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
Step 2: Pat the Steak Dry
Step 3: Rub the Spice Blend onto the Steak
Step 4: Let the Steak Sit
Step 5: Cooking the Steak
Step 6: Store Remaining Steak Dry Rub Seasoning
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!