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The Best Herbs for Steak and How to use Them

Discover the art of enhancing your steak with the perfect herbs. Elevate flavor with our expert tips on selecting and pairing herbs for a culinary masterpiece.

What restaurant quality steak? No matter the cut of steak, herbs are the secret to flavorful steak recipes.

Whether you’re using fresh or creating a dry steak rub, choosing the right herbs is key in order to maximize their taste potential. 

From rosemary to thyme and everything in between, there are tons of herbs that can take your steak from boring to mouthwatering. 

There are a wide variety of herbs that can be used when cooking steak and each offers its own unique flavor profile. Depending on the type of steak you’re grilling, different herbs will work best to enhance the steak’s flavor. 

Not only do they add depth and complexity to the beef dishes, but they also provide a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the steak. We’ll explore some of our favorite herbs to season steak with and how to use them to create a delicious and memorable meal.

Get ready to elevate your steak game with these simple yet powerful additions.

steak and potatoes in the oven

What Herbs Go With Steak? 

There are several herbs that pair well with steak and can enhance its flavor. Here are some commonly used herbs for steak:

Rosemary

Rosemary is a classic herb that pairs perfectly with steak.  It’s powerful flavor makes it a great option to use in marinades, rubs, and sauces for steak dishes.

Fresh rosemary adds an earthy flavor that compliments the richness of the meat well. To use rosemary, simply chop it finely and rub it over both sides of the steak before cooking. You can also mix rosemary with garlic and olive oil to make a marinade for your steak. 

Thyme

With its light, lemony flavor, Thyme is another go-to herb that works well with the flavor of steak. It is often used in rubs or added to sauces. Thyme has a flavor that’s great for adding some zestiness to your steak dishes. 

Thyme pairs especially well with sirloin steaks, as it helps bring out the natural sweetness of the beef. To use thyme, simply sprinkle it over both sides of the steak before cooking or mix it with olive oil or butter and pour over the top of the cooked steak just before serving.  If you’re planning on using fresh thyme leaves for your rub or marinade, remember to remove them from the stem before cooking your steak. 

Oregano

Oregano is another great herb for steaks! Its earthy flavor makes it perfect for grilled meats and fresh vegetables alike. Oregano’s deep flavor also pairs nicely with acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice. Try mixing some minced oregano leaves in with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a simple marinade that will give your steaks an intense flavor boost! 

Relevant Recipes

Sage

Known for its slightly peppery flavor, Sage can add depth and complexity to steak dishes. It is often used in rubs or added to sauces. Sage’s bold flavor stands up nicely against the richness of beef and brings out subtle flavors in the meat that might otherwise go unnoticed. 

Fresh Sage leaves are especially good when mixed into a delicious compound butter that is melted over cooked steaks or rubbed directly onto steaks before grilling or roasting them. To make your own garlic herb compound butter, simply mix together softened butter with minced fresh garlic, chopped sage leaves, salt, pepper and lemon juice until fully incorporated. Then let chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.  

Parsley

Parsley is one of those versatile herbs that goes with just about anything—including steak! It has a mild flavor that won’t overpower the beef yet still adds a bright note that complements the richness of the meat. 

Try making a fresh parsley chimichurri sauce by blending parsley leaves, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic cloves, and fresh oregano together in a food processor or blender. Serve this flavorful sauce over grilled steaks for an extra kick of flavor! 

Perfect Herb Pairings for Different Cuts of Steak

Ribeye – A juicy and flavorful cut, ribeye pairs well with strong and robust herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano. These herbs can handle the boldness of the steak and complement its rich, beefy flavor.

Filet Mignon – This tender and delicate cut of steak is best paired with more subtle herbs such as chives, tarragon, and parsley. These herbs won’t overpower the steak’s natural flavor and will add a fresh and bright element to the dish.

Sirloin – A leaner cut of steak that can benefit from the addition of herbs, sirloin pairs well with herbs such as garlic, cilantro, and basil. These herbs can add a punch of flavor to the steak and complement its meaty taste.

Flank Steak – A versatile cut of steak that’s great for grilling, flank steak pairs well with herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and sage. These herbs can help to tenderize the steak and add a depth of flavor that compliments its slightly chewy texture.

NY Strip Steak – Bring out the meat’s best flavors with rosemary, thyme, sage or parsley.

steaks

No matter what cut of steak you choose, there are herbs out there that can take your meat recipes to the next level. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herb combinations to find the right one for you!

Herbs for Steak FAQs

Can you use dry herbs for steak?

While fresh herbs are optimal, dried herbs work well in marinades. Adjust quantities, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

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