Coffee-Chile Dry Rub

Updated Dec. 7, 2022

Coffee-Chile Dry Rub
Tony Cenicola/The New York Times
Total Time
5 minutes
Rating
5(524)
Comments
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This easy-to-make seasoning mixture gives meat a spicy, slightly sweet flavor. Apply a thin coating before grilling beef, pork or lamb. Or use as a condiment to season the meat once you’ve carved and portioned it. —Matt Lee And Ted Lee

Featured in: For a Better Steak, Cook Directly on Charcoal

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Ingredients

Yield:About 1 cup, enough for 4 to 6 large steaks
  • ¼cup finely ground dark-roast coffee
  • ¼cup ancho chile powder
  • ¼cup dark brown sugar, tightly packed
  • 2tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 2tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1tablespoon ground cumin
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (2 servings)

180 calories; 4 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 1 gram monounsaturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 40 grams carbohydrates; 8 grams dietary fiber; 29 grams sugars; 4 grams protein; 477 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients thoroughly, massaging the mixture with your fingers to break down the dark brown sugar into fine crystals.

  2. Step 2

    Liberally sprinkle a thin layer of the rub onto the steak, then pat it in with your fingers so it adheres.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
524 user ratings
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Comments

Consider adding, or substituting, unsweetened Dutch process Cocoa, coarse or fine-ground coriander, grains of paradise.
These can all add to a hearty rub.

This works well on smoked brisket. I rubbed a generous amount into the meat and refrigerated it overnight. After 12 hours in hickory smoke at 225 degrees the result was something my guests raved about.

I continue to use a traditional spice mixture for pork but this has become my standard rub for beef.

This spice rub was not nearly as assertive as I thought it would be. I used it on a 1 1/4" top loin steak, bone in, and rubbed it in 1 hour before grilling, and then cooked it rare on a gas grill. It was very good, and did elevate the top loin steak above the usual somewhat bland flavor. The coffee was an interesting touch. The chili powder was not very pronounced. Next time, I may and try and step up the assertiveness………or, I may just leave a good thing alone.

Loved it. Used it for picanha, and it tasted great. I did substitute ground piloncillo for dark brown sugar since that's what I had on hand.

Add a good amount of freshly ground pepper

Can this be used on chicken? Looks so flavorful.

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Credits

Adapted from Tim Byres, Smoke Restaurant, Dallas

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