Coffee and Paprika? Yes, Really.
Coffee and paprika may seem like unlikely ingredients for a steak rub, but when combined, they create a unique and complex flavor profile that is sure to impress. The rich and earthy notes of coffee complement the smoky and slightly sweet notes of paprika, resulting in a bold and savory flavor that is perfect for steak. The coffee also adds depth and richness to the rub, while the paprika brings a nice touch of heat and a beautiful red color to the meat. This combination of flavors is different from traditional steak rubs and will elevate the taste of the steak to a new level. Furthermore, using coffee as a steak rub can provide a new depth of flavor, with a slight bitterness and a strong aroma to the steak, while paprika has a sweetness and a smokiness that can be adjusted depending on how much sweet paprika or smoky paprika you choose to use in your rub recipe.
Should I always make my own rub?
How much time do you have? We say yes if you have time! Then you can control the quality and quantity of spices you add to your recipes. Many people want to leave out salt or sugar. Your rub should contain ground black pepper and garlic powder. You can also add onion powder, ground cumin, and homemade chili seasoning mix. There is no limit to what you can add to your steak rub.
Making your own blend or Spice Dry Rub is a great way to enhance the flavor of steak and add depth and complexity. Dry rubs are made of a combination of herbs and spices that can be used before cooking to add flavor and texture to the meat. Rubs can help to create a crispy crust on the steak, trapping in the juices and adding a nice texture to the outside of the steak. A good rub can also help to add flavor to the steak, creating a more intense and satisfying taste experience. Additionally, using rubs can also help to add color to the meat, creating a more visually appealing dish. Using a rub like coffee and paprika steak rub can bring a unique combination of flavors and aromas to the steak, it can also serve as a dry marinade that can penetrate the meat with its flavors. Overall, using a rub on steak can be a simple and effective way to take your steak game to the next level and impress your dinner guests.
This is a quick steak dry rub
This entire spice mix can be made in under five minutes in a small bowl with individual spices you already have in your spice rack. We recommend using a combination of sweet paprika and smoked paprika, but you can also use regular paprika if that is all you have.
This recipe makes enough for 2-4 pounds of steak, depending on how much rub you use on each steak. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Dry Rub Recipe
1/4 cup of freshly ground coffee beans
1 tablespoon of smoky paprika
1 tablespoon of sweet paprika
1 tablespoon of coarse salt flakes
1 tablespoon of ground black pepper
2 teaspoons of ground cumin
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter (to help the rub adhere to the steak)
Alternative Dry Rub Recipe
1/4 cup of freshly ground coffee beans
1 tablespoon of smoky paprika
1 tablespoon of sweet paprika
1 tablespoon of King of Meat, Queen of Meat or Steak Argentino
Combine all dry ingredients together in Step 1 below.
2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter (to help the rub adhere to the steak)
DIRECTIONS
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the ground coffee, paprika, salt, cumin, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until your spice mix is well combined.
- Take your steak out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.
- Before cooking, generously coat the steak on all sides with olive oil, and then the rub.
- Preheat your grill, cast-iron skillet, or broiler to high heat.
- Grill, broil or cook the steak on the skillet for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or cook it for a bit longer if you prefer your steak more well done.
- Once cooked, remove the steak from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into it.
- Enjoy your delicious coffee and paprika rub-seasoned steak!
Note: This seasoning recipe is for a dry rub that can also be used as a marinade. Just add a tablespoon of olive oil or other neutral oil to your seasoning blend to help distribute the spices evenly and allow them to coat the steak.
OUR STEAK COOKING TIPS
Unleash the Flavor Beast: Press the Rub In for the Perfect Steak every time!
Be generous
When applying the rub to the steak, be generous and make sure the steak is well coated on all sides. This will ensure that the flavor of the rub is fully infused into the meat.
Press the rub in
Once the rub is applied, press it into the steak with your hands to help it adhere to the meat. This will ensure that the rub doesn't fall off during cooking.
Marinate, if desired
If you decide to marinate your steak before cooking, place the steak in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish and pour a tablespoon of olive oil or neutral oil over it. Then add the rub and make sure the steak is well coated with the mixture.
Seal the bag or cover the dish, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours.
Give it time to rest
Once the steak is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier steak.
Timing is key
The timing of the marination process depends on the thickness of the steak and personal preference. A thin cut can be marinated for 30 minutes, while a thicker cut can be marinated for up to 2 hours.
A longer marination will allow the flavors to penetrate deeper and the acidity of the coffee to start breaking down the connective tissue resulting in a more tender steak.
Experiment with other Spices Like Chili Powder and Onion Powder
If you're looking to try something new, experiment with different herbs and spice blends to create a unique flavor profile. For example, you can add cayenne pepper, onion powder, chili powder, red pepper flakes, ground coriander, or even taco seasoning mix for fajita steak.
We know you don't always have time to make homemade spice mixes, so we are here when you need to purchase spice mixes already perfected by professional chefs like King of Meat, Queen of Meat, Steak Argentino, Ribs & Strips or Cracked Pepper.
What cut of steak should you use with paprika and coffee steak rub?
When it comes to using a coffee and paprika rub on steak, certain cuts are better suited than others. Here are a few suggestions for the best cuts of steak to use with this rub:
Ribeye
The ribeye cut is known for its rich marbling and intense beef flavor. The marbling helps keep the steak juicy and tender, and the intense flavor can stand up well to the bold, smoky, and spicy flavors of the coffee and paprika rub.
T-Bone
This cut of steak comes with a tenderloin on one side and a strip on the other. This provides a great balance of texture and flavor that is perfect for this rub. The tenderloin is the most tender cut of beef, while the strip is more flavorful, The flavor of the rub will complement the steak's natural flavor.
New York Strip
The New York strip has a good balance of fat and lean meat that's perfect for grilling. This cut can handle the bold flavors of the rub and provide a delicious meal.
Flank Steak
If you are looking for a leaner cut of meat, flank steak is a good option. Its unique flavor and texture can be paired well with the rub. You'll want to be mindful to not overcook this cut as it can become tough if not cooked correctly.
Flank Steak is great for fajitas, you can use the same recipe, just add 2 teaspoons of onion powder and 2 teaspoons of chili powder.
Skirt Steak
Similar to flank steak, skirt steak has a good ratio of fat to lean meat and a robust, beefy flavor. The rub will provide a great complement to the natural flavor of the steak, and this cut can also be a great choice for grilling or pan-frying.
It's important to note that every cut of beef will have its own unique flavor and texture, so it's a good idea to experiment with different cuts of steak and adjust the cooking time accordingly. The general rule is to choose a cut with some marbling, as it will be more flavorful and tender when cooked.
Explore the Flavor Frontier: Discovering the Best Cooking Method for Your Coffee and Paprika Rub Steak
Cooking a steak with coffee and paprika rub can be done in a variety of ways depending on personal preference and the equipment available.
Grilling - One popular method is grilling the steak over high heat. This allows the rub to caramelize and create a crispy crust while also ensuring that the steak is cooked to the desired level of doneness.
- Pros of Grilling: Grilling a steak with a coffee and paprika rub allows for the flavors to caramelize and create a crispy crust. Grilling also creates a smoky, char-grilled flavor that is characteristic of traditional barbecue. This method is also great for cooking steak in large batches and also ideal for outdoor cooking.
- Cons of Grilling: Grilling requires a higher level of attention and skill to ensure the steak is cooked evenly and to the desired doneness. There is also a risk of flare-ups or uneven heat which can cause uneven cooking or burning of the steak.
Cast iron skillet - Another method is to use a cast-iron skillet, where the steak is seared over high heat on both sides and then finished in the oven to the desired doneness.
- Pros of Searing in Cast Iron Skillet: Searing a steak in a cast iron skillet allows for a high-heat sear that creates a nice crust on the steak while trapping the juices inside. Cast iron skillet is a great heat conductor and creates a nice crust on the steak also it is oven safe, so the steak can be finished there to the desired doneness.
- Cons of Searing in Cast Iron Skillet: This method requires more equipment than grilling, including a stove and a cast-iron skillet. It also requires more attention and skill to ensure the steak is cooked evenly and does not burn.
Sous vide - Alternatively, you can also cook a steak using sous vide, which is a method of cooking food sealed in a bag, and submerged in a water bath held at a precisely regulated temperature. This method allows the steak to cook evenly while also infusing it with the coffee and paprika rub flavors, resulting in a tender and juicy steak.
- Pros of Sous Vide: Cooking a steak using sous vide allows for the steak to cook evenly, infusing it with the coffee and paprika rub flavors. This method is great for ensuring the steak is cooked to the desired doneness without the risk of overcooking or burning. The meat will be evenly cooked and tender.
- Cons of Sous Vide: Sous vide requires special equipment such as sous vide cooker and vacuum sealer or zipper bags. Additionally, it also requires a longer cooking time than traditional methods.
Regardless of the method chosen, it's important to let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute for a juicier steak.
Our Conclusion
Ultimately, the best method for cooking a steak with a coffee and paprika rub depends on personal preference, equipment availability, and the desired outcome. Grilling and searing methods can provide a crispy crust, while sous vide cooking results in a tender and juicy steak. Experimenting with different methods can be a fun way to discover the best way to cook a steak to your liking.
In conclusion, the combination of coffee and paprika in a steak rub creates a bold and smoky flavor that is truly unique. This recipe is a great way to add depth and complexity to your grilled steaks and is perfect for any steak lover looking to experiment with new flavors.
We encourage you to give this recipe a try and adjust the quantities of the rub ingredients to suit your personal taste. If you're new to cooking with rubs, don't hesitate to seek out additional resources such as cookbooks or online tutorials to learn more about this versatile and delicious technique. Remember to play around with different flavor combinations and seasonings to find the perfect blend for your next barbecue. Happy cooking!
HOW ABOUT SIDE DISHES AND WINE TO PAIR WITH THIS STEAK?
Complete your meal: The Perfect Side Dishes to Enhance the Flavors of your Coffee and Paprika Rub Steak
When serving a steak seasoned with a coffee and paprika rub, it's important to choose side dishes that complement the bold and savory flavors of the rub. Some great options include roasted vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, as they bring a natural sweetness that can balance the boldness of the rub. Grilled vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers or mushrooms are also a great option, as they can add a nice smoky contrast to the steak. A simple salad of mixed greens dressed with a tangy vinaigrette would also be a great complement to the rich flavors of the steak. Additionally, serving a starch side dish such as roasted or mashed potatoes can help to absorb the flavors of the rub and provide a contrast to the steak's texture. Another option is serving creamy polenta with butter, grated parmesan or Gouda which can balance the flavors of the rub with its creamy texture and cheesy flavor. Alternatively, a simple pasta dish with a pesto, garlic or lemon sauce would be perfect as well. The key is to be creative and choose side dishes that reflect your taste and preferences, as long as they balance the rich and bold flavors of the rub.
Uncork the Perfect Pairing: How to Choose the Right Wine for Your Coffee and Paprika Rub Steak
When pairing wine with a steak that has been seasoned with a coffee and paprika rub, it's important to consider the bold and savory flavors of the rub. The coffee and paprika seasoning will bring out earthy and smoky notes in the steak, and a wine that can complement these flavors will create a perfect pairing. A full-bodied red wine such as a Shiraz, Malbec or a Zinfandel would be an excellent choice as they have high tannin structure that can balance out the rich and bold flavors of the coffee and paprika rub. These wines also have a smoky and spicy character that complements the paprika in the rub. A Cabernet Sauvignon will also work well, it’s a classic pairing with steak, a wine that can complement the flavors of the steak rub. Similarly, a Syrah or Petite Sirah has a rich and full-bodied character that could balance and complement the flavors of the rub.
WHERE DO I FIND HIGH QUALITY PAPRIKA?
