How to Apply a Steak Rub

Last Updated: December 17, 2022

There are many ways to enhance the flavor of grilled steak, including marinades and pastes. But probably the easiest way to boost the flavor of a piece of steak is by applying a dry rub, which is a blend of a variety of herbs and spices. This article will show you how to apply a dry rub to your favorite steak.

Steps

1
Choose a steak to grill. Thicker cuts of steak will stand up to the assertive flavors of a dry rub better than a thinner steak. If you are grilling a thinner cut, you should either choose a milder rub or apply a lesser amount of a stronger-flavored rub.
2
Find a rub recipe from a cookbook or online. There are thousands of rub recipes. The most basic one includes only salt and pepper, which is already enough to bring out the flavor of a good-quality steak. Choose a rub that features the flavors that you enjoy or that will complement other foods you will be serving. Rub recipes are very forgiving. Ingredients are easily substituted or left out if they are not available.

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3
Make the rub. Ideally, a rub should be ground by hand in a mortar and pestle. This brings out the essential oils of the herbs and spices without over processing them. A spice or coffee grinder also can be used. Pre-ground will work fine if grinding your own spices isn't an option.
4
Apply the rub to the steak. Liberally sprinkle the rub over one side of the steak and, with your fingers, massage the rub into the entire surface of the steak. Repeat this process on the other side of the steak.
5
Let the steak rest. Wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least a few hours or up to 24 hours. Steaks that are cut more than about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) can rest for longer, if desired. This resting time allows for the flavors to penetrate into the flesh.
6
Grill the steak. As with all grilling, you should preheat your grill. Use a grill brush to clean the grates of any burned on food from previous grilling. Using tongs, dip a paper towel in some vegetable oil and wipe the grates to prevent the steaks from sticking. Remove the plastic from the rubbed steak and grill until they reach the desired doneness.
7
Finished.
- Just before you serve your steak, you may squeeze a few drops of fresh lemon juice over it to enhance the flavor even more.

Community Q&A

Question

Is it okay to dampen steaks before applying rub so as to increase the absorption of spices, or should I leave it dry and apply the rub with more pressure and increase resting time?

Community Answer

The meat should already be mostly damp (from blood/ice), so just apply the rub and grill it (if you want the spices to be absorbed, leave it overnight in an airtight bag). Remember to never leave steak that has rub on it outside or it will become dry when cooking. Also, if you put the rub on and then grill it right after, you will get a nice crisp outer layer.

Warnings

When putting the rub on the steak, always sprinkle from a container. Never put fingers that have come in contact with raw meat into the rub. Always discard any rub that becomes contaminated through contact with raw meat.

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