Hawaiian Kona Coffee Barbecue Rub
Elevate your summer barbecues with a rich and aromatic Hawaiian Kona Coffee Barbecue Rub, inspired by the lush landscapes of the Big Island. This delightful blend of Kona coffee, brown sugar, and coarse salt infuses meats with a unique depth of flavor, transforming ordinary steaks, chicken, and ribs into culinary masterpieces. Perfect for captivating guests at your next cookout or family dinner, this rub not only enhances the natural flavors of meats but also adds a hint of sweetness and smokiness that will tantalize the taste buds. Simple to prepare and store, this rub is sure to become a staple in your grilling repertoire.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Kona coffee beans
2/3 cup (whole)
packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (lightly packed)
coarse salt
2 tablespoons (coarse)
Instructions
1
In a food processor, combine the Kona coffee beans, brown sugar, and coarse salt.
2
Pulse the mixture until it becomes coarsely ground, being careful not to over-process into a fine powder.
3
Transfer the coffee rub to an airtight container for storage.
4
To use the rub on meat, generously coat both sides of a 2.5 to 3 lb. boneless sirloin steak (about 1-inch thick) with approximately 1/2 cup of the coffee mixture.
5
Allow the seasoned meat to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before grilling or pan-frying to your desired level of doneness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hawaiian Kona Coffee Barbecue Rub?
It is a rich and aromatic seasoning blend made from Kona coffee beans, brown sugar, and coarse salt, designed to enhance the flavor of grilled meats.
What are the main ingredients in this coffee rub?
The recipe requires 2/3 cup whole Kona coffee beans, 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of coarse salt.
How do I prepare the coffee beans for the rub?
Combine the beans with the sugar and salt in a food processor and pulse until the mixture is coarsely ground.
Should the rub be ground into a fine powder?
No, you should be careful not to over-process the mixture; it should remain coarsely ground for the best texture.
How should I store the leftover Kona coffee rub?
Transfer the prepared rub to an airtight container to maintain its freshness and aroma.
How much rub should I use for a steak?
For a 2.5 to 3 lb. boneless sirloin steak, use approximately 1/2 cup of the coffee mixture to generously coat both sides.
How long should the meat sit after applying the rub?
Allow the seasoned meat to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to let the flavors meld.
What types of meat are best for this rub?
This rub is perfect for steaks, chicken, and ribs, transforming them into culinary masterpieces.
Can I use this rub for pan-frying?
Yes, once the meat is seasoned and has rested, you can either grill it or pan-fry it to your desired level of doneness.
How many servings does one batch of this rub provide?
The recipe is designed to yield approximately 12 servings.
What flavor notes does the Kona coffee add?
The Kona coffee infuses the meat with a unique depth of flavor, adding a hint of smokiness.
What role does brown sugar play in the rub?
The brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness and helps create a caramelized crust on the meat during cooking.
Is this a Polynesian style recipe?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as Polynesian cuisine, inspired by the Big Island of Hawaii.
Can I use table salt instead of coarse salt?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of coarse salt for the proper texture and flavor balance.
How many ingredients are in the Hawaiian Kona Coffee Barbecue Rub?
There are only 3 ingredients: Kona coffee beans, packed brown sugar, and coarse salt.
Is Kona coffee mandatory for this recipe?
While you can use other beans, Kona coffee is recommended for its specific aroma and association with Hawaiian cuisine.
What is the recommended steak thickness for this rub?
The instructions recommend using the rub on a steak that is about 1-inch thick.
Does the rub contain any protein or fat?
The dry rub ingredients themselves do not contribute significant protein or fat to the dish.
Is this rub spicy?
No, this rub focuses on sweetness, saltiness, and the rich flavor of coffee rather than heat.
Can I use this for a summer barbecue?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as an ideal way to elevate summer barbecues and captivate guests.
How do I ensure the rub sticks to the meat?
Generously coat both sides of the meat and let it sit for 30 minutes; the moisture from the meat will help the rub adhere.
Is the sugar supposed to be dark or light brown?
The recipe calls for lightly packed brown sugar.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a food processor for grinding and an airtight container for storage.
How long does it take to prepare the rub?
The preparation is very fast, requiring only a few pulses in a food processor.
Can this rub be used on pork?
Yes, coffee rubs are traditionally excellent on pork products like ribs.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients (coffee, sugar, salt), it is naturally gluten-free.
Does the coffee make the meat bitter?
No, when combined with brown sugar and salt, the coffee provides a savory depth rather than bitterness.
Can I use pre-ground coffee?
The recipe suggests starting with whole beans to achieve a specific coarse grind in the food processor.
What makes this rub 'Hawaiian'?
The use of Kona coffee, which is grown on the Big Island of Hawaii, gives it its Hawaiian identity.
Is this rub a good staple for grilling?
Yes, it is described as a simple to prepare rub that is sure to become a staple in your grilling repertoire.