The imminent arrival of summer coupled with the long evenings getting warmer can mean only one thing: it's National Barbecue Week!
Running from June 3rd - 9th, National Barbecue Week has been celebrated by hungry Brits since its inception in 1997. A lot's changed in the nation's approach to barbies in the last 24 years, with the types of foods being prepared high on that list. Burgers, sausages and kebabs will always be favourites but veggies, meat-free alternatives and unusual ingredients have all become commonplace at your average garden cook-out.
One ingredient that continues to be overlooked, however, is coffee.
Although some may say that coffee and smoky meats aren't exactly obvious bed fellows, we beg to differ. And after you've tried our incredible Barbecue Coffee Rub recipe, we think you'll agree!
What Is A Rub?
A rub is a mixture of spices and/or herbs that is applied to meats before cooking to add flavour. Unlike marinades, which need to be left covering food for several hours, rubs season meats quickly and are easy to prepare, making them perfect for impromptu BBQs. They also add texture and help give meats those delicious, dark crusts so beloved by barbie aficionados, especially if cooked at a low heat for a long time.
Why Use Coffee?
The first thing to say is that a coffee-based rub WON'T make your food taste like an espresso. It will, however, add a deep, rich, earthy flavour that enhances the savoury flavours already at play. Because coffee is highly acidic, it will also help tenderize your meat, making it juicier and less chewy.
Barbecue Coffee Rub Recipe.
This rub can be used on any meat but works particularly well with beef. To make the rub, you will need:
¼ cup of freshly ground coffee
Two tablespoons of brown sugar
Two tablespoons of garlic powder
Two tablespoons of onion powder
Two tablespoons of cayenne pepper (this can be omitted if you don't like spicy food)
Two tablespoons of paprika (normal, sweet or smoked)
One tablespoon of ground cumin
One tablespoon of kosher salt
In a bowl, mix the ingredients together thoroughly. If you have one, transfer the rub to a shaker to make it easier to apply. Then pat your meat dry with a paper towel to remove as much moisture from its surface as possible.
If you want, you can add a binding agent - be creative here. We love smothering beef, lamb or pork in French’s mustard or even a generous helping of Worcestershire Sauce! Next, apply the rub all over the meat. If you don't have a shaker, simply rub it in with your hands. How much you want to use is a personal choice but one tablespoon per pound of meat is a good rule of thumb. If in doubt, be generous!
Although the rub can be applied just before cooking, the longer it sits on the meat, the more tender and flavourful it will become. Try to apply the rub at least an hour before cooking; if possible, do it the day before.
Put the rubbed meat on a plate, cover it with cling film or tin foil and place it in the fridge until you're ready to cook. Any leftover rub can be stored in an airtight container and left in the fridge for as long as six months.
Finally, barbecue or smoke the meat as usual but remember not to use any oil as it will spoil the crust.
What Coffee Should I Use?
Again, this really comes down to personal preference but, as a rule, dark roasts give a more robust flavour, whereas light roasts are more subtle.
If possible, use freshly ground coffee as it tenderizes the meat quicker and more effectively than beans which aren't freshly ground. Instant/pre-ground coffee granules also work well.
If you do opt for freshly ground coffee, use a medium grind. Finely ground coffee is not a good idea as it is smaller than most of the other rub ingredients, so it will coat the meat first and prevent the other flavours from coming through. Coarse ground coffee, on the other hand, is too big and won't stick efficiently to the meat.
So there you have it. When it's time to impress the guests at your next BBQ, just bring out the coffee!
At Cafe2U, we offer a wide range of quality bagged coffee beans - and our baristas will be happy to grind it for you to use - so find your nearest van here and book a delivery today.