Spaghetti Western Steak Rub

Spaghetti Western Inspiration

As those gritty, sun-baked tales of outlaws and loner gunslingers stormed the screen in the 60’s, I wanted a steak rub that brought back the same bold, smoky punch to your dinner table. And because so many of these movies were actually filmed in Italy (hence the name “Spaghetti Western”), I wanted to make sure that the steak rub acknowledged that. These vintage-style “movie posters” capture that wild frontier spirit, and the one-of-a-kind flavor behind this rub.

Why This Rub Works

This Spaghetti Western Steak Rub perfectly balances smoky, savory, and slightly sweet. A hearty base of chili powders – both Ancho and New Mexico – lays down rich, earthy warmth, while paprika deepens that sunset-red color. Ground coffee and brown sugar team up to create a caramelized crust. That crust locks in juiciness and adds subtle roast notes. Cumin and fennel bring an herbaceous depth, with dry mustard and black pepper sharpening the edge. A pinch of cayenne and smoked applewood salt finish things off, giving you just enough heat and a whisper of smoke without ever overpowering the meat. Sprinkle generously, sear hot, and watch this blend transform any cut into a frontier-worthy feast.

A Taste of Frontier Cinema

Back in the heyday of Sergio Leone and Ennio Morricone, “Spaghetti Westerns” weren’t just films… they were mood. Think wide-open skies, dusty trails, and characters whose reputations preceded them. I channeled that same fearless spirit into a rub that doesn’t tiptoe around flavor. Every handful feels like your own cinematic showdown at sundown, where bold seasoning takes center stage.

Serving Suggestions & Tips

• Room temp steak: Let meat rest out of the fridge for 30 minutes before seasoning. This helps the rub adhere and promotes even cooking.
• Charcoal or gas grill: Both work, but a handful of soaked wood chips on charcoal will amp up the smoky notes.
• Finish with butter: Toss a pat of herbed butter on your steak in the final minute of cooking for an extra glossy, silky finish. Plus, butter makes everything better.

Spaghetti Western Steak Rub

To use, rub into your favorite steak and let rest for at least 30 minutes. Grill as you normally would.

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Ingredients

  

• ¾ cup chili powder – I used both Ancho and New Mexico Chili powders
• ¼ cup ground coffee
• ¼ cup paprika
• ¼ cup ground cumin
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons smoked applewood salt
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 2 teaspoons ground fennel
• 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

 

• Combine all ingredients together.
• Separate into 1-use portions (1/4 cup in my case).
• Stores beautifully for up to 6 months.

Notes

Creative Uses

• Beyond Beef: Sprinkle on chicken thighs or pork chops before roasting for an instant flavor upgrade
• Veggie Boost: Toss Root veggies (sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips) in a little olive oil and this rub, then roast until carmelized
• Popcorn Kick: Shake onto warm popcorn with a pat of melted butter for a savory, smoky snack
• Burger Twist: Mix a teaspoon into your ground beef or turkey burgers before forming into patties to infuse every bite
• Marinade Base: Whisk the rub with olive oil, a splash of vinegar, and a drizzle of honey to make a quick marinade for skewers or tofu

Gift & Presentation Ideas

• Mason Jar Sets: Layer the rub into small 4-ounce mason jars, tie with twine and a mini wooden scoop, and add a kraft-paper label
• “Movie Ticket” Tags: Print vintage style “movie ticket” tags that read “Admit One to Bold Flavor”, hole punch them, and hang on the neck of each jar
• BBQ Lover’s Bundle: Pair the rub with a high-quality grill brush, cedar planks, or a bottle of your favorite bbq sauce in a rustic gift box
• Tasting Trio: Combine this Steak Rub with Smoky Chili Lime Salt and Rosemary Citrus Salt in a trio set – perfect for gifting during the holidays

Feel free to adapt any of these ideas to suite your style and packaging materials. Whether you’re filling your own spice rack or surprising someone else, this rub is sure to delight.

Resources

Icons used in the Magical Ingredients box: Designed by pikisuperstar and Designed by BiZkettE1 / Freepik and Designed by xvector