Dry Rubbed Steaks with Dipping Sauce Recipe
Prep Time: 1 hour | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4
This Dry Rubbed Steaks with Dipping Sauce recipe was originally published in The Chicago Tribune, and it is a standout dish that’s perfect for any steak lover. The combination of bold spices on the steaks, paired with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce, makes for a satisfying and flavorful meal. If you’re looking to add a twist to your typical steak dinner, this recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients
For the Dry Rub
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Brown sugar | 1/4 cup |
Onion powder | 1/4 cup |
Garlic powder | 1/4 cup |
Dried oregano | 1/4 cup |
Paprika | 1/4 cup |
Mustard powder | 2 tsp |
Coarse salt | 2 tsp |
Ground coriander | 2 tsp |
Black pepper | 4 tsp |
For the Steaks
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tsp |
Steaks (your choice) | 4 pieces |
Coarse salt | 1/4 tsp |
For the Grilled Onions
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Yellow onions (sliced) | 2 |
Sweet-and-spicy rub (leftover from dry rub) | 1 tbsp |
For the Dipping Sauce
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Apple cider vinegar | 3 tbsp |
Honey | 3 tbsp |
Jalapeño chile (finely chopped) | 1 |
Fresh oregano (chopped) | 1 tbsp |
Coarse salt | 1/4 tsp |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 1154.2 |
Fat | 82.5 g |
Saturated Fat | 28.2 g |
Cholesterol | 192.8 mg |
Sodium | 3956.2 mg |
Carbohydrates | 49.8 g |
Fiber | 6.7 g |
Sugar | 31 g |
Protein | 55.2 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dry Rub
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, paprika, mustard powder, coarse salt, ground coriander, and black pepper. This blend of spices will give your steak a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. You can prepare this dry rub ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. -
Apply the Dry Rub to the Steaks
Sprinkle the steaks on both sides with 1/2 cup of the dry rub. Massage the rub into the meat using your fingers, ensuring every inch of the steak is coated. Once seasoned, cover the steaks with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully infuse into the meat. -
Preheat the Grill
While the steaks are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent the steaks from sticking. -
Grill the Steaks
Place the steaks on the grill and close the lid. Grill the steaks for 6-8 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until they reach your desired doneness. The steaks should have a nice char on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. Once cooked, remove the steaks from the grill and transfer them to a clean platter. Cover the steaks loosely with aluminum foil and let them rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. -
Grill the Onions
While the steaks are resting, prepare the grilled onions. Coat the onion slices evenly with olive oil and sprinkle both sides with 1 tablespoon of the leftover dry rub. Place the onions on the grill and cook them for about 5 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned and tender. Once done, set them aside. -
Make the Dipping Sauce
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, honey, chopped jalapeño, fresh oregano, and a pinch of coarse salt. Whisk until the honey has completely dissolved and the ingredients are well combined. This dipping sauce provides a tangy and sweet contrast to the savory, spiced steaks. -
Serve
Transfer the rested steaks to individual serving plates. Top each steak with the grilled onion slices and serve with the dipping sauce in small bowls on the side. The sauce complements the dry-rubbed steaks perfectly, adding a refreshing kick with the sweet and spicy notes from the honey and jalapeño. -
Enjoy
Serve your dry rubbed steaks with a side of your favorite vegetables or salad. The combination of the savory steaks, the grilled onions, and the sweet-and-spicy dipping sauce will make for a meal that’s truly unforgettable.
Tips for the Perfect Dry Rubbed Steaks
- For the best results, use thick cuts of steak such as ribeye or New York strip. These cuts will absorb the rub well and remain tender and juicy when grilled.
- Don’t skip the marinating step! Allowing the rub to sit on the steaks for at least an hour (or overnight) ensures the flavors penetrate deep into the meat.
- Experiment with different types of honey for the dipping sauce. A mild honey will provide a sweet balance, while a more robust honey will add extra depth of flavor.
- If you prefer, you can also cook the steaks in a cast-iron skillet if grilling isn’t an option, although grilling adds an extra smoky flavor.
This Dry Rubbed Steaks with Dipping Sauce recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a special dinner or a casual BBQ. Enjoy!