Homemade Steak Rub for Dad

What is it about men and steak? I swear it’s that Y chromosome that makes them obsessed with the stuff. Grilled, broiled, seared, pan-fried – it doesn’t matter how it’s prepared, they’ll eat it any day of the week and spare no expense in their quest for the perfect cut. With Father’s Day coming up this weekend, I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the main man in your life than by firing up the grill and cooking a feast.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to break the bank to get steakhouse quality and taste. The key to preparing the ideal steak is found by selecting the right meat and making a delicious rub.  When picking out your steak there are a few things to look for:

• Color: Steak should be a light cherry red color.  You want to avoid deep reds and gray (those typically aren’t the freshest).
• Marbling: Look for little flecks of white running through the meat. These are tiny bits of fat that will melt away during cooking and add flavor.
• Thickness: Steak should be even in thickness.  Look for 1 inch or thicker.
• Texture: Should be firm to the touch. If you finger starts to sink into the meat you have a fatty piece of meat. Move to the next one.

Now for the rub – it's simple to make and you probably have most of the ingredients on hand.  The rub I used was the perfect combination of salt, pepper and several dried herbs.  This created a savory and spicy crust when I seared the beef on the grill. You do this by cooking on a high temperature and only flipping the steak once. This method adds tons flavor and saves you in the calories department.

Pair this with my buttermilk ranch mashed potatoes and simple salad to round out the meal. So get out there, heat up the grill and make your father happy!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1/2 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 tablespoon crushed red chili flakes
• 1/2 tablespoon dried thyme

Directions:
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. 

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.  Lightly rub both sides of steak with rub.  Cook steaks about 7 to 8 minutes per side for medium doneness.  Let rest at least 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!