Rubbing Steak: Before Or After Pan-Searing?

There are many ways to cook a steak, but pan-searing is one of the most popular methods. The best time to add a rub to a steak before pan-searing is at least 40 minutes before cooking, and up to 24-48 hours before for more intense flavour. The rub should be added after the steak has been patted dry and drizzled with olive oil. The rub can be a mix of salt, pepper, onion and garlic powder, and paprika.

The best time to add a rub to steak

There are differing opinions on the best time to add a rub to steak. Some recipes suggest that you should add the rub just before cooking the steak, while others recommend allowing the steak to sit for a period of time after adding the rub. So, what is the best method?

Adding the rub just before cooking

Some sources suggest that the best time to add a rub to a steak is just before placing it in the pan. This method ensures that the rub forms a crust on the steak, creating a flavoursome exterior.

Allowing the steak to rest after adding the rub

Other recipes recommend allowing the steak to rest for a period of time after adding the rub. This technique can enhance the flavour and texture of the meat. One recipe suggests that the steak should sit at room temperature for an hour after the rub is added, to allow the rub to penetrate the meat and give a deeper flavour. Another suggests that the steak should be covered and left in the refrigerator overnight for a more robust flavour. A third recommends leaving the steak for 15 minutes or longer at room temperature after the rub is added.

The best method

Based on the information above, allowing the steak to rest for a period of time after adding the rub is likely to result in a more flavoursome dish. However, if you are short on time, adding the rub just before cooking will still produce a delicious steak.

How to cook a pan-seared steak

Ingredients

• 2 steaks (e.g. ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Oil (vegetable, canola, or extra light olive oil)
• Butter
• Aromatics (e.g. garlic cloves, rosemary sprigs, thyme)

Optional ingredients

• Meat thermometer
• Cast iron pan

Method

• Pat the steaks dry with paper towels.
• Season the steaks generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
• Preheat your pan on medium heat and brush with oil.
• Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side until a brown crust has formed.
• Use tongs to turn the steaks on their sides and sear the edges (1 minute per edge).
• Add butter and aromatics, tilting the pan to spoon the garlic butter over the steaks.
• Cook to your desired doneness.
• Remove the steak and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.

Tips

• A thicker steak will take longer to cook through, while a thinner steak will cook faster.
• Well-marbled steaks will give you the juiciest results.
• For best heat conduction, use a large cast-iron pan. A large, heavy stainless steel pan will also work.
• Preheat the pan 5 minutes before adding the steak for a great sear with good colour and flavour.
• Press the steak down just as it hits the pan to ensure it makes contact with the surface of the pan.
• Loosely cover and rest steaks on a cutting board for 10 minutes before slicing so they don't dry out.
• Don't slice too thin, or the steak will cool too quickly.
• Slice the steak against the grain and at an angle for a steakhouse presentation.

What to add to a steak rub

A good steak rub can take your steak to the next level, adding a punch of flavour to the meat. The best thing about a steak rub is that you can customise it to your taste. Here are some ideas for what to add to your steak rub.

Savoury and Aromatic

For a savoury, aromatic rub, you could include spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. These spices will give your steak a nice savoury kick without being too spicy. If you want to add a bit more warmth, you can include some crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or ground coriander. Just be careful not to add too much, as you don't want to overpower the flavour of the meat.

A Touch of Sweetness

If you like a hint of sweetness in your steak rub, you can add some dark brown sugar. This will give the rub a molasses-like flavour that pairs well with the savoury spices. Just be careful not to add too much, as you don't want your steak to taste like a dessert!

Earthy and Herbal

For an earthy and herbal flavour, you can add some dried oregano to your steak rub. This herb will give your steak a unique, almost citrusy flavour that pairs well with the other spices. If you want to enhance the herbal flavour even more, you can also add some dried parsley.

Smoky

To give your steak a smoky flavour, you can add smoked paprika to your rub. This type of paprika has a deeper, more complex flavour than regular paprika, and it will give your steak a nice, barbecued taste. If you want to enhance the smokiness even further, you can also add some cumin to your rub.

Spicy

If you like your steak with a kick, you can add some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chipotle chilli powder to your rub. These spices will definitely turn up the heat, so use them sparingly if you don't want your steak to be too spicy.

Other Tips

In addition to choosing your spices, there are a few other things to keep in mind when making a steak rub:

• Use fresh herbs and spices. Old herbs and spices will be less potent, so your rub may not have as much flavour.
• Store your rub in an airtight container. This will help it stay fresh for longer.
• Let your steak sit at room temperature for about an hour after applying the rub. This will allow the flavours to penetrate the meat and give you a deeper flavour.

How long to rest steak after adding the rub

The length of time a steak should rest after adding the rub depends on how much time you have available, and how intense you want the flavor to be. Leaving the rub on for longer allows the salt from the rub to soak into the meat, enhancing the flavor.

If you are short on time, you can leave the rub on the steak for a minimum of 40 minutes. However, if you have more time, you can leave the rub on for several hours, or even overnight. This will allow the steak to absorb more of the flavor and spice from the rub.

If you are leaving the steak in the fridge overnight, be sure to cover it with foil or plastic.

How to store a steak rub

Storing your steak rub in an airtight container will ensure it stays fresh and flavoursome for up to six months. It's best to keep it in a cool, dry place, like a pantry, and out of direct sunlight.

If you've made a large batch of rub, you can store it in a glass jar, which will save on clean-up and also looks great. However, it's important to ensure the jar is airtight, as exposure to air will cause the rub to lose its potency over time.

You can check if your steak rub is still good by giving it a quick sniff. If it doesn't smell like anything, it's time to toss it and make a new batch.

It's also worth noting that the brown sugar in the rub might harden over time, making it difficult to use. If this happens, it's best to make a fresh batch.

Frequently asked questions