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    Home » Recipes » Condiments and Spice Mixes » DIY Seasoning Mixes

    Cowboy Steak Rub Recipe

    Published: May 1, 2019 · Modified: Sep 7, 2022 by Ang Paris · 25 Comments
    This post may contain affiliate links·

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    The perfect steak rub with amazing flavor! This spice blend is a little sweet, a little spicy, and tastes fabulous on steak!
    Jump to Recipe Add to Favorites Go to Collections Print Recipe Jump to Video
    Incredibly versatile Cowboy Steak Rub Recipe that can be used on almost anything. #spicemix #steakrub #jugglingactmama via @jugglingactmama

    This is a cowboy steak rub recipe mix that you will not believe.  It's a delicious steak rub that combines sweet, smoky and spicy flavors with a hint of coffee - yep, it totally has coffee in it!  And, it's so tasty!

    A small wooden scoop filled with cowboy steak rub over a glass jar next to a blue kitchen towel.

    Incredibly versatile Cowboy Steak Rub Recipe that can be used on almost anything.
    PIN FOR LATER

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • DIY Spice Mix Gifts
    • How To Use The Cowboy Steak Rub Recipe
    • Tasty Rubs & Marinades
    • Cowboy Steak Rub Recipe FAQ
    • Cowboy Steak Rub
    • Cowboy Spice Mix
    • 💬 Comments

    Mr. Juggling Act and the kids love a good grilled steak! And who can blame them? I created a dry rub that they all agree make the steaks taste bold, sweet and smoky.

    Some steak rubs use cocoa powder as a secret ingredient but this recipe uses ground coffee. There is just enough acid from the coffee to break down the steak and help it be a bit more tender.

    I make a lot of my own spice blends, like this Montreal Seasoning Mix. I created this Cowboy Steak Rub Recipe one day when I was putting together all my favorite spices. The Paprika and Cumin add a smoky undertone, the cayenne pepper and chili powder add the kick. Then added some brown sugar because when it cooks on the steak it caramelizes.

    You can add less sugar if you are trying to cut down. Then I discovered that the coriander and mustard round out the rub with brighter flavors. The only spice I didn't add that I thought about adding later, is garlic. But with all the other spices I didn't think it needed it. You can try putting some garlic powder in and see what you think.

    Close up of steak rub in a mason jar.

    Why is Coffee Good on Steak?

    Some people have been known to soak their steak in coffee before grilling it. This makes the steak more tender and gives it a deeper flavor profile. The coffee grounds in my rub are another option if you don't want to soak your steak. Coffee is acidic. It is those acidic tones that pair well with the savory notes of red meat.

    Remember to use REGULAR coffee, not flavored.

    A hand holding small bowl of ground coffee next to a larger bowl with a variety of spices in it.

    Ingredients

    For this rub recipe, you'll need just a handful of spices. And I bet you have most of them on hand already.

    • Chili Powder
    • Ground Coffee
    • Paprika
    • Cumin
    • Brown Sugar
    • Salt
    • Dry Mustard
    • Coriander
    • Black Pepper
    • Cayenne Pepper

    Note: If you do not have a bag of ground coffee on hand, you can use two K-cups of ground coffee instead.

    Close up of a whisk resting in a clear glass bowl with piles of various spices.

    For a list of some of my favorite items to use when cooking, and why I chose them, please visit my Kitchen Resource page.

    Close up of cowboy steak rub in a mason jar.

    DIY Spice Mix Gifts

    I make the Cowboy Steak Rub in big batches and package it in small jars for friends and family during the holidays especially. Last month when I was out in CA to visit my sister for her bridal shower, she told me how my she and my now brother-in-law were enjoying this mixture. But it was almost gone and she needed the recipe ASAP to make more!

    How To Use The Cowboy Steak Rub Recipe

    Just because it is steak rub doesn't mean you have to only use it on steak. This rub tastes incredible on grilled chicken breasts, chicken wings, and pork chops.

    Try rubbing pork loin with the homemade rub and add a little bit of water to a slow cooker for the most amazing dinner. Give this Petite Sirloin with our Cowboy Steak Rub a try - it's truly so good!

    Grilled Petite Sirloin Steak on a cutting board. Int he background, a blue towel and a small green ramekin with Cowboy Steak Rub with a wooden spoon.

    Other Ideas For the Spice Mix

    Beyond using this rub on meats, you can also use this spice mix with some lemon juice and olive oil for a flavorful marinade or salad dressing. You can also choose to remove the brown sugar for a keto-friendly rub!

    Tasty Rubs & Marinades

    Here are more homemade rubs and marinades for your next meal.

    • Homemade Turkey Rub Recipe - Savory Experiments - This is a simple recipe with ingredients that are easy to remember. Save it for eating Turkey all year round.
    • Homemade Mustard Dry Rub Recipe - Thrifty Jinxy - The parsley in this dry rub gives it pops of color and a sweet flavor.
    • Carne Asada Marinade - This Mama Cooks - The cloves and cilantro make this marinade stand out from among the rest.

    Next time, try one of these great seasoning mixes:

    • Montreal Chicken Seasoning Mix
    • Easy Basil Salt with Printable Label
    • Homemade Italian Seasoning
    • Taco Seasoning Recipe - Mild

    Cowboy Steak Rub Recipe FAQ

    How do you use a steak rub?

    30 minutes is enough time for the seasonings and spices to start flavoring the steak. However, you can leave it on overnight for best results.

    How long do you leave dry rub on a steak?

    Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over 1 pound of steak. Rub in ¼ cup of the spice mixture and marinate at least 30 minutes, up to overnight. Grill to desired doneness.

    What are the best cuts of steak to grill?

    Good quality beef makes a big difference. Here are some cuts that are particularly good on the grill:
    * Top sirloin
    * T-bone
    * Filet mignon (or petite sirloin for a less expensive option)
    * New York strip steak
    * Rib-eye
    * Porterhouse
    Personally, I love sirloin rump tips and petite sirloin on the grill.

    How long do I cook a steak?

    Beef should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 145-degrees F according to FoodSafety.gov. Remember you always want to allow your beef to rest for three minutes.

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    COWBOY STEAK RUB

    Cowboy Steak Rub

    This definitely makes enough to give as gifts. Once your friends and family taste this rub they will want some for their own pantry! This recipe makes approximately 2 cups.

    If you give this a try and love it, please give it 5 stars!

    Close up of cowboy spice rub on a small wooden spoon.

    Cowboy Spice Mix

    The perfect steak rub with amazing flavor! This spice blend is a little sweet, a little spicy, and tastes fabulous on steak!
    Add to Your Recipe BoxGo to Collections
    4.80 from 65 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Condiment
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: cowboy steak rub recipe
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 2 cups
    Author: Ang Paris

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Equipment

    • Large Mixing Bowl
    • Dry Measuring Cups
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Whisk
    • Canning Jar Funnel
    • Mason Jar with Lid (for storing)

    Ingredients

    • ¾ cup chili powder
    • ¼ cup ground coffee (or about 2 k-cups)
    • ¼ cup paprika
    • ¼ cup ground cumin
    • ¼ cup brown sugar
    • 2 teaspoons salt
    • 2 teaspoons dry mustard
    • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
    • 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

    Instructions

    • In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients and whisk gently to combine.
    • Package the mixture in an airtight container until ready to use.

    To Use the Steak Rub

    • Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over 1 pound of steak.
    • Rub in ¼ cup of the spice mixture and marinate at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.
    • Grill to desired doneness.

    Video

    Notes

    Yield: Approx 2 cups

    How long do you leave dry rub on a steak?
    30 minutes is enough time for the seasonings and spices to start flavoring the steak. However, you can leave it on overnight for best results. Be sure to season steak on both sides. 
    What are the best cuts of steak to grill?
    Good quality beef makes a big difference. Here are some cuts that are particularly good on the grill:
    • Top sirloin
    • T-bone
    • Filet mignon (or petite sirloin for a less expensive option)
    • New York strip steak
    • Rib eye
    • Porterhouse
    Personally, my favorite way to enjoy this cowboy seasoning rub is on sirloin rump tips and petite sirloin, grilled to perfection, of course!
    How long do I cook a steak?
    Beef should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 145-degrees F according to FoodSafety.gov. I suggest using a meat thermometer to check.
    Remember you always want to allow your beef to rest for three minutes.
    This cowboy rub recipe can also be used on chicken and pork chops.
     

    For best results, be sure to check our Tips and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help your delicious recipe come out perfectly.

    Please Note: I am not a registered dietician. Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
    Tried this recipe? Pin It for Later!Mention @jugglingactmama or tag #jugglingactmama!

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    Close up of cowboy spice rub on a small wooden spoon.
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sami says

      June 23, 2014 at 9:13 pm

      5 stars
      This is great! I've never heard of this fun little steak rub before but I love the idea of adding a hint of coffee! Brilliant!
      Thanks

      Reply
      • Ang Paris says

        June 24, 2014 at 9:53 am

        Thanks Sami! I hope you get the chance to try it soon!

        Reply
    2. john says

      August 19, 2014 at 1:09 pm

      5 stars
      I tried this and it was really good. The flavor is so good!
      John

      Reply
      • Ang Paris says

        August 19, 2014 at 1:41 pm

        Glad you liked it John! Thanks for taking the time to come back and let me know what you thought!

        Reply
    3. Janine Horn says

      November 07, 2014 at 2:08 pm

      5 stars
      I made this for my brother and he liked it so much that I made more so he could take some home.
      Thank you!!!

      Reply
    4. annette says

      November 16, 2014 at 1:03 pm

      5 stars
      I like the recipe for cowboy spice, thank you!

      Reply
    5. keri @ shaken together says

      February 25, 2015 at 5:51 am

      5 stars
      A friend of ours swears by a rub for fish that has coffee in it - love seeing it in this rub. Can't wait to try this!

      Reply
    6. ColleenB.-Tx. says

      May 01, 2019 at 7:58 am

      5 stars
      Thank You for the steak Rub recipe. Son-in-laws will absolutely love it.

      Reply
      • Ang Paris says

        May 01, 2019 at 9:23 am

        Thanks for your sweet note, Colleen!
        Enjoy 🙂

        Reply
    7. Erin says

      May 07, 2019 at 5:33 pm

      5 stars
      I can't wait to make this!

      Reply
      • Ang Paris says

        May 08, 2019 at 8:51 pm

        Please be sure to let me know how you like it! 🙂

        Reply
    8. Mark says

      May 07, 2019 at 5:35 pm

      5 stars
      I found this on pinterest and I'm so excited to try it out this weekend with my new grill.

      Reply
      • Ang Paris says

        May 07, 2019 at 5:44 pm

        Hi Mark! Thanks for visiting 🙂
        I hope you love it!

        Reply
    9. Gina M says

      May 13, 2019 at 7:21 am

      5 stars
      I made this so I could use it in your petite sirloin recipe and it was awesome. My boyfriend and I really like it a lot!!!
      Gina

      Reply
      • Ang Paris says

        May 13, 2019 at 11:15 am

        I saw your other comment on the steak recipe - I'm so glad you liked it!
        Thanks for letting me know 🙂

        Reply
    10. Jan says

      December 17, 2019 at 9:28 pm

      5 stars
      Love it so much, I made your Cowboy Spice Mix for Christmas gifts this year.

      Reply
      • Ang Paris says

        December 18, 2019 at 1:52 pm

        Hi Jan, you just made my day! Thank you so much for letting me know that 🙂 I hope all your recipients love it as much as we do. ❤

        Reply
    11. Jonathan A Franzel says

      June 14, 2020 at 2:27 pm

      5 stars
      This rub is fantastic! I have used it for steak and chicken, but most surprisingly it is great as taco seasoning.

      Reply
      • Ang Paris says

        June 16, 2020 at 7:17 pm

        Thanks so much for your kind note Jonathan! Enjoy!!

        Reply
    12. Angelia says

      February 13, 2021 at 12:35 pm

      5 stars
      I must admit I was a little skeptical about coffee in this rub never heard of it BUT comments swayed me so I went by the recipe and ONLY omitted cayenne pepper seasoning I love it BUT hubby doesn't like spicy foods. I just replaced the cayenne with garlic seasoning. So good I like it when I try a recipe and it WORKS unlike some, Thanks for sharing a keeper. Using on my Ribeyes for Valentines day Dinner for two tomorrow..

      Reply
    13. Rita says

      May 11, 2022 at 9:24 pm

      This sounds SO YUMMY!! Does the ground coffee make it gritty though? Wonder if instant (less amount) would work in it?

      Reply
      • Ang Paris says

        May 12, 2022 at 9:04 am

        Hi Rita, I don't find it to be gritty at all, but you could always toss the mixture into a coffee grinder or food processor to grind it a bit finer if you like.
        I've been using this wonderful blend for years and everyone always raves about it 🙂

        Reply
    14. Marsha says

      November 24, 2022 at 10:17 am

      Cab I use instant coffee?

      Reply
      • Ang Paris says

        November 25, 2022 at 10:16 pm

        I've never tried it with instant coffee so I'm not really sure Marsha.

        Reply

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