The Bunnings Workshop community can help with your home improvement projects.
One for all the BBQers - have you ever thought of using ground coffee on your meat before cooking it?
A few weeks ago I released a new coffee rub, which is an amazing combination of earthy and spice tones. As I told some friends about it though, the general response was "Coffee Rub? How does that work?". So what better was to explain that a blog post.
While most BBQ rubs work with most types of protein, coffee rub is paired almost always with beef. Using ground coffee beans does a number things.
First off, coffee brings out more of the savoury flavour in the beef. This can be complemented with any other spices, commonly also containing chilli. We useancho chilli which is a mild pepper that is roasted and ground.
We also add a number of the usual suspects, as well as cumin, and our favourite, smoked paprika.
Secondly, coffee is highly acidic, and using ground beans releases more of that, which when rubbed on the meat helps to tenderise as well.
Coffee is also used to help with the crust (or bark) when cooking low and slow. Some people also add sugar to the rubs, which also aids in have sugar in them as well to add to the caramelisation, but when we recipe tested
Does it actually pick you up like coffee? Not likely, as the average amount per serve is less than your barista would use in a typical cup of coffee you buy from the shop. And while I am no scientist, you could argue that all of the changes it undergoes through the heat and time means that you're getting flavour rather than a caffeine hit.
It's not just for low and slow either - rub some steaks down and go hot and fast over flame at high temp and it is incredible.
(Original version of this post from the Moonshine BBQ Blog)
I also love smoked paprika. I often use it with beef.
Hadn't heard of using coffee before though @MoonshineBen. Many thanks for posting this. Interesting that it helps to tendorise the meat. I have some steaks in the fridge. Might give it a go!
@ProjectPete, you're short circuiting the rubba dub rush if you throw your coffeed up steaks on the grill, you need to go low & slow as is @MoonshineBen's mantra, using indirect heat on your charcoal rig.
@ProjectPete, I'm intrigued by Espresso Salt - where can I pick some up from?
@MoonshineBen, I do not recommend importing Colombrian Espresso Salt on any level, the drug squad will be all over you.
Stick with what you do.
Sorry @MoonshineBen - been a bit off the radar lately when it comes to digital things. It's been all about 4x4, woodwork and grilling/smoking - lovin' it!
Anyway, #wifey got me the espresso salt. Enjoy!
Workshop is a friendly place to learn, get ideas and find inspiration for your home improvement projects
We would love to help with your project.
Join the Bunnings Workshop community today to ask questions and get advice.