rub-a-dub-dub: what's the rub?
Rubs are mixtures of spices, herbs, and other flavoring ingredients applied to the surface of meats, vegetables, or other foods before cooking. They can serve several purposes: enhancing flavor by infusing food with complex layers from sweet and smoky to spicy and aromatic; improving texture by creating a flavorful crust during grilling, roasting, or smoking; tenderizing meat through ingredients like salt and enzymes that break down muscle fibers; and retaining moisture to keep meats juicy during cooking.
rub components
A good rub features a balanced combination of flavors and textures that complement the food being cooked. Essential elements include SALT for enhancing natural flavors and moisture retention, SUGAR for sweetness and caramelization, and HERBS and SPICES for depth and complexity. The specific blend depends on the desired flavor profile, whether smoky, spicy, or herbal. Different grind sizes for rubs mean different usage; finer grinds adhere better for quick cooking methods, while coarser grinds are ideal for longer cooking processes, allowing flavors to develop slowly.
no sugar (tonight) in my coffee: sugar-free rubs
Sugar-free rubs compensate for the caramelization that sugar provides by using alternative ingredients that can achieve a similar effect. These may include natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol to add sweetness without sugar, though they may not caramelize in the same way. Spices such as paprika, chili powder, and cinnamon add depth of flavor and color, mimicking the visual appeal of caramelization. Additionally, vegetable powders like tomato or ground carrots contribute natural sweetness and help with browning. Acidic ingredients such as balsamic vinegar or tamarind paste enhance flavors and aid in browning through their natural sugars and acidity. Oils and fats can also assist with browning and adding a crispy texture to the exterior of food.
"Using a coffee rub for my barbeque steaks was a game changer — the blend of coffee grounds with spices created a rich, smoky crust that enhanced the meat’s natural flavors beautifully. It added a unique depth and complexity that traditional steak rubs just can't match.
The real testament to the coffee rub's success was my family's reaction — everyone raved about the steaks and couldn't stop complimenting the rich, smoky flavor.
The coffee rub has definitely earned a permanent spot in my grilling arsenal this barbeque season."
—Vanya H.
"Spice rubs are incredibly easy and quick to use, making them a go-to in my house for both weeknight dinners and weekend barbecues.
What I love is that they can be easily adjusted to suit any taste preference and they add a wonderful complexity of flavor to grilled meats and vegetables (I even sometimes add my favorite rubs into my dips and sauces).
From classic barbecue rubs to bold coffee rubs, these spice blends are my secret weapon in my grilling and cooking repertoire."
—Chris L.
"Having a young, athletic adult at home means a lot of protein, especially meat.
Spice rubs can make a quick dinner on the grill, in a cast iron skillet, or on the barbecue much more flavorful. Easy to use, these spice rubs add an extra layer of flavor to meat. Our favorite way to use them is on flank steak or pork ribs. Just mix olive oil with the spice rub, and the meat is ready for the grill.
Coffee blend rubs provide deep, unique flavors, reminding us of an Argentinian steakhouse."
—Karine E.
PERKING UP PERFECTION
why use coffee in rubs?
Coffee can be considered both a flavor enhancer and an additional component in rubs. While it doesn't serve the same purpose as salt in terms of moisture retention and tenderizing, it does play a crucial role in flavor complexity and texture enhancement. It acts similarly to spices in how it contributes to the overall taste profile, adding depth and a unique, robust flavor.
Adding a coffee component to your rub can yield a unique depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste profile. Coffee's natural bitterness balances the sugar components, while its earthy notes complement smoky and spicy flavors.
Additionally, the chemical properties of coffee contribute significantly to its effectiveness in rubs. Its natural acids and enzymes help tenderize meat by breaking down proteins, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite. During cooking, coffee grounds assist in the Maillard reaction, where amino acids and reducing sugars create complex flavors and a beautiful brown crust on the meat's surface. This not only enhances the taste but also adds to the visual appeal of the dish.
USING RUBS IN COOKING
application
Rubs are typically applied generously to the surface of the food. For best results, the food should be patted dry first. Drying the surface of the meat ensures that the rub sticks more effectively. Moisture can cause the rub to clump and slide off, leading to uneven coverage. A dry surface allows for better caramelization and the formation of a flavorful crust during cooking. Moisture can create steam, which inhibits browning.
resting
After applying the rub, let the food rest for a period to allow the flavors to penetrate and to allow the tenderizing agents, such as salt and certain enzymes, to work effectively. This can range from 30 minutes to overnight in the refigerator.
cooking methods
Rubs are versatile and can be used for grilling, roasting, smoking, or even pan-frying. They help create a flavorful crust, especially at high temperatures.
avoiding burnt flavors
When cooking with high heat, be mindful of the sugar content in the rub, as it can burn. Adjust the heat accordingly or use a two-zone cooking method to prevent burning.
"As a serious coffee enthusiast (who doses and grinds her beans every morning), I was very excited to try these coffee rubs. The blends are multi-dimensional in flavor and the addition of coffee brings even more depth. Any bitter notes you might expect are beautifully balanced.
Using the rubs as is on meat, patted dry with a bit of marinating time, was my favorite way to use them. The coffee notes hit you as soon as it hits the heat, and you get a lovely caramelized, yet tender, crust — even on moderate heat (which I recommend to avoid burnt notes)."
Some other ways I enjoyed the rubs:
– Dipping cooked, juicy strips of steak straight into the rub before each bite, for a light dusting with intense flavor
– Making a compound butter with the rubs to baste and/or serve with meats
– Making a yogurt-based marinade with the rub for a beautiful crust and an even more tender bit
—Rena S.
“Since I have family members that play sports and love to strength train, I make sure protein is in the forefront of every meal I make.
These coffee rubs are a great source of flavor for any protein, chicken, steak, fish, you name it! It creates a depth of flavor as well as provides warm undertones to your dish.
The BBQ coffee rub is my current favorite as it is so versatile with the perfect kick of spice and hint of sweetness to satisfy any craving!”
—Breanna T.
Explore our collection of coffee rubs, each offering a distinct flavor profile from tangy to savory. These finely ground finishing rubs adhere well to meats and vegetables, ensuring excellent flavor absorption and penetration. Perfect for quick cooking methods like grilling, roasting, and pan-frying, they bring out the best in every dish with their unique and delicious combinations.
Medium-roast coffee, brown sugar, Himalayan salt, garlic, onion, smoked paprika, sweet Hungarian paprika, cinnamon, cumin, cayenne
BUY BBQ COFFEE RUB >>Medium-roast coffee, high-fat cacao, ancho chile, granulated molasses, French grey sea salt, guajillo chile, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice
BUY CACAO MOLE COFFEE RUB >>Medium-roast coffee, coconut sugar, chipotle, sriracha-infused Himalayan salt, lime, orange, mango juice, coriander, ginger, white pepper
BUY CHILI-LIME COFFEE RUB >>Adding more salt to one of our coffee rubs can balance the robust, sometimes bitter notes of the coffee with a touch of additional seasoning, enhancing the overall flavor profile. You might also want to purchase extra salt for dry-brining, a process where salt is applied to meat before adding the rub. Dry-brining helps to tenderize the meat, improve moisture retention, and create a flavorful crust during cooking.
Adding a bit more sugar to one of our coffee rubs can balance the robust, sometimes bitter notes of the coffee with a touch of sweetness. This can help create a more caramelized crust when grilling or roasting, adding an extra layer of flavor and a pleasing texture to your dishes. Adjusting the sugar content allows you to tailor the rub to your personal taste, enhancing the overall culinary experience.