Coffee Steak Rub with Ancho Chile Powder

4.60 from 10 votes
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Coffee Rub brings incredible earthy flavor when seasoning steak. The real star of this recipe is the ancho chile powder which elevates the savory flavor with a touch of heat. The coffee grounds are balanced with granulated garlic and coarse black pepper and perfect for coffee-rubbed steak.

Coffee Rub with ancho chile powder in a glass jar.
Ancho Chile Powder is the secret ingredient to a perfect coffee rub.

Why Coffee in a Steak Rub?

Coffee combined with a heating element like ancho chili gives a nice earthy flavor to any rub. As the rub cooks, the liquid sweats out of the meat and combines with the coffee giving a rich aroma and flavor.

Ingredients

It all starts with dry ground coffee. You don’t need fancy coffee for a rub. Simply use a good whole bean espresso roast, and grind it using the finest setting you have. Using a grinder allows the use of freshly ground coffee, or buying it finely ground works also if you don’t have access to a grinder.

Coffee Ancho Chili Steak Rub ingredients in glass bowls

The remaining ingredients are adding savory flavors and a touch of heat. Kosher salt, coarse ground pepper, ancho chile powder, and granulated garlic are a perfect balance. Because of the focus on coffee-rubbed steak, we avoid sugar. It’s a simple but great combination.

Coffee Steak Rub in a glass jar.

Coffee Rubbed Steak

We use this coffee rub recipe with a grilled NY Strip Steak. Add a quick marinade that includes coffee, and you have a rich and delicious steak recipe packed with flavor. Or try this on our cowboy ribeye steak recipe which is slowly smoked and then finished over a hot flame in the perfect reverse sear method.

Or you can use this for any of our grilled steak recipes.

Roasts

You can also add this to larger roasts like a Smoked Prime Rib or even a smoked brisket. The flavor will really stand out and is sure to be a conversation started with your family and friends.

Storage

We recommend any of our seasonings be stored in a cool dark cupboard and in a mason jar. Avoid keeping on top of a refrigerator. If the rub cools and heats up over the day, especially in direct light, any residual moisture tends to clump up and the flavor or the rub gets muted.

This coffee steak rub will last up to six months with the proper storage.

Other Coffee-Inspired Recipes

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Coffee Rub steak seasoning in a mason jar.
4.60 from 10 votes

Homemade Coffee Rub with Ancho Chile Powder

Ground coffee, ancho chili, kosher salt, granulated garlic and pepper round it this perfect steak rub.
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 0.5 cups

Ingredients 

  • 3 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons coarse ground pepper
  • 2 tablespoons finely ground coffee
  • 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon granulated garlic

Instructions 

  • In a small bowl combine all ingredients and stir. Store in a small mason jar for up to six months.
  • Use as a seasoning for your favorite steaks.

Nutrition

Calories: 158kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 42135mg | Potassium: 830mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 4875IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 198mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Course: Entree
Cuisine: American, barbecue, bbq
Servings: 0.5 cups
Calories: 158
Keyword: ancho chile rub, coffee rub, coffee rub recipe, Coffee Rubbed Steak, steak seasoning
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Vindulge

About Mary


I'm Mary, a wine/food/travel writer, Certified Sommelier, mom of twins, former vegetarian turned BBQ fanatic, runner, founder of Vindulge, and author of Fire + Wine cookbook. Thanks for stopping by!

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