Spicy Steak Rub
1 1/2 pounds steak
2 TBSP brown sugar
1/2 tsp coarse salt
1 TBSP chili powder
1 TBSP black pepper
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp ground cloves
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 TBSP olive oil
Mix spice ingredients, except olive oil, in bowl. Using 3 TBSP of mixture, coat steak(s) well. Whisk olive oil with the rest of the rub and set aside. Cover steak(s) and refrigerate for one day. Heat the grill to medium-high and brush steaks with oil rub. Cook (five minutes per side for medium rare) and continue to baste with oil. Let rest 10 minutes under foil and serve.
Notes: This was actually my Memorial Day recipe but things have been very busy of late and I haven't had time to update the blog. In any case, I had in mind that I wanted to do some sort of Mexican-influenced spice rub for steak, but wasn't turning up what I was after exactly. I turned to Nick at The Original Hot Sauce Blog and Joe and Linda of The Hot Zone Online for advice, hoping their interest in all things spicy would be of assistance. I got some good suggestions, and eventually settled on the recipe above. And it turned out marvelous, if I do say so myself.
Posted by Jennifer at June 6, 2005 9:44 PMThis was really very tasty. I liked the blend of spicy and sweet, though I thought the balance between the two favored the sweet side a little too much, so I'd suggest maybe cutting back the brown sugar a wee bit.
Posted by: Michael at June 12, 2005 9:10 PMI made a very similar rub a while back. I agree with what you're suggesting about cutting the sugar; I used half of what you did proportionally, and enjoyed the spicy/sweet contrast a lot. I also did it as a very quick dry rub, but this was a long time ago, so I forgive myself. I've used variations on this recipe since quite a few times, always to stomach-pleasing effect.
http://www.williamsburger.com/wb/archives/southwest-spiced-steak-salad/
Posted by: Chris at June 15, 2005 5:19 PMI don't have a grill, so did this on the stove top. I loved the spicy/sweet contrast of the steak. Very easy to do, but just requires a bit of planning ahead. A keeper! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Jennifer at July 22, 2005 7:37 PMI too agree with cutting the sugar. I thought this rub was good, but nothing special. It definitely was not spicy enough (I do love my foods as spicy as possible though).
Posted by: Jon at November 26, 2007 10:00 PM