Santa Maria rub is a unique and quick seasoning that can make ordinary steak or chicken extraordinary. The power is in the secret blend of flavorful spices.
This amazing seasoning provides a special coating of spices. The coating adds flavor, providing a crunchiness and juicy inside.
Once you learn the Santa Maria Rub Recipe, you can easily make various types of meat delicious. We are here to tell you the easiest and quickest recipe with some pro tips. You can prepare the perfect Santa Maria Rub after reading the whole article. So, let’s get into the main recipe.

Santa Maria Seasoning Ingredients
Santa Maria seasoning is very simple and made with only a few ingredients. All the ingredients are essential. Do not skip any of the ingredients.
- Garlic Powder
Garlic powder provides a strong flavor to the rub recipe. It is an ingredient that gives a satisfying sweet flavor. You will need 2 teaspoons of garlic powder for this recipe.
- Onion Powder
If you know cooking, you can understand that onion powder is a pair of garlic powder. Generally, the amount of onion and garlic powder is similar for any recipe. So, we recommend using 2 teaspoons of onion powder for this recipe.
- Fresh minced Rosemary
Fresh rosemary is the cherry on top of this Santa Maria seasoning recipe. Rosemary provides a soothing flavor that helps to control any odor of steak.
When you use fresh rosemary, you need to mince the rosemary properly. 1 tablespoon of minced rosemary is required for this recipe.
Note: If fresh rosemary is not available, you can use dried rosemary. But this time, you have to reduce the amount. A pinch of dried rosemary is enough.
- Paprika
Paprika is for the spice flavor. It also delivers a nice color. 1 tablespoon of paprika will be good for this Santa Maria rub.
Note: Our expert suggests using smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Black Pepper
Black pepper is a mandatory ingredient for the Santa Maria spice mix. Properly crushed black paper gives an intense flavor to this rub. You will require 1 tablespoon of crushed black pepper for this recipe.
- Sea Salt
Salt is an unavoidable ingredient in any recipe. You can use any type of salt according to your preference. But, we recommend using sea salt for an authentic taste. Sea salt is a secret ingredient of the rub recipe.
- Cayenne Pepper Powder
Cayenne pepper is an optional ingredient for this rub recipe. Cayenne pepper is commonly used in Santa Maria BBQ rub to make it preferable for spicy lovers. If you do not like spicy, you can avoid cayenne pepper.
Needed Equipment
- Measuring Spoons
Using measuring spoons is essential to measure the ingredients correctly.
- A bowl
A bowl is to place all the ingredients together.
- A Whisk
Whisk is for mixing all the ingredients smoothly.
- A Storage Pot
If you want to store the Santa Maria Rub for further use, you will require a storage pot. Professionals advise using a glass pot with a wooden lid because the pot must be properly air-tight.
How to Make Santa Maria Seasoning: 3 Simple Steps
If all the required ingredients are available in your home, making the Santa Maria seasoning recipe is not a difficult task. Let us tell you all the steps one by one.
Step 1: Collecting & Measuring All Ingredients
All the rub recipes are quite similar in the making process. This recipe is also not an exception. In the first step, you have to arrange all the ingredients together on a table. So, check the ingredient list, and put one by one on the table.
Now, measure the ingredients one after one by using measuring spoons. Accurate measuring is a must to make the perfect blend of spices and flavors. Use a bowl to keep all the ingredients after measuring.
Step 2: Mixing the Ingredients
The second step is mixing. Take a whisk and mix all the ingredients smoothly. Absorb nicely, all the ingredients should mix properly otherwise you will not get the actual flavor. Your desirable Santa Maria Seasoning is ready to use.
Step 3: Storing the Rub
You can store the rub for many months. But the storing process should be appropriate.
First, take a glass pot with a lid. Put the rub into the pot. Then air-tight the pot. Normal room temperature is okay to store.
Note: Make sure the pot and the lid remain moisture-free.
3 Pro Tips on Making the Santa Maria Rub Recipe
We hope these tips will be very useful for you during preparing the recipe, these tips will also help to get the proper flavor of this rub recipe.
- Do not start measuring ingredients before collecting all the ingredients beside you otherwise, you can miss any ingredients to use. First, collect them together, it will help you to focus on your cooking.
- Before storing the rub in a storage pot, you can leave the minced rosemary from the rub. As we are using fresh rosemary, it contains moisture. This moisture can spoil the rub. So, our expert recommends using fresh minced rosemary just before cooking the meat.
- Try to use the stored rub within 3 months. With time, the rub will be dry and tasteless.

Santa Maria Rub Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 2 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh minced Rosemary
- 1 Tablespoon Paprika
- 1 Tablespoon Black Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Sea Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Powder
Instructions
- Check the ingredient list, and collect all required ingredients together.
- Then, measure the ingredients one by one.
- Put the ingredient in a bowl after measuring.
- Mix all the ingredients properly.
- Santa Maria Seasoning is ready to use.
- Store the rub in a glass pot with lid for future use.
Nutrition
Conclusion
Santa Maria rub is a very flavorful seasoning. It adds richness to the meats. The coating of this rub makes a blast of flavor that increases the taste of steak or chicken.
Once you learn to prepare the Santa Maria rub Recipe, you can use this seasoning for all types of meat. This amazing rub can elevate meat dishes to new heights. Whether grilling, roasting, BBQ, or pan-searing, the Santa Maria seasoning brings a touch of magic to the recipes.
We have provided the easiest and quickest recipe to you. Besides, we have also given valuable professional suggestions and pro tips. So, if you follow our recipe, we can assure you of getting an authentic taste. Be with us for more recipes like this.
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