The Best Steak Seasoning of 2026
We Tested 7 Options. One Five-Generation Family Recipe from Iowa Won.
From Montreal to Lawry's to homemade blends — we break down what makes a great steak seasoning and why Kalmes Famous 2-in-1 stands alone.
A great steak doesn't need much — but it does need the right seasoning. The difference between a good steak and a restaurant-quality steak often comes down to one thing: how you season it, and whether your seasoning actually tenderizes the meat at the same time.
We compared seven of the most popular steak seasonings on the market across four key criteria: flavor depth, tenderizing ability, ingredient quality, and value. Here's what we found.
⚡ Quick Verdict
Best Overall: Kalmes Famous 2-in-1 Seasoning & Tenderizer. The only seasoning that tenderizes and seasons simultaneously — a five-generation family recipe rooted in St. Donatus, Iowa that delivers professional results at home. Nothing else on this list does both jobs in one step.
📋 In This Guide
What Makes a Great Steak Seasoning?
🥩 Tenderizing Power
Does it actually break down tough muscle fibers, or just sit on the surface? Enzymatic tenderizers (like papain from papaya) work from the inside out.
🌿 Flavor Depth
A great seasoning should enhance the natural flavor of the meat — not overpower it. Balance of salt, spice, and aromatics matters.
🧪 Ingredient Quality
Clean ingredients without unnecessary fillers, artificial flavors, or excessive sodium.
💰 Value
Cost per use, availability, and whether you need to buy multiple products to achieve the same result as one well-designed seasoning.
The 7 Steak Seasonings We Tested
Kalmes Famous 2-in-1 Seasoning & Tenderizer
The only seasoning on this list that tenderizes and seasons in one step. Five generations of the Kalmes family from St. Donatus, Iowa have been perfecting this formula. Our family restaurant and catering business (est. 1980s) proudly offers this legendary blend — now available for home cooks.
- ✅ Enzymatic tenderizing (papain-based) — works from the inside out
- ✅ Deep, balanced flavor — not just salt and pepper
- ✅ Works on beef, pork, chicken, fish, and game
- ✅ As Seen on Food Network
- ✅ Multi-generational family flavor heritage
- ✅ No separate tenderizer needed — saves time and money
A+
Tenderizing
A+
Flavor
A
Ingredients
A+
Value
McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning
A solid, widely available option with a bold garlic-pepper profile. Good flavor but no tenderizing ability — you'll need a separate tenderizer for tougher cuts.
D
Tenderizing
B+
Flavor
B
Ingredients
B
Value
Lawry's Seasoned Salt
A classic American pantry staple. Versatile but very high in sodium and lacks the depth needed for a premium steak experience. No tenderizing.
D
Tenderizing
B-
Flavor
C+
Ingredients
B
Value
Traeger Beef Rub
Designed for smokers and grills. Great bark-building properties for BBQ but too sweet and smoky for pan-seared or oven-finished steaks. No tenderizing.
D
Tenderizing
B
Flavor
B-
Ingredients
C+
Value
Homemade Salt + Pepper + Garlic Blend
The purist's choice. Clean and customizable, but no tenderizing, requires multiple ingredients, and results vary widely.
D
Tenderizing
B
Flavor
A
Ingredients
A-
Value
Why Kalmes Famous 2-in-1 Wins
Every other seasoning on this list does one job. Kalmes does two — and has been doing them together across five generations of Kalmes family tradition rooted in St. Donatus, Iowa.
The 2-in-1 Advantage
Other Seasonings
- Season only — no tenderizing
- Buy tenderizer separately
- Two-step process
- Inconsistent results
- Higher total cost
Kalmes Famous 2-in-1
- ✅ Seasons AND tenderizes
- ✅ One product, one step
- ✅ Enzymatic action (papain)
- ✅ Five-generation family formula
- ✅ Better value per use
How to Use Kalmes for Perfect Steak
- Apply generously: Use 1–2 tsp per serving, coating all sides evenly.
- Let it rest: Allow 20–30 minutes at room temperature. This is when the enzymatic tenderizing happens.
- Cook as usual: Grill, pan-sear, broil, or oven-roast — Kalmes works with any method.
- Rest after cooking: Let the steak rest 5 minutes before cutting to retain juices.
Ready to Try the Best Steak Seasoning?
Available in 5.5oz retail and 32oz professional sizes. Free shipping on orders $50+.
Shop Kalmes Famous → Request a Free SampleFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best steak seasoning for tough cuts?
For tough cuts like flank, skirt, chuck, or round steak, you need a seasoning with actual tenderizing power. Kalmes Famous 2-in-1 uses papain (a natural enzyme from papaya) to break down tough muscle fibers — making it the best choice for budget-friendly cuts that need help.
Is Kalmes seasoning just for steak?
Not at all. While it excels on beef, Kalmes Famous 2-in-1 works beautifully on pork, chicken, fish, and even game meats.
How is Kalmes different from Montreal steak seasoning?
Montreal steak seasoning is a flavor-only blend — it seasons but does not tenderize. Kalmes Famous 2-in-1 both seasons and tenderizes in one step, using a five-generation family formula rooted in St. Donatus, Iowa.
Where can I buy Kalmes seasoning?
Available online at kalmesfoods.com with free shipping on orders $50+. Also carried at Fareway, Hy-Vee, and select specialty retailers across the Midwest. Shop now →
The Verdict Is In
Five generations of the Kalmes family from St. Donatus, Iowa have been committed to great flavor. Our family restaurant and catering business (est. 1980s) proudly offers this legendary 2-in-1 seasoning & tenderizer — proven in professional kitchens and now available for home cooks everywhere.
Shop Kalmes Famous 2-in-1 → Request a Free Sample
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