When, it comes to steak, generally speaking, if you have a high quality cut of meat, you do not need to marinate it. Marinating not only adds flavor to your meat, but it also tenderizes it. But if you want some more flavor that will compliment your dish and not overwhelm it, then we are talking about a good steak rub. A steak rub is generally a mix of spices that you coat your meat with. It is a dry rub.