Espresso Steak Rub
Bold espresso steak rub with ancho, smoked paprika and brown sugar. Mix, store, and use on steak, lamb, or in herb butter.
Since I get such wonderful spices from The Spice House, I am always looking for ways to use them up and make new rubs or combos. Here is one that is delicious on steak or lamb.
Submitted by: Helen Smith from Sun City, California
Yield: About 1 1/2 cups
- Dark instant espresso adds rich, savory depth to this spice rub with ancho chile and smoked paprika.
- Apply the rub liberally to one side, sear that side first, and cook 1" steaks about 4–5 minutes per side for medium rare.
- Store the blend in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place for up to six months; mix some into butter for a finishing herb butter.
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Preparation Instructions:
thespicehouse.com
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is in the espresso steak rub and what does it taste like?
The rub blends dark instant espresso powder, ancho or California chile, hot smoked Spanish paprika, brown sugar, mustard powder, salt, black pepper, ginger, and a touch of chipotle. It gives a smoky, slightly sweet, and savory crust with coffee depth and mild heat.
Can I use regular ground coffee or brewed espresso instead of instant espresso powder?
Instant dark espresso powder is best because it is dry and concentrates flavor. Finely ground espresso beans can work if you grind them very fine and use sparingly, but brewed coffee will not give the same dry, flavorful crust.
How much rub should I use per steak and how do I apply it?
For a 1 inch steak use about 1 to 2 tablespoons of rub. Press it into one side only, place that side down on the grill or griddle first, then flip after searing. Let the seasoned steak sit 15 to 30 minutes before cooking, or refrigerate up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
How long will the rub keep and how should I store it?
Store in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place. The rub keeps best for about six months before flavors fade. Avoid heat and sunlight to preserve both aroma and color.
Can I use this rub on other meats or foods?
Yes. It works great on steak and lamb and also on pork chops, roasted vegetables, or beef roasts. For lean or quick-cooking poultry reduce the sugar or add it at the end to avoid burning.
Will the espresso make the steak taste like coffee or add caffeine?
The espresso adds a deep, roasted savoriness rather than a brewed coffee taste. Any caffeine is negligible after cooking, so you will not get a caffeinated effect from a rubbed and grilled steak.
How do I make an herb butter using the rub?
Soften about 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) of butter, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of the rub until even, shape into a log or scoop, then chill. Place a pat on a hot steak to melt and finish the flavor.
How can I make the rub milder or hotter?
To make it milder, cut the black pepper and chipotle in half and keep more brown sugar. To make it hotter, add more chipotle or a pinch of cayenne. Adjust small amounts and test on a single steak first.
What is in the espresso steak rub and what does it taste like?
The rub blends dark instant espresso powder, ancho or California chile, hot smoked Spanish paprika, brown sugar, mustard powder, salt, black pepper, ginger, and a touch of chipotle. It gives a smoky, slightly sweet, and savory crust with coffee depth and mild heat.
Can I use regular ground coffee or brewed espresso instead of instant espresso powder?
Instant dark espresso powder is best because it is dry and concentrates flavor. Finely ground espresso beans can work if you grind them very fine and use sparingly, but brewed coffee will not give the same dry, flavorful crust.
How much rub should I use per steak and how do I apply it?
For a 1 inch steak use about 1 to 2 tablespoons of rub. Press it into one side only, place that side down on the grill or griddle first, then flip after searing. Let the seasoned steak sit 15 to 30 minutes before cooking, or refrigerate up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
How long will the rub keep and how should I store it?
Store in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place. The rub keeps best for about six months before flavors fade. Avoid heat and sunlight to preserve both aroma and color.
Can I use this rub on other meats or foods?
Yes. It works great on steak and lamb and also on pork chops, roasted vegetables, or beef roasts. For lean or quick-cooking poultry reduce the sugar or add it at the end to avoid burning.
Will the espresso make the steak taste like coffee or add caffeine?
The espresso adds a deep, roasted savoriness rather than a brewed coffee taste. Any caffeine is negligible after cooking, so you will not get a caffeinated effect from a rubbed and grilled steak.
How do I make an herb butter using the rub?
Soften about 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) of butter, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of the rub until even, shape into a log or scoop, then chill. Place a pat on a hot steak to melt and finish the flavor.
How can I make the rub milder or hotter?
To make it milder, cut the black pepper and chipotle in half and keep more brown sugar. To make it hotter, add more chipotle or a pinch of cayenne. Adjust small amounts and test on a single steak first.
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