Just in time for grilling season! This Brown Sugar Steak Rub is the perfect way to add flavor to your steak without any fuss. The mix of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder gives the steak a delicious crust that locks in all the juices.
This brown sugar rub is the perfect way to add a little sweetness to your steak. The brown sugar helps to caramelize the meat, while the other spices add a depth of flavor. This rub can be used on any type of steak, but it pairs especially well with ribeye or sirloin.
To make this brown sugar rub, simply mix together all of the ingredients and then rub it onto your steak. Let the steak sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking, so that the flavors can really penetrate the meat. When you’re ready to cook, simply grill or broil the steak to your desired level of doneness. Enjoy!
How To Properly Season Steak
The proper seasoning technique can make all the difference when it comes to creating delicious and flavorful brown sugar steaks. While it may seem like a simple task, there are a few best practices that can help take your steak to the next level. Here are some tips for how to season a steak properly.
Season Thick Meats Generously
When it comes to seasoning a steak, it’s important to be generous, especially if you’re cooking a thick cut of meat. The thickness of the meat means that it needs more seasoning to fully penetrate the steak and enhance the flavor. So, don’t be afraid to add more seasoning than you might think is necessary.
Use The Palm of Your Hand
Simply sprinkling seasoning onto the surface of the steak won’t be enough to ensure even distribution. To make sure the seasoning reaches all parts of the steak, use the palm of your hand to press the seasoning into the meat. This will help the seasoning adhere to the steak and distribute evenly throughout.
Don’t Rub!
While it may seem intuitive to rub the seasoning into the steak, this can actually cause the rub to clump up and result in uneven seasoning. Instead, use the palm of your hand to press the seasoning into the steak as mentioned in tip 2. This gentle pressing motion will ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed and adhered to the meat.
How To Make This Steak Dry Rub Recipe
Step 1: Mixing the Spice Rub
Begin by mixing together the brown sugar, salt, black pepper, chili powder, paprika, and ground chipotle powder in a small bowl. Make sure to stir the mixture well, so all of the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the rub. This blend of spices will create a sweet and smoky flavor profile that will complement the natural taste of the steak.
Step 2: Pat the Steak Dry
After you’ve prepared the spice rub, it’s time to get the steak ready. Start by using paper towels to pat the steaks dry on both sides. This will remove any excess moisture from the surface of the steak, which will help the rub to stick better.
Step 3: Rub the Spice Blend onto the Steak
Once your steak is dry, take a small handful of the spice rub and generously apply it to both sides of the steak. Use your hands to press the rub into the meat, making sure it’s fully coated. This will create a nice crust on the outside of the steak and infuse the flavors into the meat.
Step 4: Let the Steak Sit
After applying the rub, let the steak sit for at least 30 minutes before placing it on the pellet smoker. This will allow the flavors to permeate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful steak.
Step 5: Cooking the Steak
Now that your steak has been rubbed and has rested for a bit, it’s time to get it on the pellet smoker. Cook the steak until it reaches your desired doneness. Remember to use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature. We recommend aiming for a medium rare steak of 140F.
Step 6: Store Remaining Steak Dry Rub Seasoning
If you want to keep all or part of your rub for later use, use a funnel to pour your seasoning mix into an airtight glass jar.
If you have a silica anti-moisture pack, place this inside the container to keep the rub fresher for longer. Store your container in a cool, dry place, and your rub can last for months.
The Best Steak Recipes
If you’re a meat lover, there’s nothing quite like a perfectly grilled steak. Whether you prefer your steak rare, medium, or well-done, grilling steaks to perfection takes some skill.
We’ve put together a list of recipes that will help you make tender, juicy steaks every time. Whether you’re making a filet mignon, a New York strip steak, or a skirt steak, we’ve got you covered. We even have a recipe for an unbelievable cowboy steak that you don’t want to miss!
So, fire up the grill, get your meat ready, and let’s get started on learning how to cook a steak to perfection!
- Smoked Hanger Steak Recipe
- Smoked Skirt Steak Recipe
- Smoked Top Sirloin Steak Recipe
- Cowboy Steak Recipe
- New York Strip Recipe
- Smoked Ribeye Steak Recipe
More Homemade Steak Seasoning Recipes
If a brown sugar rub recipe isn’t what you’re looking for, give one of these a try!
We’ve got all kinds of recipes for different spice blends and steak rubs. Whether you want a more spicy flavor or want to experiment with other seasonings like coffee grinds or red pepper flakes, we’ve got a spice blend for you!
Brown Sugar Steak Rub Recipe
Equipment
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
- Funnel (optional – if storing)
- Airtight Container (optional – if storing)
- Anti-Moisture Silica Packet (optional – if storing)
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 Â tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 Â tsp fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 Â tsp paprika
- 1 Â tsp ground chipotle powder
Instructions
- Start by mixing together the spice rub ingredients in a small bowl. Stir the mixture together until it's well combined.
- Once you have mixed all of the ingredients together, take the steaks and pat them dry.
- Generously rub the spice blend onto both sides of the steak, making sure to press the rub into the meat with the palm of your hand to ensure even coverage.
- Let the steak sit with the rub on for at least 30 minutes before placing it on the pellet smoker.
- Cook and enjoy your brown sugar-rubbed steak!
Brown Sugar Steak Rub Recipe FAQs
What is a brown sugar steak rub?
A brown sugar steak rub is a combination of spices, including brown sugar, salt, black pepper, chili powder, paprika, and ground chipotle powder, that is used to season steaks before cooking them on a pellet smoker.
How do I make a brown sugar steak rub?
To make a brown sugar steak rub, simply mix together the spices in a small bowl until well combined, then rub the mixture onto both sides of the steak.
How long should I let the brown sugar steak rub sit on the steak?
It’s recommended to let the brown sugar steak rub sit on the steak for at least 30 minutes before placing it on the pellet smoker or cast iron skillet.
Can I use a brown sugar steak rub on other meats?
Yes, you can use a brown sugar steak rub on other meats, such as chicken or pork.
Can I adjust the amount of spices in this brown sugar steak rub?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of spices in the brown sugar steak rub to suit your taste preferences.
How Do I Know When The Steak Is Done Cooking?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be 135-140°F.
Can I store any leftover brown sugar steak rub?
Yes, you can store any leftover brown sugar steak rub in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to six months.