Coffee Dry Rub

Coffee Dry Rub

Ground coffee adds earthy bitterness and a dark crust to grilled or smoked meats.

Total 10 min Makes 16 oz Calories 21/serving

Dietary

Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Wheat free, Dairy free, Nut free, Halal, Kosher

This rub blends finely ground coffee with brown sugar, chili powder, and warm spices to build a deep, savory crust on beef, pork, or ribs. The coffee grounds add bitterness that balances the sweetness of the sugar, while smoked paprika and cumin round out a smoky, slightly spicy profile. Rub it on several hours before grilling or smoking for the best flavor penetration.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup finely ground coffee
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander

Method

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the ground coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne, and coriander.

  2. Whisk or stir thoroughly until the brown sugar is evenly distributed and no clumps remain.

  3. Transfer the rub to an airtight jar or container, breaking up any lumps of brown sugar with the back of a spoon.

  4. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months. Apply generously to meat, pressing to adhere, at least 30 minutes before cooking for best results.

Rate this recipe

★ 4.5 (1)

Coffee Dry Rub

This rub blends finely ground coffee with brown sugar, chili powder, and warm spices to build a deep, savory crust on beef, pork, or ribs. The coffee grounds add bitterness that balances the sweetness of the sugar, while smoked paprika and cumin round out a smoky, slightly spicy profile. Rub it on several hours before grilling or smoking for the best flavor penetration.

10 min 16 oz 21 cal

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup finely ground coffee
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander

Method

  1. 1

    In a medium bowl, combine the ground coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne, and coriander.

  2. 2

    Whisk or stir thoroughly until the brown sugar is evenly distributed and no clumps remain.

  3. 3

    Transfer the rub to an airtight jar or container, breaking up any lumps of brown sugar with the back of a spoon.

  4. 4

    Store in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months. Apply generously to meat, pressing to adhere, at least 30 minutes before cooking for best results.