Coffee in a spice rub might sound unexpected, but it adds the most perfect, subtle, earthy, and bold flavors. My dad gave me a jar of coffee rub years ago, and I’ve been obsessed with it ever since. It’s all about the ratios, and my recipe has nailed it! Let me show you.
Ever since my dad bought me a jar of coffee rub, I’ve been obsessed. After quickly finishing the first jar, he bought me another. Before finishing that one, I went to work developing this recipe and taste-testing it alongside the original. This one is almost identical. ☕
This recipe was inspired by Model Bean , a coffee shop in Kelowna, BC, that used to sell an incredible coffee dry rub. After I tried it for the first time, I realized I already had all the spices and coffee at home, so why not make my own version? Homemade coffee rub is a game-changer. It’s an easy way to switch things up and add something unexpected (yet delicious) to your dinner. Chances are, you probably already have everything you need – just a few spice rack regulars and some ground coffee. The result is distinct yet subtle, and downright delicious! The coffee brings a subtle earthiness that doesn’t overpower. If you were to serve it to someone, they could probably tell you there is something distinct about it, but they may not be able to pinpoint the secret ingredient. It’s a simple addition that makes a dinner feel special.
What does coffee rub taste like
When my dad first gave me a jar of coffee rub, I was definitely curious. I hadn’t tried coffee rub or even heard of it, so you can probably guess what I had for dinner that night. I wasn’t expecting the first bite to taste like a cappuccino, but it was still less coffee-forward than I imagined. The rub has a smoky flavor, and the coffee adds an earthy, slightly bitter note.
How to use coffee rub
What to put it on: When I make a coffee rub recipe, I am most often using it on beef: coffee rub steak , brisket, ribs, or roasts.The subtle and earthy flavor profile was made for steak!
However, it also works with pork tenderloin, or grilled or roasted chicken. I’ve also had it on tofu and I once made an amazing portobello mushroom burger with it!
If you’re adding it to grilled veggies, it can work well with earthy squash or eggplant, cauliflower steaks, sliced peppers, or zucchini. How to use it: Dry the meat or veggies and then sprinkle the coffee rub onto the surface. Occasionally, I coat the surface with olive oil to help it stick. I love to use the grill or the smoker with this rub!
Coffee Rub Spice Blend
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Ingredients
- ▢ ¼ cup finely ground coffee
- ▢ 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- ▢ 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- ▢ 2 tablespoons onion powder
- ▢ 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- ▢ 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ▢ 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ▢ 1 tablespoon sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Mix all of the spices in a small bowl. ¼ cup finely ground coffee, 2 tablespoons ground cumin, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 2 tablespoons onion powder, 2 tablespoons sweet paprika, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon sea salt
- Transfer to a glass jar and store in your pantry for up to one year.
- To use, rub 2 tablespoons of the coffee rub over 1 pound of meat.
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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What type of coffee to use in coffee rub
The ingredients for this coffee rub are all familiar spice rack staples – aside from the coffee itself (unless you’re stashing your beans next to your paprika on the spice rack). So, what coffee should you use?
I normally go for a freshly ground medium to dark roast coffee, as that is what I drink. You can use any coffee you’d like to though – even decaf. Just make sure it’s very finely ground. You don’t want chunks of beans on your dinner.
I have an espresso machine and set the grind to the finest possible for this recipe. If you have a bag of pre-ground coffee, put a little into your blender to grind it almost to a powder.
In terms of how different coffees change the flavor… My recipe tasters and I didn’t notice a dramatic change in the taste, but we did all agree that freshly ground coffee did help to tenderize the meat more. So, you don’t have to use your best coffee, and it’ll still taste amazing.
More spice blends
Italian Seasoning Recipe
Fajita Seasoning (made with pantry staple spices)
Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Homemade Garlic Salt (easier and better than store-bought!)
Coffee Rub Spice Blend
Ingredients
- ¼ cup finely ground coffee
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sea salt , optional
Instructions
- Mix all of the spices in a small bowl. ¼ cup finely ground coffee, 2 tablespoons ground cumin, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 2 tablespoons onion powder, 2 tablespoons sweet paprika, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon sea salt
- Transfer to a glass jar and store in your pantry for up to one year.
- To use, rub 2 tablespoons of the coffee rub over 1 pound of meat.
