If you’re looking for a way to add some flavor to your steak, look no further than this steak rub recipe. This rub is packed with personality, thanks to a blend of paprika, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. It’s perfect for those who like their steak with a little bit of a kick.
Homemade seasoning can take your steak to the next level. Whether you’re smoking or grilling your steak, this rub will add incredible flavor that can be paired with a huge variety of side dishes to complement the taste.
This steak rub recipe is simple yet incredible. With only a few ingredients, the result will be a herby, salty mixture that pairs perfectly with any cut of steak. This recipe does make enough for around 2 lbs of meat if you’re generously seasoning your steaks.
Best of all, it only takes a few minutes to prepare. Just mix together the spices and rub them onto your steak before cooking. You’ll be sure to impress your dinner guests with this flavorful dish.
How To Properly Season Steak
The proper seasoning technique can make all the difference when it comes to creating a delicious and flavorful steak. 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: Gather Ingredients
Before you start preparing your steak rub, make sure that you have all of the ingredients listed in the recipe.
The ingredients for this steak rub are kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Make sure that you have the correct amounts of each ingredient and that they are properly measured. Having everything prepared and organized beforehand can help make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
This batch provides the right amount for approximately 2 lbs of meat. If you want to store your rub for later use, scale your measurement sizes appropriately.
Step 2: Combine & Mix
Combine all of your ingredients together in a mixing bowl & mix thoroughly until fully combined. Mixing the ingredients well ensures that the seasoning will be evenly distributed on the steak.
You can use a whisk or fork to mix the ingredients together, or simply shake them up in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Step 3: Prepare the Steak
Before applying the rub to your steak, it’s important to ensure it is properly prepared. Make sure the steak is dry, and if it’s been in the refrigerator, take it out 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. This will help it cook evenly.
Step 4: Apply the Rub
With your steak prepared, it’s time to apply the rub. Take a generous amount of the steak rub mix and sprinkle it all over the surface of the steak. Use your hands to gently massage the rub into the steak, making sure to cover all sides of the meat evenly. This will help create a delicious crust on the outside of the steak while infusing the rub’s flavors throughout the meat.
Step 5: Let the Steak Sit
After applying the rub, it’s important to let the steak sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors in the rub to fully penetrate the steak, resulting in a more flavorful and delicious final product. You can also leave the rub on the steak for longer, such as overnight if you want an even more intense flavor.
Step 6: Grill Steak
While your steak is resting, preheat your grill according to the recipe you’re following. Once your grill is preheated, it’s time to cook the steak!
Be sure to pay close attention to the internal temperature using your meat thermometer so you don’t overcook your steak. In our opinion, the perfect steak is done around 140F, which is medium rare.
Step 7: 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 into an airtight container or spice 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, cooking the perfect steak can be a challenge.
But fear not, because we’ve put together a list of steak grilling recipes to help you get the job done. Whether you’re making a filet mignon, a New York strip, or a sirloin 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 Top Sirloin Steak Recipe
- Cowboy Steak Recipe
- Smoked Steak Recipe
- New York Strip Recipe
- Smoked Ribeye Steak Recipe
More Homemade Steak Seasoning Recipes
If you want to try your hand at another steak seasoning recipe, 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 brown sugar or chili powder, we’ve got a spice blend for you!
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 kosher salt
- 2 tbsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp dried rosemary
Instructions
- First, gather all of your ingredients and make sure they are properly measured.
- In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
- Once you have mixed all of the ingredients together, take the steak you want to season and make sure it is dry.
- Rub the steak with the seasoning mix, making sure to cover all sides evenly.
- Let the steak sit for at least 30 minutes before grilling it on your pellet smoker.
Steak Rub Recipe FAQs
What Is The Best Steak Rub?
Some backyard enthusiasts say that salt and pepper are all you need for the perfect flame-grilled steak. However, we love using this simple steak rub instead, comprising of salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
What’s The Best Way To Season Steak?
We recommend applying a generous amount of seasoning to all sides of the steak and refrigerating it for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the flavors to melt into the meat.
How Do I Store Homemade Steak Rub?
Homemade steak rub should last around six months when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If you have a silica packet, add it to your rub to ensure moisture stays out.
Can I use this steak rub on other meats besides steak?
Absolutely! This steak rub can be used on other meats, such as pork or chicken, to add flavor and enhance the taste.
Should I marinate the steak before applying the rub?
No, marinating is not necessary when using a steak rub. Simply apply the rub directly onto the surface of the meat for maximum flavor. Some people likes to use olive oil during marinate.
How long should I let the steak rest after applying the rub?
For best results, let the steak rest for about 30 minutes after applying the rub. This allows the seasoning to fully penetrate the meat and enhances the flavor.
Can I cook steak in an oven instead of on the grill?
Yes, you can cook the steak in the oven using the same rub. Simply preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the steak until it reaches your desired level of doneness.