Mix up this coffee rub with espresso powder and a handful of common pantry spices for an incredibly rich, flavorful rub that’s great on beef and pork. Keep it on hand for all your grilling needs this summer.
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I’ve heard so much chatter about Trader Joe’s BBQ Rub with Coffee lately and I’ve been super intrigued. I knew it would be good and that I needed to try my own version.
I have to admit I haven’t bought or tried TJ’s coffee rub mostly because I really hate buying a spice blend or rub. They are SO easy to make and I almost always have every spice and herb I need to create whatever blend we’re craving.
Plus, it’s way cheaper that way and you know exactly what has gone into it. So let me tell you how to make your own coffee rub.
First, you’re going to need either espresso powder or super finely ground coffee. This is my favorite espresso powder and I always keep it on hand mostly for baking. Side note: did you know the addition of espresso powder to chocolate recipes adds SO much richness and depth?
But now it’s going to get a lot more use with this coffee rub because I’m officially keeping a jar in my pantry at all times.
In addition to the espresso powder, you’re going to need kosher salt, brown sugar to balance out the bitterness of the coffee, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder and black pepper. See how simple that ingredient list is?!
I knew this would be a tasty blend for steak but let me tell you, I AM SOLD. This was so amazing on flank steak. It added so much richness and depth and crazy flavor to the steak.
And if you aren’t a coffee person (I don’t understand this but whatever) you will still love it, I promise. When cooked, it doesn’t taste like coffee but instead just a really rich, deep enhancement of flavor.
If you want to wow your favorite people with an amazing steak, heavily sprinkle this coffee rub onto each side of the steak, rubbing in well. Cook over a hot grill until you’ve reached the desired temperature.
You are sure to become the go to house for all the summer grill outs. If you try this on other meats or veggies, let us know in the comments below.
Coffee Rub
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup espresso powder or finely ground coffee
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 Tbsp. kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. black pepper
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl, making sure you don't have any brown sugar clumps. Store in an airtight container.
