Steak Rub

Ladd and I usually keep things simple when it comes to steak—just salt and pepper, or maybe a dash of lemon pepper. But this homemade steak rub? It’s a game-changer. A touch of brown sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the smoky paprika, warm cumin, and savory garlic and onion. It brings out the best in a juicy, seared steak—and it’s just as good on roast chicken or even pork chops.

What is the best seasoning for steak?
The best seasoning for steak brings out the meat's natural flavor with a mix of salt, spices, and aromatics like garlic or onion powder. A bit of brown sugar can help form a flavorful crust. That said, how much seasoning you use is totally up to you! Some folks like a heavy coating of spices, while others stick with just salt and pepper to let the steak shine. A homemade rub gives you control—use a little or a lot, depending on your taste.

How long should spice rub sit on steak?
About 30 minutes is just right. I usually pull the steak from the fridge, season both sides with the spice rub, then let it rest at room temperature while I heat the grill. This gives the spice rub time to permeate the meat nicely and helps the steak cook more evenly since it's not coming cold from the fridge.

Should you oil steak before using spice rub?
No, you don't need to oil the steak before putting on the seasoning. Just rub the spices directly on the meat so they can really adhere and infuse the meat with flavor.

What cuts of steak work best with spice rub?
This rub is wonderfully versatile and works well on just about any cut of beef, but it really shines on steaks with good surface area and marbling, like rib-eyes, strip steaks, and sirloin. This rub isn't just for steak, either. Keep a jar in the pantry and use in on chicken thighs, roast potatoes, or even veggie fajitas.