Pan-Seared Beef with Missouri Spice Rub

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

A tender pan-seared beef steak seasoned with a regional Missouri-inspired spice rub, delivering a smoky and savory flavor. This american-inspired beef ready in about 20 minutes pairs beef sirloin steak, smoked paprika, garlic powder 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 12 oz beef sirloin steak dry with paper towels. Mix 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, and 1 tsp kosher salt in a small bowl. Rub this spice blend evenly over both sides of the steak.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes. Add the steak and sear for 4 minutes on the first side without moving it until a deep brown crust forms.
  3. Step 3: Flip the steak and add 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme to the pan. Tilt the skillet and spoon the melted butter and thyme over the steak continuously for 3-4 minutes until the steak reaches medium-rare (130-135°F).
  4. Step 4: Remove steak from heat and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain to retain juices.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Missouri 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 Missouri 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 Missouri 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 Missouri Spice Rub?

American 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.