This Espresso Brown Sugar BBQ Rub brings a bold and unexpected depth to anything you throw on the grill. The combination of rich espresso, smoked paprika, and our handmade Espresso Brown Sugar gives the rub a balance of smoky, spicy, and subtly sweet notes. It's versatile enough for everything from ribs and brisket to roasted vegetables or grilled mushrooms, making it a pantry staple for elevated home cooking.
The inclusion of espresso powder might surprise some, but it works beautifully to amplify the natural savoriness of meats while enhancing caramelization during cooking. The aromatic espresso brown sugar coats the surface of your proteins, helping to form a flavorful crust that seals in moisture and flavor. It’s a small twist that makes a big difference in the final product.
Use this rub generously, allowing it to rest on your food so the spices can permeate and develop. This espresso brown sugar rub will elevate whichever protein you’re making, whether you’re roasting in the oven or firing up the grill.
Yield: about ½ cup Ingredients:
2 tablespoons Andrea’s Bakehouse Espresso Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1½ teaspoons garlic powder 1½ teaspoons onion powder
½ teaspoon chili powder (or cayenne for heat)
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dry mustard (optional, for tang) Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix all ingredients together until homogenous.
2. Store in an airtight jar for up to 1 month in a cool, dry place.
3. To marinate meat: Pat meat dry and sprinkle a generous amount of the rub on your meat of choice. Press the rub into the surface of the meat and let it marinate for 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the fridge, before cooking.