This fantastic Coffee Dry Rub recipe is incredibly flavorful and perfect for beef, particularly steaks, brisket, roasts, and other types of meats like venison and pork.
What does coffee do in a rub?
Coffee is an excellent flavor enhancer for beef, and it acts as a mild tenderizer, keeps the meat moist, and provides a delicious outer crust for steaks and roasts. Coffee brewed and then used in marinades has the same effect on tough cuts of meat.
How do you use coffee dry rub on brisket?
Apply mixture up to 24 hours on whole packer brisket. Apply the rub as directed, secure the meat with plastic wrap, and place it into your refrigerator.
Making this coffee dry rub recipe:
- Dark brown sugar packed
- Ground medium-dark roast coffee (not instant coffee)
- Paprika (not smoked)
- Ancho chili powder
- Ground black pepper
- Granulated garlic (or garlic powder)
- Granulated onion (or onion powder)
You may have noticed that this coffee rub contains no salt. This is done so that you have the option to pre-salt your meats or add your desired amount to the rub. I recommend 1 teaspoon of kosher salt per pound of meat. See below for details!
How to make coffee dry rub:
- Combine ingredients in a small bowl. Rub the mixture through a spice grinder or food processor for a finer spice blend.
- If making ahead of time, follow the recipe instruction above and store in an airtight container in the cupboard for up to 6 months.
- Please note that this rub does not contain salt.
How to use this rub:
- Brisket: We recommend pre salting brisket and beef roasts for at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours before applying the coffee dry rub.
- Use 1 teaspoon kosher salt per pound of meat.
- For a 10-pound brisket, you’ll need 10 teaspoons or 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Wrap the brisket in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. Remove it one hour before it goes in the smoker, and apply Use 1 tablespoon of rub per pound of meat.
- Beef Roasts, Ribs, and Steaks: Use the same method for rib roasts and thick-cut steaks like Tomahawks. Keep the salting time shorter for steaks at 1-2 hours.
- Pork Roasts, Ribs, and Chops: Use 1 tablespoon of rub, plus 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt per pound of meat—cook as directed.
Try more of our Best Brisket Rub Recipes.
Coffee Dry Rub Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons ground medium-dark roast coffee (not instant coffee)
- 2 tablespoons paprika not smoked
- 2 tablespoons ancho chili powder
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons granulated garlic
- 1 tablespoon granulated onion
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in a small bowl. Rub the mixture through a spice grinder or food processor for a finer spice blend.
- If making ahead of time, follow the recipe instruction above and store spice rub in an airtight container in the cupboard for up to 6 months.
- This rub does not contain salt. Brisket: We recommend pre salting brisket and beef roasts at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours before applying the rub. Use 1 teaspoon kosher salt per pound of meat. for an 10 pound brisket, you'll need 10 teaspoons or 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Wrap the brisket in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. Remove it one hour before it goes in the smoker, and apply Use 1 tablespoon of rub per pound of meat. Beef Roasts, Ribs and Steaks: Use the same method for rib roasts and thick cut steaks like Tomahawks, keep the salting time shorter for steaks (1-2 hours)Pork Roasts, Ribs, and Chops: Use 1 tablespoon of rub, plus 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt per pound of meat.
4 responses to “Coffee Dry Rub Recipe”
Does the round coffee not seem gritty in your mouth when you eat it? I know if have a coffee with grinds in it it’s not nice to have the grinds in your mouth
Rob,
As the rub cooks the coffee flavor becomes much more subtle and the ‘grounds’ soften. When you eat something with a coffee rub on it, it has the same texture as coarse ground black pepper. You really won’t notice it and it isn’t like a cup of coffee with grounds in the bottom.
Hope this answers your question.
Derrick Riches
I’ve never made a rub using coffee but i want to try it. This recipe sounds great! The coffee is regular coffee not instant? I just want to be clear before I try this recipe. Thank you!
Yes. The recipe calls for regular ground coffee. Hope you like the recipe.