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This easy, flavor-packed steak dry rub is your go-to for grilling, pan-searing, or even a Sunday roast. Just mix and use - it takes minutes!
I love grilling! Living in Florida, my grill is out nearly year-round, and I'm always using it to cook up something delicious. Porterhouse, picanha, chuck steak - you name it! When the weather's nice, there's nothing better than firing up the grill and making a perfectly seasoned steak.
Whenever I'm grilling, this is the steak seasoning I reach for. It's a dry rub I've used on everything from juicy ribeyes to chuck steaks and even ribs. Honestly, I could put it on just about anything! It's bold and savory, with just the right balance of spice and a subtle hint of sweetness.
After trying so many different rubs over the years, both homemade and store-bought, this is hands-down my favorite. I keep a jar of it ready to go in my pantry at all times. If you love grilling as much as I do, give this steak rub a try - you might never go back to the store-bought stuff again. It's that good!
Ingredients in Steak Dry Rub
| Ingredient | Notes & Substitutions |
|---|---|
| Paprika | I'm using regular paprika for this recipe. Other varieties of paprika, like hot, sweet, or smoked, will change the flavor of your rub. |
| Onion Powder | Dried minced onion will work as well. |
| Garlic Powder | Dried minced garlic will also work. |
| Sea Salt | I love using Maldon's sea salt flakes or Himalayan sea salt, but kosher salt is great, too. |
| Crushed Red Pepper | This is where the spice in this rub comes from. If you don't want any spice, you can leave it out. As an alternative, you can also use a little cayenne for spice. |
| Black Pepper | White pepper works, too. |
| Brown Sugar | You can use light or dark brown sugar - both work for this recipe. Dark brown sugar has a more molasses taste. |
Isabel's Top Tips for Making Steak Seasoning
- After mixing, this dry rub recipe will yield a cup of seasoning, perfect for using for all your grilling recipes.
- It is effortless to scale this recipe up or down - simply halve the amounts for less and double for more! I highly recommend doubling this dry rub for steaks and keeping it handy. That way, you will always have the perfect steak rub on hand.
- After grilling, melt a pat of butter on top of your steak. It will bring out the flavors of the steak and seasonings and make it extra juicy! Want to make it restaurant-quality? Use my Garlic Butter recipe! Garlic butter with this seasoning tastes unbelievably good.
- Not only does this dry rub for steak pair deliciously with any meat, but the combination of flavors it gives to the meat always pairs perfectly with your favorite BBQ side dishes, too. Give it a try on your favorite summer grilling recipes! One taste, and I know you'll want to use it for everything as I do.
- I have a little secret, this rub is amazing on salmon and chicken wings!
BBQ Steak Rub Variations
- Change the spice level. If you like your dry rub recipes on the spicier side, add a teaspoon or two more of the crushed red pepper flakes. If you like it with less spice, take a little bit out.
- Adjust the sweetness. If you like a sweet BBQ rub, you can adjust the sweetness in this spice blend by using a little more brown sugar. For less sweetness, use a little bit less brown sugar. But, I find that 2 tablespoons is the perfect level of sweetness for any BBQ recipe!
- Try my Bold Rib Rub Recipe with Brown Sugar, too!
- You'll love my Coffee Rub and Beef Brisket Rub as well.
How to Store Spice Rub for Steak
- Put your steak rub in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
- Label it with the date you made it.
- Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
- Make sure the container or bag is tightly sealed to prevent air and moisture from getting in.
By following these steps, you'll keep your steak rub fresh and flavorful for an extended period.
I like to use a mason jar because it stores well, has a pleasing appearance, and takes up very little space in my pantry. I keep it right next to my favorite French Fry Seasoning!
FAQ
You can apply dry rub to the steak right before grilling. But, if you have time, you can also apply it to your steak ahead of time for greater depth of flavor. See the below question for instructions!
Leave dry rub on a steak for as long as overnight in the refrigerator. After seasoning, let them rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or up to overnight uncovered. The steak will soak up the seasoning even more while it rests.
As someone who loves to make her own seasoning recipes, I can tell you this steak rub recipe is by far one of my favorites. I know you're going to love it! Give it a try with your favorite beef or pork dishes. It would even be great with BBQ chicken!
Steak Rub Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons sea salt
- 2 tablespoons crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Add 4 tablespoons paprika, 2 tablespoons onion powder, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 3 tablespoons sea salt, 2 tablespoons crushed red pepper, 1 tablespoon black pepper, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar to a bowl.
- Give it a good stir to combine, until all spices are completely mixed together.
Prose says
Great rub, very happy with it!
Em Beitel says
Thank you, Prose! We're happy to hear that!
Shundelle says
This was so good !!!!!! I loved it
Isabel Laessig says
Thank you so much, Shundelle! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Steve says
Trying this tonight. I'd be curious to know how much you use on an 8 oz steak or piece of chicken.
Isabel Laessig says
Hi Steve! I would say about ½ Tablespoon, but if you're not certain I would start with a little less just to be safe. Thank you!
Megs says
Seriously the best steak rub ever! Thank you for sharing!
Isabel Laessig says
SO happy you enjoyed it so much, Megs! Thank you for your review!