Herb Steak Rub

This weekend was when the grilling season really got underway, and like most people we fired up the grill and tried to remember our grill skills from last year. We decided to make our own steak rub, rather than open a jar of store bought rub, and whatever you decide to put in the steak rub, it is really a simple task. The main tool, of course, is a mortar and pestle and then it's just a case of putting everything in, and mixing.

A mortar and pestle is useful for creaming garlic or herbs and grinding spice and mastic (gum arabic). Always sprinkle a little salt over herbs and garlic before crushing and pound gently and rub against the mortar base. The recipe below for a herb steak rub can be used with any cut of steak or burgers.

Ingredients for Steak Rub

1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or 1 tablespoon dried
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper


Method

1. Mix together the paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt and pepper in the mortar and pestle.
2. If using on steak, slash the edges of the steaks in 2 or 3 places to prevent curling.
   
3. Rub the mixture all over the steaks or hamburgers and let stand at room temperature for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour, or cover and refrigerate overnight.
4. Bring to room temperature, if necessary, before grilling.
   

Porcelain mortars and pestles are now available at the Gourmet Fusion store.