Summer is almost officially here and nothing says summer fun more than a steak – or anything else – on the grill! Add big flavor to your meats, poultry and even your grilled vegetables with a spice rub, like my Bowie Steak Seasoning up there. (Why should Montreal have all the fun?)
I kicked off the grilling season on my deck with this Grilled Spice-Rubbed Flank Steak and you should, too. It’s that good, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves! Here’s what you need to know about rubs before you start.
Rubs 101
Rubs are combinations of herbs, spices and other ingredients that are literally rubbed onto uncooked food before grilling. Dry rubs contain only dry ingredients, while wet rubs are made with just enough oil or liquid to form a paste that’s applied the same way as a dry rub. Rubs form a delicious crust on meats and poultry when grilled. The crust seals in juices and makes sure each bite is full of flavor.
Tips for Tasty Rubs 101
1. Create a signature rub by experimenting with combinations of your favorite herbs and spices.
2. Wake up dried herbs and spices by heating them in a dry sauté pan over medium high heat, just until aromatic.
3. Much like marinades, rubs will impart more flavor the more time they have to come into contact with the food. Apply your rub at least 15 – 20 minutes before grilling.
4. Store dry rubs in an airtight container. They don’t require refrigeration and will last up to 6 months.
5. Wet rubs should also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last several weeks.
6. For bold flavor, add enough rub to evenly cover your food. Sprinkle food with your rub for a more subtle dose.
7. Plan ahead for your next grilling session by freezing meat or poultry after it’s rubbed. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap then place it in a re-sealable freezer bag. Simply thaw it out next time you’re firing up the grill.
TIPS:
Rubs made with sugar should be used on foods that don’t require direct heat. The sugar can burn over extremely high heat.
If you’re grilling poultry with skin, apply a little of the rub underneath the skin for extra flavor.
TOOLS:
Small Bowl
Grill Pan or Grill
The Best International Flavors You’re NOT Grilling With: 30 Recipes for Rubs, Marinades & Sauces with Global Appeal
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TECHNIQUES:
Making a rub
Resting (the grilled beef, not you!)
Grilled Spice-Rubbed Flank Steak
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Bowie Steak Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 2-3 lb flank steak
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon Bowie Steak Seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium high heat.
- Stir Bowie Steak Seasoning and olive oil together in a small bowl until a paste is formed. Use a spoon or pastry brush to spread the rub evenly on both sides of the flank steak. Let steak sit at room temperature for at least 15-20 minutes. For even more flavor, place steak in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 12 hours. Remove steak from fridge and allow to come to room temperature before grilling.
- If using a Grill Pan:
- Place flank steak in grill pan and cook, without moving it, for 4 minutes per side for medium rare.
- If using a Grill:
- Place flank steak on hottest part of the grill. Let cook 2-3 minutes per side then move steak to cooler part of the grill. Continue cooking another 5-10 minutes, to desired degree of doneness.
- Remove steak from grill pan or grill and place on clean cutting board. Cover loosely with foil and let meat rest 10 minutes before slicing.
- Place onions in a medium bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon Bowie Steak Seasoning. Toss until evenly coated.
- Grill onions until they're crisp-tender and start to brown, 7-8 minutes. Use a vegetable tray on the grill to keep onion slices from slipping through the grates.
- Slice steak thinly against the grain and serve with grilled onions. Serves 4-6.
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