The Best Salt Free Rub for Steaks

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This is hands down The Best Salt Free Rub for Steaks! It’s a delicious blend of herbs and spices packed with bold, savory flavors. It’s simple to make and sodium-free!

dry rub for steaks on a spoon

In the Before Times, that’s before low sodium, I loved experimenting with different rubs and spice blends, especially when steaks were on the menu. Dry rubs are blends of dried herbs and spices that are rubbed onto the surface of meats and poultry before they’re cooked. In addition to boosting the flavor of steaks, they can also give them a flavorful crust. 

Once we started our low sodium lifestyle and I started reading nutrition labels, I was stunned to learn that many of my favorite seasoning mixes were extraordinarily high in sodium. 

McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak Seasoning was a go-to for me. It was an easy way to make a good steak great. Unfortunately, the sodium content is off the charts. One-quarter teaspoon contains 180 mg sodium. 

That may not seem like a lot until you consider that the average cook will likely use much more than ¼ teaspoon. One teaspoon will set you back 720 mg sodium, and a tablespoon contains 2160 mg. That’s more than our family’s daily sodium limit. 

This Salt Free Rub for Steaks contains zero sodium. The key is to make sure all of the spices you use are sodium-free. You should check the label of all the spices you purchase for added sodium, especially spice blends like chili powder, which is made using a variety of dried chiles. Even single ingredient spices, like garlic powder, can contain added sodium so it’s important to check for a salt-free or no salt added label. 

Ingredients

ingredients for spice blend on a white plate

Chili powder is made with a blend of different types of dried chiles. Ancho chili powder is made with ripened ancho chilies. Ancho chilies are dried ripened poblano chili peppers. Poblanos are typically harvested when they are green before they’re fully ripened. Ancho peppers are allowed to ripen and turn red before they are dried and ground. Ancho chili powder has a smoky, earthy flavor that is only slightly spicier than standard chili powder.

As always, check the labels of your spices to make sure they are sodium-free. If you’re unsure, check the spice company’s website for nutritional information or scan the labels in your nutrition app of choice to check the sodium content. 

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – This spice blend is not meant to be spicy, but you can absolutely increase or reduce the heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes you add. 

Tools:

Small Bowl

Whisk

Glass Spice Bottles 

How to make The Best Salt Free Rub for Steaks

Making your own salt free rub for steaks could not be easier! You can get a batch mixed up in three simple steps to have on hand whenever you’re ready to put a steak on the grill. 

Combine all of your spices in a small bowl. Whisk them until they’re evenly combined then store your seasoning in an airtight container. 

Variations on a Delicious Theme

The great thing about making your own spice blends is you control the flavor. You can adjust each spice to suit your tastes, creating your own unique spice rub. You can mix this salt free seasoning up by adding dried herbs, like parsley or thyme, or brighten it up with a pinch of dried lemon peel. 

Recipe FAQs 

How much sodium is in this spice rub?

This rub is sodium free if you make sure all of the spices you use contain no sodium. Always check the labels. Many spices, like chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika, sometimes have added sodium. 

How much of this seasoning should I use?

I recommend starting with one tablespoon of seasoning for each pound of steak but add more or less to suit your tastes.

How else can I use this spice blend?

This rub is fantastic on steak, but it can also add big flavor to pork, chicken, fish, and even veggies. 

How long will this rub last?

You can store your rub in an airtight container for up to six months.

spice mix in jar on cutting board

More Low Sodium Spice Blends

If you like this recipe, you’ll love these recipes. my Low Sodium Cajun Seasoning, , and the Best All Purpose Salt Free Seasoning Blend

This All Purpose Salt Free Seasoning Blend adds the perfect low sodium flavor boost to all of your favorite dishes.

This Salt Free Taco Seasoning is so flavorful you’ll want to use it to season ALL the things! It’s easy to make, has no sodium per serving, and you can spice it up (or not) as you please!

salt free taco seasoning in a heart-shaped measuring spoon
cajun spice blend on spoon above white bowl

Spice up your recipes guilt free with this Low Sodium Cajun Seasoning. You an enjoy bold flavors minus the sodium!

Did You Make this Recipe?

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