Pan-Seared Beef with Martin Guitar Spice Rub

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pan-seared beef steaks seasoned with a warm, aromatic spice rub inspired by vintage Martin guitar craftsmanship, delivering complex layers of flavor. This international-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs beef sirloin steak, smoked paprika, ground black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 International cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp kosher salt in a small bowl to form the Martin guitar-inspired spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 2 x 200 g beef sirloin steaks and rub each side evenly with the spice mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Let rest for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  4. Step 4: Add the steaks to the pan and sear for 3-4 minutes on the first side until a deep brown crust forms, then flip and add 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 sprig fresh rosemary to the pan.
  5. Step 5: Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter and rosemary over the steaks continuously for another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare doneness.
  6. Step 6: Remove steaks from the pan and rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain and serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Beef with Martin Guitar Spice Rub take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Beef with Martin Guitar Spice Rub?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef sirloin steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Beef with Martin Guitar Spice Rub?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Beef with Martin Guitar Spice Rub for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Beef with Martin Guitar Spice Rub?

International beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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