Description
This Bold & Smoky Coffee Rub recipe combines ground coffee with a blend of spices to create a rich, flavorful crust perfect for steaks, chicken, pork, or ribs. The rub’s robust smoky and slightly sweet profile enhances grilled, roasted, or smoked meats, making them juicy and packed with deep, complex flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Spice Rub Ingredients
- 1/4 cup ground coffee (preferably dark roast)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt (or more to taste)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Mix the Rub: In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients: ground coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir well to blend all components evenly.
- Stir Until Even: Continue stirring until the rub’s texture is uniform and all spices and coffee are fully incorporated, ensuring an even flavor distribution.
- Prepare the Meat: Pat your meat dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for the rub to adhere properly, improving the crust formation during cooking.
- Apply the Rub: Generously coat your choice of meat (steaks, chicken, pork, or ribs) with the coffee rub, pressing it gently into the surface to ensure it sticks and covers all sides evenly for full flavor coverage.
- Rest for Flavor Development: Allow the rubbed meat to sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for several hours or overnight. This resting period deepens the flavor penetration and tenderizes the meat.
- Cook: Grill, roast, or smoke the meat according to your preferred cooking method and the specific cut being used. The rub will form a rich, smoky crust while locking in the meat’s natural juices.
- Serve: Once cooked to your desired doneness, serve the meat immediately and enjoy the bold, smoky coffee-infused flavors with a delightful crust.
Notes
- For an extra kick, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- To achieve the best crust, allow the meat to come to room temperature before cooking after applying the rub.
- This rub works well with beef, pork, chicken, and even lamb, offering versatility.
- You can prepare the rub in advance and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Adjust the salt quantity to your dietary preferences and the saltiness of any marinade or sauce used alongside.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: Varies depending on cooking method and meat cut (typically 10-30 minutes)
- Category: Seasoning
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
