What to Season Roast Beef With for Maximum Flavor

Roast beef is a beloved centerpiece for holiday meals and dinner parties. When seasoned correctly, it becomes incredibly moist, tender and full of flavor. The right blend of spices and herbs can take your roast beef from bland to spectacular. But with so many seasoning options available, how do you know what to use to make your roast beef next-level delicious?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best ways to season roast beef for maximum flavor. You’ll learn about the most complementary spices, herbs, salts and other ingredients to transform your roast into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Why Proper Seasoning is Key

Seasoning is absolutely critical for roast beef. The spices penetrate deep into the meat to add nuanced layers of flavor. Rubbing the roast beef with herbs, garlic, salt and pepper before cooking also helps:

• Enhance and draw out the natural beefy flavor
• Keep the meat incredibly moist and tender
• Form a tasty, caramelized crust
• Complement the richness of the beef

Roasting is a low and slow cooking method Without proper seasoning, the roast beef can turn out dry and bland Taking the time to season it correctly makes all the difference in achieving juicy, boldly-flavored results.

Best Herbs for Roast Beef

Fresh or dried herbs are a must for amplifying roast beef’s savory flavor Here are some of the best herbs to use

Rosemary – The piney, woodsy taste of rosemary perfectly complements beef. It’s a classic pairing. Use fresh rosemary sprigs or dried leaves.

Thyme – Thyme has an earthy, subtly lemony flavor that enhances roast beef wonderfully. Fresh or dried thyme both work well.

Oregano – With its zesty, faintly minty taste, oregano brightens up roast beef seasoning. Use more dried oregano than fresh for best results.

Sage – The soft herbal notes of sage pair nicely with roasts Use dried rubbed sage or chopped fresh sage leaves,

Parsley – Fresh parsley’s clean, green flavor makes a tasty finishing herb. Chop flat-leaf Italian parsley to sprinkle on before serving.

Tarragon – Licorice-like tarragon has an anise-flavored sweetness that counters roast beef’s richness.

Marjoram – Subtly sweet and lemony, marjoram can be used instead of oregano in rubs.

Chives – Grassy chives provide color and mild onion flavor as garnish.

Basil – Bold basil leaves lend a fresh tasting finishing touch to sliced roast beef.

Use a combination of herbs like rosemary, thyme and oregano to create an herbal rub. Let them infuse into the meat as it cooks for magnified flavor.

Best Spices and Seasonings

Spices are also integral for adding depth, aroma and flair to roast beef. Here are some key spices to include in rubs and marinades:

Kosher Salt – Generous amounts of kosher salt deeply season the meat and draw out juices for tenderness.

Black Pepper – Fresh cracked pepper provides an essential spicy zing. Coarsely grind it to allow the spice to penetrate.

Garlic – Garlic powder or fresh minced garlic gives a pungent, savory quality. Use granulated garlic for rubs.

Onion – Onion powder offers subtle sweetness and savor. You can also rub with diced yellow onions.

Paprika – Sweet paprika imparts an earthy red pepper flavor, color and sheen. Smoked paprika adds even more depth.

Chili Powder – A touch of chili powder brings mild heat and smokiness.

Cumin – Toasty cumin enhances southwest/Mexican-style seasoned roasts.

Coriander – Lemony coriander complements beef nicely when used sparingly.

Mustard – Dry mustard or prepared mustard in rubs adds tang. Dijon or whole grain mustards taste great in marinades.

Cinnamon – A pinch of cinnamon enhances roasts with subtle spicy sweetness.

Allspice – Hinting of cinnamon, clove and peppercorn, allspice brings warmth to rubs.

Cloves – Very sparingly use fragrant cloves which have a strong flavor.

Nutmeg – A tiny bit of nutmeg can add holiday spice flavor. Too much overpowers.

Cocoa – Unsweetened cocoa powder subtly deepens flavor in small amounts.

Coffee – Fresh ground coffee beans lend roast beef an earthy richness.

Use spices judiciously, as some like cloves and nutmeg become overpowering. Find your favorite blend through experimenting.

Oil, Butter and Acid for Moisture

Adding some fat and acidity helps roast beef stay tender and moist:

• Olive Oil – Brushes on evenly and penetrates deep into the meat. Use extra virgin for the best flavor.

• Butter – Softens the meat and browns beautifully. Baste the roast with melted butter as it cooks.

• Beef Drippings – For the richest taste, baste the roast with drippings from the pan as it cooks.

• Lemons – Fresh lemon juice brightens up marinades. Grated zest also boosts citrus flavor.

• Vinegar – Small splashes of red wine, sherry or cider vinegars enhance and tenderize.

• Worcestershire Sauce – This savory sauce adds moisture and depth of flavor.

• Mustard – Prepared mustard contributes tangy wetness when rubbed on the roast.

Simple Roast Beef Rub Recipes

Now that you know the best individual ingredients to use, here are some simple seasoning blends that make fantastic all-purpose roast beef rubs:

Herb Crusted Roast Beef Rub

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp cracked black pepper

Garlic Pepper Roast Beef Rub

• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 2 tbsp crushed black peppercorns
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Southwest Inspired Roast Beef Rub

• 1 1/2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Combine the dry ingredients first in a small bowl, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while mixing to form a wet paste-like rub. Coat the entire roast evenly with the seasoning mixture for the best flavor infusion.

Let the seasoned roast sit for 15-30 minutes before roasting for maximum penetration. The rub will form a flavorful crust as the beef cooks. Sprinkle extra salt, pepper and herbs on top when serving for a final touch of flavor.

Marinating for Extra Juicy Roast Beef

For intensely seasoned roast beef all the way through, try marinating it before cooking. The acidic marinade tenderizes the meat and infuses it with lots of extra taste.

Good marinades for roast beef have an oil, acid and flavoring components. Try marinating for 2-8 hours in the fridge, turning occasionally. Bring the roast to room temperature before cooking for even cooking.

Here are some simple, tasty marinades that impart fabulous flavor:

Red Wine Marinade

• 1 cup red wine
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1⁄2 tsp black pepper

Teriyaki Roast Beef Marinade

• 1⁄2 cup soy sauce
• 1⁄3 cup honey
• 1⁄4 cup rice vinegar
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1⁄4 tsp red pepper flakes

Garlic Herb Marinade

• 1⁄2 cup olive oil
• 1⁄4 cup lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1⁄2 tsp black pepper

How to Tell When Roast Beef is Done

Use an instant-read meat thermometer to test the thickest part of the roast to determine doneness:

• Rare: 120-125°F (center is bright red)
• Medium Rare: 130-135°F (center is pink)
• Medium: 140-145°F (center is light pink)
• Well Done: 155°F and above (center is brown-gray)

For the most tender and juicy results, pull the roast at least 5°F below your target temperature. It will continue cooking and the temp will rise as it rests before carving.

Let the roast rest for 10-15 minutes tented loosely in foil before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly. Always slice roast beef across the grain for the most tender texture.

Incredible Roast Beef Starts with Seasoning

With the right blend of herbs, spices, salt, pepper and oil, you can transform an ordinary roast into a mouthwatering culinary masterpiece. Season boldly and use fresh, quality ingredients for the best flavors.

Experiment with different spice combinations to discover your roast beef seasoning signature that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Your holiday table or dinner guests will be wowed by your perfectly seasoned, outrageously delicious roast beef.