Steak rubs are helpful in kicking the flavor of your steak up a notch and giving it a nice, crispy crust. That crust also protects the meat from drying out, so you’re likelier to keep its natural juices intact during the cooking process…
You’ll find loads of premade rubs in the grocery store, but many of them are ones you can replicate at home by using the spices that are already in your pantry. And, with a little creativity, you can likely make steak rubs that are even tastier than anything you’ll find in the store.
This chocolate and coffee rub is one of them. It includes the bold and bitter flavors of chocolate and coffee, the sweetness of dark brown sugar, and the spiciness of paprika, chili powder, and garlic to give your steaks the perfect blend of the flavor profiles you love. The result is a tender steak with a crisp crust, a juicy middle, and rich flavors that take the taste of steak to another level.
Combine the coffee beans, cocoa powder, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Coat each steak with olive oil. Rub the spice mixture generously onto both sides of the ribeyes. Be sure to press the rub into the meat as you work it around.
Place rubbed steaks on a plate; cover and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Preheat the grill to about 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place steaks directly over the flames, allowing them to sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side (you should see grill marks form). Then, move them away from the flames. Close the lid and allow to cook for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 120 to 125-degrees.
Remove steaks from the grill and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes
If you don’t have a grill or prefer to finish the steak off in the oven, you can do that too. When the steak’s ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425-degrees. Add 2 tbsp. of olive oil to a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Sear the steaks for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Then, transfer to a baking tray and finish them off in the oven for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the thermometer reads between 120 and 125-degrees. Allow to rest for 5 minutes and enjoy!
This coffee and chocolate steak rub is so easy to make and includes easy-to-find ingredients you probably already have stocked. You can also make the rub ahead of time – or make extra – to store in the fridge and have on hand when you need it.
