Cowboy Steak Rub Recipe (2024)

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!

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

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.

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.

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
• Kosher 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.

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

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 a try - it's truly so good!

I absolutely adore it in our Cowboy Burgers, it's divine in this Cowboy Corn Casserole, and makes these Cowboy Baked Beans really special!

You can add it to this slow cooker cauliflower or our cowboy cornbread casserole recipe for lots of flavor, too.

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!

Equipment

_{The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.}

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Dry Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons and Whisk
• Canning Jar Funnel - optional but makes transferring the spice mix to jars super easy
• Mason Jar with Lid (for storing)

Be sure to check out myJuggling Act Mama Storefronton Amazon where you'll find all kinds of great products to make your life easier!Thanks so much for being a part of Juggling Act Mama❤

Tasty Rubs & Marinades

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

• Montreal Chicken Seasoning Mix
• Basil Salt
• Homemade Italian Seasoning
• Mild Taco Seasoning
• Homemade Lemon Pepper

You'll also love our Mediterranean spice blend, pork rub, and homemade steak seasoning!

Cowboy Steak Rub Recipe FAQ

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!