Often the rub he creates is based on one we've bought & want to recreate. This is one of those creations. We liked the Coffee & Spice Rub from William Sonoma but I noticed recently it wasn't available on line anymore (though we did see some in the local store). Matt decided to just make his own version which was so flavorful & I'm sure cost a lot less.
Coffee Rub
2 T kosher salt
2 T ground coffee (we are currently using Peace Coffee's dark roast decaf. I recommend a dark roast for this)
1 T ancho powder (often just labeled as chili powder in the store.)
1 T smoked paprika
1 T brown sugar
1 t oregano (Mexican is you can get it)
1/2 t garlic powder
1/2 t ground black pepper
1/2 t chipotle
Mix together. Store in an airtight container.
Makes about 1/2 cup
He made this batch of rub to use in some hamburgers the other night. They turned out so flavorful! There is something about the taste of coffee that just plays so well with chili & meat.
Matt mixes about 1 tablespoon per 1/2 pound of ground beef & works it gently with his hands until just blended. I made a roasted red pepper mayo to top the burgers (mayo mixed with puréed roasted red pepper & a little lemon juice) which added another tasty dimension.
We used the same rub later in the week on some smoked ribs & I can tell you it works as good with pig as it does with cow. It was so good neither of us even bothered putting barbecue sauce on the ribs!
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Kat, is this like adding cocoa to the chili (it doesn't taste like chocolate, but it amplifies the flavour), or do you really get a taste of coffee with your meat?
ReplyDeleteRecipe - You could actually taste the coffee but it isn't overpowering just complimentary
ReplyDeleteMmm. Coffee and ancho are a marriage made in heaven. Bet this was great on burgers... and I can think of about thirty different uses, including steak!
ReplyDeleteI've never tried a coffee rub, but I can imagine how good it must be mingling with all of the smoky spices.
ReplyDeleteI never would have thought of coffee in a rub. I would love to try this.
ReplyDeleteLike others have said, I haven't tried coffee in a rub but it sounds fantastic. Those burgers with the red pepper mayo look truly excellent.
ReplyDeleteIf I don't like coffee will I like this? I have a feeling it's so complex and interesting that my feelings on coffee will be irrelevant. GREG
ReplyDeletethat coffee adds a "mmm what is that?" dimension to rubs on smoked and grilled meats doesn't it? i use cocoa powder in my rubs for the same reason.
ReplyDeletei don't know what i'd do if coffee were suddenly removed from my life--i love it in so many capacities. :)
ReplyDeleteDid you know Clancy's over in Linden Hills has a coffee & spice rub they use? They get the coffee from the shop around the corner.
ReplyDeleteSippity - I don't think the coffee flavor is strong enough that you wouldn't like it because you don't like coffee.
ReplyDeleteAmy - I didn't know. Its crazy that we still haven't been to Clancy's.
I've experimented with coffee in rubs before, but haven't used a recipe like this. It sounds awesome and I will definitely being trying it with our grilling next week!
ReplyDeleteKat, my husband tried your this rub last weekend on some beef back ribs, and it was delightful - thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog! Salivating over it... keeping the boyfriend away from it lest he make me fatter.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious, is there a particular reason you recommend a dark roast over a medium? Is it the caffeine levels?
Courtney - I just think a dark roast has a stronger bolder flavor.
ReplyDeleteT = Tablespoon right? & t = teaspoon
ReplyDeletejetaime - Yes, that is correct. If you look over to the left sidebar you'll see a list a the abbreviations I use since I know some people use different ones.
ReplyDelete