Try our ultimate steak rub for the best steak of your life! A good steak starts with a good rub. Use simple pantry ingredients to create the perfect building block of flavor for out of this world steaks!

What you’ll need to make my Ultimate Steak Rub:

Coarse salt: kosher or Argentinian salt
Black pepper
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Paprika: *see notes below
Hatch chili powder: or New Mexico chili powder substitute with regular chili powder

Combine ingredients in a bowl, and use on steaks and beef roasts. See below for recommended amounts. Double or triple the recipe as needed. Make up a large batch and store it in an airtight jar in the cupboard for up to one year. These spice jars are my favorite for storing homemade rubs.

How to use this Ultimate Steak Rub:

The general rule of rub usage is to use 1 tablespoon of rub per 1 pound of meat. This recipe makes enough for 2 pounds of steak. Brush steaks with a little oil, and season both sides. Cook as directed.

Notes on Paprika:

Paprika: In case you were wondering, there are, in fact, different types of paprika. First, there is sweet paprika, which is essentially “garnish” paprika. It adds color but isn’t overpowering, and has a slightly sweet flavor that works well on anything from cooked meats to sauces, and appetizers like cheese dips or deviled eggs. Sweet paprika is my favorite variety to use for recipes like my ultimate steak rub.

Second, we have hot paprika, or what is known as Hungarian paprika. This type of paprika adds a punch to whatever you’re cooking. It works beautifully in heartier stews and richly flavored meats. Hot paprika is more akin to powdered cayenne than to sweet paprika. Finally, we have smoked paprika or Spanish pimenton. These peppers are wood smoked, dried, powdered, and ready for use. This type of paprika is quite strong. I usually recommend mixing it with sweet paprika to even out the flavor. However, some folks love the rich, deep, earthy flavor of smoked paprika.

Herbs: Of course, you can use herbs in a steak rub, but before you add anything, think about the flavor profile you’d like to build. If you’re looking for something with a Tuscan feel, use a little dried basil or oregano. If you feel that more floral or pine flavors are suited to your palate, use a little rosemary, sage, or a spice blend like Herbs de Provence. Dried marjoram and savory are also great additions.

Ultimate Steak Rub

This rub is hands-down the perfect seasoning combination for steak! Make up a large batch and keep it in a jar for future use. Simple and straightforward, you’ll find this seasoning rub works on anything from filet mignon to ribeye to sirloin steaks. This recipe makes enough rub for three to four steaks.

5 from 1 vote

Print Rate

Course: Rubs

Cuisine: American, American BBQ

Keyword: steak rub, steak seasoning, ultimate steak rub

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Servings: Cup

Calories: 11kcal

Ingredients

3 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons black pepper
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon hatch chili powder (sub with regular chili powder)

Instructions

Combine all rub ingredients in a small bowl. Transfer to an airtight container and use when needed—double or triple recipe for future cooking.
Apply rub onto both sides of steak and around the edges—cook as directed.
Use 1 tablespoon of rub per pound of meat.