What you’re doing here is “waking up” the oils inside the dried spices-this intensifies their aroma and brings a slightly smoky depth to the final seasoning. It’s a small, extra step that adds a big boost of flavor.
3.Cool and Mix Thoroughly
If you’ve toasted the blend, let it cool slightly. Then, return the spices to your mixing bowl (if needed) and stir everything together thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
4.Store Properly
Transfer the seasoning into a clean, dry glass jar. Seal it tightly and store in a cool, dark pantry. The blend will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 6 months.
5. Use Generously
Sprinkle liberally on steaks, pork, or chicken before grilling, pan-searing, or roasting. It also adds a delicious twist to roasted vegetables, potatoes, and even homemade fries.
Check another recipe from Golden Corral, called Golden Corral Broccoli Salad Recipe
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Golden Corral Steak Seasoning
1. Classic Grilled Steaks
Let’s start with the obvious-this seasoning shines on a thick-cut ribeye or New York strip. We’ve rubbed it generously on both sides, let it rest for 20 minutes, then grilled to perfection. The smoky paprika and cracked pepper create the most mouthwatering crust. It’s always a hit at cookouts!
2. Iron Skillet Minute Steaks
This one’s close to our hearts because it’s coming up in our next video! We sear minute steaks in a screaming hot cast iron skillet, seasoned liberally with our blend. Quick, flavorful, and perfect for weeknights when time is tight but you still want something hearty.
3. Warm Steak Salad with Sautéed Veggies
Oh, this one is next-level. Thinly slice your cooked steak (with that gorgeous seasoning crust), then toss it into a warm salad with sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, a handful of arugula or spinach, and crumbled feta. Drizzle with balsamic glaze. Chef’s kiss.
4. Roasted Potatoes
Toss baby potatoes with olive oil and a good sprinkle of the seasoning, then roast until crispy. We’ve done this countless times, and every single time someone asks what makes them so flavorful. It’s the blend, of course!
5. Oven-Roasted Chicken Thighs
This seasoning isn’t just for red meat-it’s absolutely incredible on bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Roast them at high heat until the skin is golden and crispy. The herbs and spices soak into the chicken and make every bite sing.
6. Steakhouse Burgers
Mix a tablespoon or two of the seasoning right into your ground beef before shaping your patties. It adds depth, a hint of smoke, and that irresistible steakhouse flavor. We’ve even topped ours with sautéed onions and blue cheese for a total flavor bomb.
7. Grilled Veggie Skewers
Zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, mushrooms-brush with oil, sprinkle with the blend, and grill until charred and tender. We’ve found this is a great way to add punchy flavor to veggies, especially for those picky eaters in the family.
8. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Toss your fries with a little oil and our seasoning before baking. The mix of sweet paprika and savory herbs plays beautifully with the natural sweetness of the potatoes. We serve these as a side with grilled steak or burgers all the time.
9. Pork Tenderloin Roast
We’ve rubbed down a whole pork tenderloin with the blend, seared it on the stovetop, and finished it in the oven. It’s juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Serve with mashed potatoes and roasted carrots for a real comfort meal.
10. Stirred into Compound Butter
This is one of our secret weapons-mix a couple teaspoons of the seasoning into softened butter, roll it into a log, and chill. Then slice and melt it over hot steaks, corn on the cob, or baked potatoes. It adds instant restaurant-style flavor. We always keep a roll in the freezer.
Some Tips on This Golden Corral Steak Seasoning Recipe
1. Measure everything first.
I like to set out all my spices before I start. It helps me stay organized and not forget anything!
2. Use fresh spices if you can.
If your spices have been sitting in the cabinet for years, they might not taste very strong. I learned that the hard way!
3. Try toasting the spices.
Just warm them up in a dry pan for a few minutes. When you start to smell that yummy smell, it’s ready. It makes a big difference- I promise!
4. Be careful with the heat.
Don’t turn the stove up too high when toasting. I’ve burned spices before, and it’s not fun. Low and slow is best.
5. Cool it down before storing.
After toasting, let the spice mix cool off a little before putting it in the jar. If it’s warm, it might get clumpy inside.
6. Use a funnel to help pour.
Pouring spices into a jar can get messy. I like to use a little funnel, or even a rolled-up piece of paper to help.
7. Taste and adjust the heat.
If you don’t like things too spicy, it’s okay to use less red pepper flakes. I do that sometimes depending on who I’m cooking for.
8. Store it in a tight jar.
I always use a clean jar with a lid that fits tight. It keeps the seasoning fresh and full of flavor.
9. Label your jar!
I once grabbed this thinking it was taco seasoning- oops! Now I always write the name and date on a piece of tape and stick it on.
10. Don’t be afraid to use it!
This seasoning isn’t just for steak. I put it on chicken, pork, potatoes-you name it. It’s tasty on almost everything!
Storage Guide Instructions for Golden Corral Steak Seasoning
Store the seasoning in an airtight glass jar or spice container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 6 months. For best results, avoid storing it near the stove or other heat sources, which can cause spices to lose their potency faster.
Golden Corral Steak Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup kosher salt optional for low-sodium diets
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons granulated garlic roasted, if available
- 2 tablespoons granulated onion
- 1 tablespoon ground rosemary ground is key-no chewing on twigs!
- 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes adjust to taste or omit
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon ground celery seed
- 1 tablespoon ground marjoram
Instructions
- Start by measuring out each spice and herb into a small mixing bowl. Make sure your spices are fresh for the best flavor-they should be fragrant and vibrant in color.
- This step is optional but highly recommended. Pour the blended spices into a dry nonstick skillet or sauté pan set over medium-low heat. Stir constantly for about 2–3 minutes, just until the mixture becomes noticeably fragrant.What you’re doing here is “waking up” the oils inside the dried spices-this intensifies their aroma and brings a slightly smoky depth to the final seasoning. It’s a small, extra step that adds a big boost of flavor.
- If you’ve toasted the blend, let it cool slightly. Then, return the spices to your mixing bowl (if needed) and stir everything together thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Transfer the seasoning into a clean, dry glass jar. Seal it tightly and store in a cool, dark pantry. The blend will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 6 months.
- Sprinkle liberally on steaks, pork, or chicken before grilling, pan-searing, or roasting. It also adds a delicious twist to roasted vegetables, potatoes, and even homemade fries.
Video
Notes
Common Queries on This Golden Corral Steak Seasoning Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Golden Corral Steak Seasoning that people often ask.
1. What do steakhouses season their steaks with?
In our experience, most steakhouses keep it simple but impactful: salt, cracked black pepper, and garlic powder are the holy trinity. Some go a step further with onion powder, paprika, and a touch of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. The key is balance- you want to enhance the steak’s flavor, not mask it. Our homemade Golden Corral-inspired blend hits all those classic notes with just the right amount of boldness.
2. What are the ingredients in steak seasoning?
A good steak seasoning blend typically includes salt, garlic, onion, black pepper, and paprika-both sweet and smoked if you like depth. Ours takes it a step further with rosemary, thyme, coriander, marjoram, celery seed, and a little red pepper for kick. Every ingredient plays a role, and we’ve fine-tuned this recipe to bring you maximum flavor without overpowering the meat.
3. What is the secret ingredient for tender steak?
Honestly, it’s less about the seasoning and more about the technique-but if we had to name one trick from our kitchen: resting time. Letting the steak rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it tender and juicy. As for the seasoning, ground rosemary is our sleeper hit-it adds flavor without that twiggy texture, and really brings that steakhouse aroma home.
4. What kind of steak does Golden Corral cook?
From our understanding, Golden Corral typically serves sirloin steaks, especially during their dinner service. They’re budget-friendly but full of flavor-just right for a buffet-style setting. That’s why our seasoning blend is designed to enhance leaner cuts like sirloin or even chuck steak, giving them that rich, steakhouse taste every time.
5. Can I make this seasoning blend salt-free?
Yes, absolutely. We’ve done it many times for friends and family on low-sodium diets. Just leave out the salt and season your meat separately to taste. The blend still brings plenty of flavor on its own.
6. Can I use this steak seasoning on other meats?
Definitely. We’ve tried it on pork chops, grilled chicken thighs, even roasted vegetables-it holds up beautifully. It’s a true all-purpose savory blend. Just adjust the quantity based on what you’re seasoning.
7. How long will this seasoning blend last?
If you store it in a cool, dark pantry in an airtight jar, it should stay fresh for up to 6 months. We recommend labeling the jar with the date you made it-although truthfully, we go through a batch way sooner than that!
8. Do I need to toast the spices?
Toasting isn’t required, but we highly recommend it. We’ve done side-by-side comparisons, and the toasted version has a deeper aroma and richer flavor. It only takes a couple of minutes in a dry pan, and it makes a noticeable difference.
9. Can I double or triple this recipe?
Yes! We’ve scaled it up many times, especially before summer grilling season. Just make sure to mix it very well and store it in a tightly sealed container. A mason jar works great.
10. What if I don’t have smoked paprika or roasted garlic?
No worries. Regular paprika and granulated garlic will work just fine-we’ve made it both ways. The smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness, and roasted garlic brings depth, but your blend will still taste fantastic without them.
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