The Ultimate Spicy Cocoa Steak Rub for a Perfect Pan-Seared Steak
A recipe for pan-seared ribeye steaks featuring a unique and flavorful ‘Spicy Cocoa Steak Rub’. The rub combines unsweetened cocoa powder with a blend of smoky and spicy seasonings like chipotle powder, cayenne, and smoked paprika. The generously coated steaks are seared in a hot cast-iron skillet with butter and oil. The dish is served with a simple side salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, and radishes tossed in a lemon vinaigrette and topped with shaved Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes (includes resting time)
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- For the Spicy Cocoa Rub:
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- For the Steaks:
- Two 1-inch-thick rib eye steaks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- For the Salad:
- 3 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 radishes, sliced thinly
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan
Instructions
- Prepare the Rub and Steaks: In a small bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, chipotle powder, salt, garlic powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne, and black pepper.
- Generously sprinkle the rub on all sides of the steaks and pat it in. Set the steaks aside.
- Cook the Steaks: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, carefully place the steaks in the skillet.
- Cook for about 4 minutes per side for a perfect medium-rare, or to your desired doneness.
- Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Salad: While the steak rests, add the mixed greens, halved tomatoes, and sliced radishes to a salad bowl.
- Drizzle with the lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and toss to combine.
- Place the salad in the center of a platter and top with the shaved Parmesan.
- Serve: Slice the rested steak and arrange it on the platter with the salad. Serve immediately.
Notes
- A large cast-iron skillet is recommended for achieving a good sear on the steak.
- Letting the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing is a crucial step to ensure the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
- The cook time of 4 minutes per side is specifically for medium-rare; adjust the time accordingly for your preferred level of doneness.
Find it online: https://cookupjoy.com/cocoa-steak-rub/