Recipe Background
Copycat Texas Roadhouse® Steak Rub transforms simple steak with pantry spices.
The first time I leaned into the magic of spice blends was during a moving-day BBQ when Ryan, my college roommate, declared it was time to grow up and grill like adults. Our grilling attempts during dorm days typically involved charred hot dogs, yet there we were with a couple of steaks and a borrowed grill. Cue the discovery of flavor—they say life's about spice, after all. I rummaged through my newly stacked pantry, landing on familiar staples: a touch of brown sugar for depth, black pepper for zing, and the star, paprika, for just the right kick. Ryan, the grill master wannabe, was all in, and so was I.
That day taught me a simple blend could transform a basic cut of meat into something to write home about. A little kosher salt, a dash of garlic powder, and the unexpected warmth of turmeric had us reconsidering our takeout nights. Our BBQ space filled with aromas that felt bigger than a move, reaching into that poignant territory where nostalgia and new beginnings collide. For a consistent and even coating, I learned then to shake the blend in a jar until perfectly combined, a chef-y tip that makes the rub sing.
Fast forward a few years, and this rub remains our go-to for every celebratory grill-out, now with a touch more finesse. The memory of that first apartment hangs in the air every time we open a jar. It’s a reminder that humble beginnings are seasoned with possibilities.
Ingredients
- 8 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
- 8 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 4 teaspoons black pepper
Directions
- Combine the kosher salt, the brown sugar, the cornstarch, the garlic powder, the onion powder, the turmeric, the paprika, the chili powder, and the black pepper in a jar with a lid or a quart-sized resealable bag and seal it tightly.
- Shake to thoroughly combine all ingredients.
- Store the rub with your other seasonings until ready to use!
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