Unlock the secret to a perfectly seasoned, restaurant-quality steak right in your own kitchen with this incredible homemade steak rub. Crafted with a thoughtful blend of simple yet powerful spices, this DIY seasoning is designed to elevate any cut of beef to gourmet heights. Whether you’re preparing a succulent strip steak, a rich ribeye, a tender filet mignon, or a hearty sirloin, this versatile rub promises to deliver unparalleled flavor and a magnificent crust. It’s the ideal companion for whatever cooking method you choose – be it grilling over an open flame, baking to tender perfection in the oven, achieving that iconic sear in a cast iron skillet, or utilizing the convenience of an air fryer.
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Table of Contents
The Magic of Homemade Steak Seasoning
Why bother making your own steak rub when countless options line grocery store shelves? The answer lies in freshness, customization, and flavor control. Store-bought rubs often contain anti-caking agents, excessive salt, or less-than-premium ingredients. By crafting your own, you ensure every pinch is packed with vibrant, aromatic spices that will truly transform your steak. This particular blend is meticulously balanced to enhance, not overpower, the natural richness of the beef. It’s a harmonious combination of savory, subtly sweet, and smoky notes that create an irresistible crust and a deeply satisfying flavor profile, making every bite a memorable experience. Moving beyond a simple seasoning, this rub becomes a flavor foundation, locking in moisture and building layers of taste that will impress even the most discerning palates.
What Spices You Will Need
The beauty of this homemade steak rub lies in its simplicity and the readily available nature of its ingredients. Each spice plays a crucial role, contributing to the overall complexity and depth of flavor. Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, but here’s a breakdown of the essential components:
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Don’t be surprised by this secret ingredient! A small amount of unsweetened cocoa powder adds a dark, earthy depth and a subtle bitter note that complements the richness of beef beautifully. It creates a complex flavor profile often found in premium steakhouse rubs, contributing to that desired dark, savory crust.
- Brown Sugar or Sweetener: A touch of sweetness is essential to balance the savory elements and aid in caramelization, creating a delicious bark on the steak. Brown sugar offers a molasses-rich flavor, while a sugar-free sweetener can achieve a similar effect for those mindful of sugar intake. This helps to form a gorgeous, slightly crispy exterior.
- Chili Powder: Providing a mild, smoky heat and a hint of Southwestern flair, chili powder adds another layer of warmth without overwhelming the palate. It’s a blend of various chilies and other spices, contributing to the rub’s savory base and vibrant color.
- Garlic Powder: A foundational flavor in virtually any savory dish, garlic powder offers a pungent, aromatic essence that is indispensable for steak. It provides a consistent garlic flavor that distributes evenly throughout the rub, permeating the meat during cooking.
- Onion Powder: Complementing the garlic, onion powder adds a sweet, savory, and slightly pungent flavor. It rounds out the aromatic base, creating a well-balanced seasoning that enhances the natural taste of the beef.
- Smoked Paprika: This ingredient is a game-changer, infusing the rub with a rich, smoky aroma and a vibrant red hue. It offers a milder flavor than chili powder but contributes significantly to the overall depth and visual appeal of the seasoned steak.
- Salt: The ultimate flavor enhancer. Salt not only brings out the natural flavors of the beef but also aids in forming that desirable crust. We recommend a good quality kosher salt for its crystal size, which allows for optimal absorption and seasoning.
The Art of Applying Your Steak Rub
Applying your homemade steak rub effectively is just as important as the blend itself. For optimal flavor penetration and crust development, don’t just sprinkle lightly. You want to create a generous, even coating across all surfaces of the steak. This often means using more rub than you might initially think. Gently press the seasoning into the meat with your hands to ensure it adheres well. This helps create a “bark” during cooking, a flavorful crust that seals in juices and adds incredible texture. For best results, apply the rub at least 30 minutes, or even up to an hour, before cooking, allowing the salt to work its magic by drawing moisture to the surface and then reabsorbing it, resulting in a more tender and flavorful outcome. This process, often referred to as “dry brining,” is a simple step that yields significant rewards.
Mastering Various Cooking Methods for Steak
One of the greatest advantages of this versatile homemade steak rub is its adaptability to virtually any cooking method. Each technique offers a unique way to enjoy your perfectly seasoned steak:
- Grilling: For that classic smoky flavor and beautiful char marks, grilling is unbeatable. Ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking. Cook over high heat initially to sear, then move to a slightly cooler part of the grill to finish to your desired doneness. The rub’s sugars will caramelize, creating an irresistible bark.
- Baking in the Oven: If you’re looking for a hands-off approach, or want to reverse-sear, baking is an excellent option. Season your steak generously, then bake at a moderate temperature until it reaches a few degrees below your target internal temperature. You can then finish it with a quick sear in a hot pan for a beautiful crust.
- Cast Iron Searing: For an incredible, deep brown crust, the cast iron skillet is your best friend. Heat the skillet to smoking hot with a high smoke point oil (like avocado or grapeseed oil). Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, then transfer to a preheated oven to finish cooking, basting with butter, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor. This method creates a Maillard reaction that brings out the best in the rub.
- Air Frying: A modern and convenient way to cook steak, the air fryer can produce surprisingly tender and juicy results with a decent crust. Preheat your air fryer, place the seasoned steak in a single layer, and cook, flipping halfway, until it reaches your preferred doneness. The circulating hot air ensures an even cook and a satisfying exterior.
How to Store Your Homemade Seasoning and Ensure Longevity
Proper storage is key to maintaining the potency and freshness of your homemade steak seasoning. If you’re preparing a larger batch of this incredible rub, it’s crucial to store it correctly to preserve its aromatic qualities. An airtight container is your best friend in this regard. I highly recommend using quality glass jars for storage, as they create an excellent seal and don’t absorb flavors or odors over time. Keep your spice blend in a cool, dark, and dry pantry, away from direct sunlight or heat sources like stoves, which can degrade the spices faster.
As a general rule, ground spices tend to retain their peak flavor for approximately six months. After this period, you might notice a gradual decline in their potency. A simple “whiff test” is a reliable way to check for freshness: open the jar and take a deep breath. If the aroma is still strong and vibrant, your rub is likely still good to use. If it smells faint or muted, it’s probably time to make a fresh batch. In contrast, whole spices boast a much longer shelf life, often lasting up to five years, but since this recipe uses ground spices, focus on the six-month guideline for optimal results.
Tips on How to Season and Make the Perfectly Cooked Steak
Achieving the perfect steak is an art, but it’s an art made simple with a few expert tips:
- Tenderize and Marinate (Optional, but Recommended): While our rub adds incredible flavor, for exceptionally juicy and tender results, consider tenderizing the meat or giving it a brief marinade before applying the rub. This extra step can break down tough fibers and infuse even more moisture and flavor.
- Bring Steaks to Room Temperature: Before cooking, allow your steaks to sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes. This ensures more even cooking throughout the steak, preventing a cold center and promoting a beautiful crust.
- Don’t Skimp on Salt: Salt is the foundation of flavor. Kosher salt is highly recommended due to its larger crystal size, which allows for prime absorption into the outer layer of the steak without over-salting the surface. The result will be a phenomenal flavor and texture that truly stands out.
- Cook to Your Perfect Internal Temperature: Overcooking is the enemy of a great steak. Invest in a reliable meat thermometer and cook to these internal temperatures for ideal doneness:
- Rare: 125° F
- Medium-Rare: 135° F
- Medium: 145° F
- Medium-Well: 155° F
- Well Done: 160° F
Remember that the temperature will continue to rise a few degrees during resting.
- Allow the Steak to Rest: This step is non-negotiable! After cooking, always allow your steak to rest for at least 3 minutes (for thinner cuts) or up to 10 minutes (for thicker cuts) before slicing or consuming. If you cut into the steak too soon, the internal moisture, which has migrated to the center during cooking, will spill out onto the plate, leaving you with a drier, less flavorful steak. Resting allows these juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a significantly juicier and more tender bite.
More Homemade Seasoning and Spice Blend Recipes
Once you discover the joy and flavor of homemade spice blends, you’ll want to make them all! Here are some other fantastic seasoning recipes to try:
- Homemade Blackened Seasoning
- Homemade Chili Seasoning
- Homemade Ranch Seasoning
- Homemade BBQ Seasoning and Rub
- Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Homemade Burger Rub and Seasoning
- Dry Rub for Chicken
Pair With These Steak Recipes
Put your new favorite steak rub to good use with these delicious steak recipes:
- Air Fryer Steak
- Keto Salisbury Steak
- Steak Fajitas
- Steak Stir Fry
- Smothered Steak
- Lemon Pepper Steak
Steak Seasoning Dry Rub Recipe
Brandi Crawford
This is the Best Homemade Steak Rub Seasoning made with simple spices. This blend is great for strip steaks, ribeyes, filet mignon, sirloin or whatever cut of meat you plan to grill, bake in the oven, cast iron sear, or cook in the air fryer.
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Equipment
- Spice Jars
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder This will give the steak hints of smoky flavor.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar or sweetener
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt Make adjustments to suit your taste.
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir thoroughly until well blended. Store the seasoning in an airtight container for future use.
Notes
The servings noted will work with approximately four 8oz steaks.
When using the rub, a good rule of thumb is to use enough to fully coat both sides of the steak, pressing it gently into the meat. Store any leftover spices in well-sealed containers to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
Calories: 6 kcal
Carbohydrates: 1 g
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Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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