Rich Coffee & Cocoa Spice Rub for Steak
Elevate your steak experience with this Rich Coffee & Cocoa Spice Rub. Combining the bold flavors of fine ground coffee and unsweetened cocoa powder with a hint of cinnamon, this rub creates a unique and savory crust that enhances the natural flavors of your meat. Perfect for grilling, this rub is suitable for both casual barbecues and elegant dinner parties. In just under 15 minutes, you can transform your steak into a flavorful masterpiece, making it a must-try for any grilling enthusiast!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fine ground coffee
2 tablespoons (Not flavored, finely ground)
Unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon (Unprocessed)
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Olive oil
1/2 teaspoon (For rubbing on steak)
Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon (Coarse)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Coarse)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized pie plate or mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the fine ground coffee, unsweetened cocoa powder, and cinnamon until well blended. Set the mixture aside.
2
Prepare your steak by lightly brushing it with olive oil to provide a moisture barrier and enhance flavor absorption.
3
Season the oiled steak with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
4
Generously coat the steak with the coffee and cocoa spice mixture, applying firm pressure to ensure the rub adheres well to the meat.
5
Let the seasoned steak rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before grilling.
6
Grill the steak over medium-high heat to your desired doneness, allowing it to form a beautiful crust while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.
7
Remove the steak from the grill, let it rest for a few moments to retain its juices, then slice and serve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of the Rich Coffee & Cocoa Spice Rub?
The rub offers a bold, savory, and earthy flavor profile with hints of warmth from the cinnamon, designed to enhance the natural richness of the steak.
What kind of coffee is best for this steak rub?
It is best to use fine ground coffee that is not flavored to ensure a smooth texture and consistent savory taste.
Should I use sweetened or unsweetened cocoa powder?
You must use unsweetened cocoa powder to achieve a deep, savory crust without adding unwanted sugar or sweetness to the meat.
Why is cinnamon included in a steak rub?
Cinnamon adds a subtle warmth and a layer of complexity that complements the bitterness of the coffee and the richness of the cocoa.
How long does it take to prepare this rub?
The entire process, including mixing the ingredients and preparing the steak, takes less than 15 minutes.
Do I need to oil the steak before applying the rub?
Yes, lightly brushing the steak with olive oil creates a moisture barrier and helps the spice mixture adhere better to the meat.
When should I add salt and pepper to the steak?
Season the steak with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper after oiling it but before applying the coffee and cocoa mixture.
How should I apply the spice rub to the steak?
Apply the mixture generously and use firm pressure to ensure the rub sticks well to the surface of the meat.
Is it necessary to let the steak rest before grilling?
Yes, letting the seasoned steak rest for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld and the rub to set before it hits the heat.
What is the recommended grilling heat for this recipe?
Grill the steak over medium-high heat to develop a beautiful crust while keeping the interior juicy.
Should I let the steak rest after it comes off the grill?
Absolutely, resting the steak after grilling helps retain its juices, ensuring a more flavorful and tender result when sliced.
Can I use this rub on meats other than steak?
While designed for steak, this rich coffee and cocoa rub also pairs excellently with pork chops or lamb.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 ingredients: fine ground coffee, unsweetened cocoa powder, cinnamon, olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Can I make this rub in advance?
Yes, you can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for future use.
Is this recipe suitable for an elegant dinner party?
Yes, the unique flavor profile and professional-looking crust make it perfect for both casual BBQs and formal dinners.
What type of salt is recommended?
Kosher salt is recommended for its coarse texture, which provides better seasoning coverage for the steak.
Does the coffee make the steak taste like a cup of joe?
No, the coffee provides an earthy, savory depth and helps create a dark crust rather than a distinct liquid coffee taste.
Can I use instant coffee instead of ground coffee?
It is not recommended as instant coffee dissolves differently; fine ground beans provide the necessary texture for the crust.
Will the cocoa powder make the steak taste like chocolate?
No, unsweetened cocoa adds a rich, mahogany color and a subtle bitterness that enhances the meat's savoriness without being chocolaty.
Is this rub spicy?
This rub is not spicy in terms of heat; it is aromatic and flavorful. You can add cayenne if you prefer a spicy kick.
How much olive oil is needed?
Only about 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil is needed to lightly coat the steak.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
No, this specific rub recipe is sugar-free, relying on coffee and cocoa for depth of flavor.
Is the cocoa powder processed?
The recipe calls for unprocessed, unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor results.
How much rub does one batch make?
One batch makes approximately 3 to 4 tablespoons of dry rub, enough for a large steak or two smaller ones.
What is the best way to mix the dry ingredients?
Thoroughly combine them in a medium-sized pie plate or mixing bowl until the color is uniform.
Can I use decaf coffee?
Yes, decaf fine ground coffee will work just as well for flavor and texture if you wish to avoid caffeine.
Why use freshly ground black pepper?
Freshly ground pepper has more potent oils and a better bite than pre-ground pepper, which complements the bold rub.
What does the cinnamon do to the meat's flavor?
It adds a mysterious, savory-sweet note that bridges the flavors of the coffee and the beef.
Is this rub suitable for pan-searing?
Yes, but be careful with the heat to prevent the coffee from burning; medium-high is usually the limit.
What makes this rub 'rich'?
The combination of the dark coffee oils and the deep cocoa solids creates a high-intensity, 'rich' crust during the Maillard reaction.