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Steal the steakhouse flavor trick I use at home with this Texas Roadhouse-style steak rub. Just toss together some pantry staples for a quick dry blend that turns regular weeknight steak or chicken into a can't-miss meal.
The first time I whipped this up I felt like I'd found a secret hack for steak night. Now my friends always ask if I'm making steak—the rub is that good.
Tasty Ingredients
- Coarse kosher salt: gets right into the meat to amp up flavor and help tenderize if you can grab a kind with no extras added for the purest taste
- Brown sugar: adds just enough sweetness and helps the outside caramelize stick with brown sugar that's fresh and a little sticky
- Cornstarch: makes sure the rub sticks and forms a good crust best results come from a fresh box
- Garlic powder: gives mellow garlicky flavor without being too much find a finely-ground option so every bite gets some
- Onion powder: sneaks in a little sweet and earthy flavor choose a bright white powder so you know it's fresh
- Turmeric: brings bright yellow color and a gentle earthy note go for that sunny yellow shade and skip any powder that looks dull
- Paprika: helps with color and tosses in mild smokiness Spanish or Hungarian paprika are especially tasty if you want big flavor
- Chili powder: turns up the heat a smidge and adds a little something extra make sure you use a blend that doesn't have fillers
- Black pepper: brings a punchy kick that wakes up every spice whenever possible grind peppercorns fresh right before using
Guided Instructions
- Combine Everything:
- Measure all your spices and salt and pop them into a quart zip bag. Seal it and shake well to mix so the blend's even everywhere
- Rub Down the Steak:
- Dry your steaks after pulling them out of the fridge. Sprinkle on the rub from every angle and press it in a bit. Leave the meat out at room temp, uncovered, for about forty minutes so the salt does its magic and the steak turns tender
- Get Your Grill Ready:
- With the steak resting, fire up the grill and crank the heat. You want that grill hot and ready for the perfect sear
- Cook Like a Pro:
- Set the steaks directly onto the grill. Let each side cook four to five minutes till you see a crisp brown crust with a bit of char. Just flip once. For doneness: add five more minutes for medium rare, seven for medium, ten for a leaner well done
- Let It Chill:
- Lift steaks off the grill and place on a plate. Cover them with foil (not too tight) and hang tight for at least five minutes. You'll keep all those tasty juices inside
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Adding the paprika is my favorite part because that pop of color and smoky smell always takes me back to big family BBQs. It's impossible not to get hungry when you see that rub start turning golden on the grill.
Storage Advice
Keep leftover rub sealed up in a jar or bag and stash it somewhere cool and dry. Make a big batch and it'll stay good for about six months. If it clumps, just crush any lumps before using
Swaps and Shortcuts
No regular paprika? Smoked paprika works for extra depth. Out of garlic powder? Granulated garlic is fine. Want less heat? Omit the chili powder or double up on black pepper
Ideas To Serve
This rub is awesome on pork chops or grilled chicken thighs too. Dish it up with creamy mashed potatoes and an easy brown gravy for that classic steakhouse set-up. Add a crisp salad and warm bread for a full plate
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Fun Backstory
American barbecue has always been big on custom spice blends, and every spot has its own. This Texas Roadhouse version is a favorite because it's just the right balance of sweet, smoky, and savory, so everybody at the table is happy. Making your own twist lets you fine-tune for family taste and makes grilling nights extra special
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Which steak cuts do best with this mix?
Go for ribeye, New York strip, porterhouse, or filet mignon for lots of flavor and awesome texture. Use your fave cut when you fire up the grill.
- → Should I let the meat sit with the seasoning?
Definitely, giving the rub about 40 minutes on the steak lets the salt do its thing so you get tender bites and super good taste.
- → Can I use it on something besides steak?
Yep! It brings chicken to life and even makes pork or veggies taste amazing. Just toss it on whatever you like.
- → How can I tweak the mix for my taste?
Do what feels right! Add less or more salt, or toss in extra spices till it’s just how you want it. This one’s easy to adjust.
- → How do I keep leftover mix fresh?
Stash the rest in a jar with a tight lid, out of the sunlight. Use it up within a few weeks so the flavors stay strong.