Best Steak Rub Recipe

Best Steak Rub Recipe – the perfect balance of spices, easy to make and keep on hand for seasoning your steaks. Bring out the best flavor in your meat with this all-purpose steak rub!

Easy Homemade Steak Rub Recipe

Just a few simple ingredients are needed to make a super tasty homemade steak seasoning! The next time you reach for the Montreal Steak Seasoning in the grocery store, remember it’s a cinch to make it at home with basic pantry spices and save a few bucks. Just like my other Homemade Seasoning Mixes, when making your own blends you’ll also guarantee the quality of ingredients and leave behind the artificial flavors, MSG, and preservatives often found in store bought steak seasonings.

This simple blend of spices is great for seasoning any cut of beef, especially New York strips, sirloin, filet, flank, etc. It goes a long way and can easily be doubled or tripled so that you always have the perfect seasoning blend handy when the craving for a good grilled steak hits!

This simple dry rub for steak brings robust flavor without overpowering the flavor of the meat. I love using it on these Steak Kabobs and Grilled Flank Steak with Pineapple Salsa!

Ingredient Notes

• Kosher Salt – a coarse salt is best for steak dry rubs, but sea salt can also be used.
• Brown Sugar – use light or dark brown sugar for adding a hint of sweetness.
• Black Pepper – I prefer coarse ground black pepper. If you like a bit of heat in your spice rub, try adding a 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Onion Powder
• Garlic Powder
• Smoked Paprika – this is great for adding a little barbecue smokiness. If you prefer, regular paprika or chili powder works well too.
• Oregano – for a savory element (rosemary and thyme can be substituted.)

How to Make Steak Rub

1. Measure and combine all the spices in a small bowl. If desired, double or triple the recipe. Stir well.
2. Store in a spice jar or airtight container.
3. Mix before using as spices may tend to settle and clump.

How to Use Dry Rub for Steak

• Stir before use to redistribute the spices.
• Bring your steak to room temperature and pat dry with paper towels.
• Drizzle the steak with a bit of olive oil (1 teaspoon or less.)
• Generously rub the seasoning on the surface of the meat (go ahead and use your fingers for this!), seasoning both sides of the steak. Let the steak sit for at least 15-30 minutes.
• Grill, pan fry, or use an Air Fryer to cook the steak until it reaches desired doneness.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium rare steaks, aim for 135-145 degrees.

Other Uses for Dry Steak Rub

Steak Seasoning Rub isn’t just for steak! The savory blend of spices is the best dry rub for many other cuts of meat, such as pork, chicken, venison, and fish. This homemade spice blend is all-purpose mix that can even be used on roasted potatoes and veggies.

• Rub on chicken wings and cook accordingly (I love this Air Fryer method for super crispy wings!)
• Use it to season the steak cubes in this Air Fryer Steak and Potatoes recipe.
• Use to season pork chops, boneless pork loin, or pork tenderloin.
• Sprinkle on burgers before grilling.
• Season venison steaks or venison burgers.
• Try it on these Air Fryer Kabobs or Air Fryer Salmon.

FAQs

What’s the difference between steak seasoning and dry rub?

A rub is usually coarser in texture and better for penetrating the meat.

How long should a dry rub sit on meat?

A dry rub is best if it sits for at least 15 minutes to let the flavor of the spices absorb into the meat. It’s fine to let it sit for up to a few hours if desired.

Is dry rub better than marinating?

It really depends on the cut of meat. A dry rub is quicker and best for already tender cuts that don’t need a lot of extra flavoring. Marinades are great for infusing specific flavor profiles but also usually contain an acidic component which can begin to “cook” thinner cuts over time.

Do I have to use oil with a dry rub?

A dry rub can be used with or without oil. It’s not necessary to use oil but I like the extra moisture just a small amount brings to the surface of the meat, making the spices stick better.

How to Store Steak Rub Seasoning?

Keep this seasoning blend in an airtight glass jar, mason jar, or other container in a cool dry place. Stir well before each use. The steak rub will keep for several months.

More Homemade Seasoning Recipes

Smoky Dry Rub

Chili Seasoning Mix

Homemade Seasoned Salt

Blackened Seasoning

Taco & Fajita Seasoning

Greek Seasoning Blend

Homemade Seasoning Blends

 

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