This homemade steak rub recipe is the best dry rub seasoning that adds big flavor to steak. This simple blend of mouth watering herbs and spices can be used on any meat!

Steak rub in jar.

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Easy Steak Dry Rub Seasoning

Making your own steak rub recipe to have on hand at all times is a game-changer. It has a long shelf life, so it’s not only great for grilling season but making stovetop steak and potatoes or even nice, juicy steaks in the oven.

I might be biased but I think this is best steak dry rub around! It permeates intense flavor into grilled steak and can be used on grilled chicken or slow cooker ribs, too. It’s more cost-effective and flavorful than store bought and takes minutes to make!

XO - Jamielyn

Ingredient Notes

Steak rub ingredients in bowl.

Find the full printable recipe with directions below.

  • Salt: I use Kosher salt, but you can use what you have. As salt does, it brings out the individual flavors of the steak seasoning blend and helps tenderize the meat.
  • Brown sugar: Gives the rub a hint of sweetness to balance the savory!
  • Black pepper: Salt’s partner in crime, but also gives it a warm earthy note.
  • Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor. If you have smoked paprika, you can use that too.
  • Chili powder: The kick! It packs a punch and gives it that signature smoky heat.
  • Garlic powder: Infuses the meat with a garlic aroma without using fresh garlic.
  • Onion powder: Steak and onion go hand in hand.
  • Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch to your homemade steak seasoning will help give it a lovely sear. A steakhouse-style crust is everything!

How to Make Steak Rub

Steak with steak rub on white plate.
  1. Combine: Mix all the seasonings together in a small bowl.
  2. Rub: If using it right away, rub it all over your steak and let it rest for at least 15 minutes.

How to Use a Dry Rub on Steak

A typical rule of thumb is to use about 2 teaspoons of steak seasoning per 1 pound of meat. Pat meat dry with paper towel to get rid of moisture then rub meat well with the dry steak rub and rest for at least 15 minutes up to an hour or even overnight in the fridge!

I love to use this homemade dry rub for beef like my sirloin steak recipe, T-bones, New York Strip steaks and grilled flank steak. You could even use it on burgers and pork chops!

Recipe Tips

  • Always use fresh spices for the best steak rub recipe! To check if your spices are fresh or old, use two fingers and crumble some spice between them. If you can smell the spice, it’s good. If you can’t, it’s time to replace them.
  • Don’t forget to rub the dry rub on the sides of the steak too. Adding more steak seasoning on the meat will add more flavor!
  • Adjust the steak seasoning recipe to how you like it! Add ground mustard, ground cumin or even rosemary and thyme.
  • This is a fun neighbor gift idea for the holidays or even Father’s Day. Everyone loves this unique blend of spices that makes a good steak, great!
Steak rub in clear bowl.

Keep your pantry stocked with a variety of homemade seasonings like easy chili seasoning, hamburger seasoning, and taco seasoning!

More Steak Seasoning Recipes

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steak rub in clear bowl

Homemade Steak Rub

5 from 8 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 8 teaspoons
This homemade steak rub recipe is the best dry rub that adds big flavor to steak. It's a simple blend of mouth watering herbs and spices that you'll use to season all your meat.
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Ingredients 

  • 3 Tablespoons Kosher salt
  • 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon ground black pepper
  • 1.5 teaspoons paprika
  • 1.5 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¾ teaspoon cornstarch

Instructions

  • Combine all the seasonings in a small bowl. Mix until well combined. You can easily double this recipe, if you'd like to store more for later.
  • Place in a small jar and store with a lid on until ready to use. When ready to use, use about 2 teaspoons per 1 pound of meat.
  • Rub seasoning over steak and let rest for at least 15 minutes (or several hours in the refrigerator).

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Keep any remaining steak seasoning in a jar with a lid. This steak rub recipe will keep fresh for up to 6 months if stored properly and if your spices are fresh.

Nutrition

Calories: 18kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 2624mg, Potassium: 37mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 300IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 11mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.