This recipe for a simple steak seasoning is really easy and quick to prepare using ingredients that almost everyone has in their kitchen. All you need is just 4 simple ingredients and you can add some really great flavors to your favorite piece of steak. Fresh ingredients really enhance the flavors of a good steak. Enjoy the best seasoned steak made by you!
It’s no secret that we love our meat, especially steak when we can get our hands on it.
Over the years, I have come up with many different recipes and ways to cook the perfect piece of steak.
While I find that keeping seasoning and marinades simple is best (especially when using a nice cut of meat. Sometimes, salt is all you need!), I have been able to come up with a tasty yet simple steak seasoning to make any time you want to give your meat a boost of flavor.
How We Use Steak Seasonings In Mexico
“Recado” (or “Recaudo” in some areas) is the name given to the different seasoning mixes used to add flavor to stews, meats, poultry, and fish.
In the southern states of Mexico, like in the State of Yucatan, the recados are usually sold at the markets, with some of them made for specific purposes. “Recado Rojo”, for example, is used to make the famous "Cochinita Pibil”, and includes (among other things):
- Achiote/Annatto seeds
- Cloves
- Allspice
- Cumin
- Oregano (from Yucatan)
- Garlic
This is all diluted down with Seville orange juice! I've made it myself when I make Cochinita Pibil, and it's very good. It's also really easy to make!
Popular Types of Mexican Seasonings
Here are some of the many seasonings that can also be found in that part of the country:
- White Seasoning (Recado Blanco): White seasoning is used for dishes like beef stew.
- Recado de Bistec: A standard steak seasoning.
- Recado the Toda Clase: This is a mix that is used as a base for making other seasonings, although it can be used as a seasoning by itself.
- Black Seasoning (Recado Negro): Some of the ingredients in this mix have been roasted until they’re completely black to give this seasoning its dark color.
All of these seasonings are diluted in either water, orange juice, or vinegar, depending on the use.
In other parts of the country, “recado” is the name cooks give to the mix they prepare with tomato, garlic, and onion. They mix them with some water in a mortar or blender and can use red tomatoes or green tomatillos. The amount of water will depend on what you are using it for.
Today’s simple steak seasoning recipe is one of the easiest ways to season a steak, ground beef, or pork chop. This method is used by many cooks in Mexico, including my mama!
It’s a humble combination of black pepper and garlic that will totally enhance the flavors of your meat. I know many of you may already use a mix of powdered pepper and garlic, but if you try this simple fresh version, I’m sure you’ll like it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Recado
Before I share my seasoning recipe, here are a few questions I've been asked about homemade steak seasoning.
Should I add the steak seasoning before or after?
You definitely want to add the garlic and black peppercorn paste to the steak before cooking the meat. Cooking it first allows the seasoning to read melt into the steak and give it some amazing flavor. It also cooks out some of that raw garlic flavor.
Can I make this steak seasoning spicy?
Yes! There are a few different ways to do that, though I do want to note that the garlic and black peppercorns already give it a strong flavor with a bit of a kick to it. You can add in some fresh red pepper flakes when blending or you can add some serrano or jalapeno peppers to the mix.
Can I add any fresh herbs?
I sometimes like to change things up and add in some cilantro and parsley to give it that fresh pop of flavor the herbs can give it.
Easy Mexican Steak Seasoning
It’s so easy to make this recado to season your steak. Here is everything you will need:
- Garlic cloves
- Black peppercorns
- Water
- Salt
Please note: For exact measurements of the ingredients listed above, scroll down to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post!
Cooking Tip:- This amount will be enough to season 1 ½ pounds of meat.
How To Make Steak Seasoning: 2 Different Ways
Now, to make this simple steak seasoning, there are 2 ways to do it. You can use a mortar or throw everything into a blender. It's up to you!
If Using A Mortar:
- Grind the peppercorns first until you have a fine powder.
- Add the garlic one by one and grind until you have a fine paste.
- Add water to dilute the paste.
- Season your steak with this mixture along with salt.
If Using A Blender:
- Place the garlic, peppercorns, and water into the blender and process until you have a fine paste.
How To Season and Cook The Steak
Once you have made this easy Mexican steak seasoning, use it to coat the meat Season the meat.
Place the meat in a large frying pan where you’ve already heated 1 ½ tablespoon of oil. Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the meat.
Serve and enjoy! Trust me- it's amazing!
More Authentic Mexican Recipes To Enjoy
If you enjoyed this recipe for recado, take a look at some of these other authentic Mexican recipes:
I hope you make this Mexican steak seasoning! If this recipe was of any help to you, come back to let me know your experience. Please leave us a comment done below and tell us all about it!
¡Buen provecho!
Mely
📖 Recipe
Simple Steak Seasoning (Mexican Recipe)
Ingredients
- 2 large garlic cloves or 3 small peeled
- 10 black peppercorns if you like pepper a lot, you can add a few more peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons water
- 0.25 teaspoon salt to season
Instructions
- If using a mortar, grind the peppercorns first until you have a fine powder. Add the garlic one by one and grind until you have a fine paste. Add water to dilute the paste. Season your steak with this mixture along with salt.
- If using a blender: place the garlic, peppercorns, and water into the blender and process until you have a fine paste.
- Season the meat and cook in a large frying pan where you’ve already heated 1 ½ Tablespoons of oil. Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the meat.
Notes
- I used T-bone steaks about ½ thick, the guy at the Latin Store told me they call them “Chuletas”, but they don’t look the same type of cut than in Mexico. Anyway, the seasoning work with any type of beef or pork cut.
- If you don’t have a mortar, use your blender.
Mike
For Chuletas we always use pork chops
Bridget
I would like a great taco seasoning for chicken. All the recipes I've tried are so bland. Please help!
mmartinez
Hello Bridget,
I use this same seasoning for pork chops, and chicken. Maybe adding a little bit of cumin for the chicken if you want.
Anonymous
Marinated 1 rib eye and 1 new york strip. Wow! Then cooked on smoker. Thanks!