Lime-Chili Rubbed Steak

This is a quick and easy wet rub that's great on steaks. I've already shared my love of flank steak, (read all about it here) so that's what I generally use this on, but it's also great on other cuts of meat. Some of our favorites are tenderloin, NY strip, and tri-tip. Wet rubs are great because you can whip it up last minute. Intense flavor infuses the meat quickly, so if you forgot to make a marinade, this is your answer. This is kind of my steak version of Kate's Taco chicken, and you can use it in a lot of similar ways. We love it with black beans and lime-cilantro rice, or sliced thin in soft tacos or on salad.

Can't go wrong with this line-up:


Lime-Chili Steak Rub
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1 t chili powder
1 t granulated garlic
1/2 t cumin
1/2 t coriander
1/2 t oregano
1/8- 1/4 t cayenne pepper*
3/4 t salt
1/4 t black pepper
*If you have chipotle chili powder, you can substitute it for the cayenne or just add a little in addition

1 lime (about 2 T lime juice)
1 T extra virgin olive oil
1-2 lbs flank steak, or other good grilling cut (tenderloin, NY strip, and tri-tip all work well)

Juice the lime into a small bowl. Add oil and spices and stir to combine.


Place the steak in a shallow dish and pour the spice mixture on top. Now is the time to make friends with that hunk of beef. Use your hands to massage it in there. Trust me- your hands work a lot better than smooshing it around in a ziplock bag. Don't be afraid!

Let it sit for 15 minutes. During that time you can preheat your grill, make some side dishes, set the table, paint your nails, sneak some dessert, whatever.


{{Hey, doesn't that picture look like a goldfish?? I just noticed it and it's making me laugh every time I look at it, haha.}}

Place meat on hot grill (bbq is best, but an indoor grill pan or broiler will work just fine too). If you're using flank steak it should take about 5-7 minutes on each side. Here's a great tip for testing meat doneness in other cuts.

When steak is finished, remove from grill and let sit for 5 minutes before cutting into it. Otherwise all of the juices will run out and you'll be stuck with dry steak. And who wants to eat dry steak? Slice in strips against the grain. (Again, find flank steak info here)



mmm...now that's a juicy steak



This is great with a side of Black Beans and a quick salad, or with rice or in soft tacos or salad.

Related Post: Chili-Lime Steak Salad

And if that sounds good, check out these yummies:

Quick and Easy Black Beans
Homemade Flour Tortillas
Chipotle Chicken Salad
Lime-Cilantro Rice
Sweet and Savory Flank Steak
Steak and Mango Salad