Trader Joe’s Coffee Rub Recipe

This bold, earthy Trader Joes Coffee Rub Recipe uses dark roast coffee, brown sugar, and smoked paprika, and is ready in 5 minutes. The rich aroma hits the air as soon as the spices blend together in the bowl. I love keeping a fresh jar of this in my pantry for impromptu steak nights.

What Makes This Version Different

I used to buy the pre-made version every time I visited the store until it was out of stock one summer. Making it from scratch allowed me to adjust the salt levels to my exact preference.

The real surprise was discovering how crucial a tiny pinch of dried orange peel is to the final flavor profile. It cuts through the heavy coffee notes and balances the rich brown sugar perfectly.

Trader Joes Coffee Rub Recipe Ingredients

• 2 tbsp dark roast ground coffee
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tbsp coarse sea salt
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried orange peel

How To Make Trader Joes Coffee Rub Recipe

1. Measure The Spices: Add the ground coffee, brown sugar, sea salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and dried orange peel to a small bowl.
2. Blend Together: Whisk the ingredients thoroughly until no lumps of brown sugar remain and the mixture has an even color.
3. Store For Later: Transfer the blended rub into an airtight spice jar or container using a small funnel.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh coffee: Stale coffee beans will result in a bitter, flat rub that lacks aromatic depth.
• Break up sugar clumps: Brown sugar holds moisture, so smash any stubborn lumps with a fork for an even blend.
• Adjust the grind: Ensure your coffee is ground finely so it adheres well to meat without feeling overly gritty.

What To Serve With Coffee Rub

This versatile seasoning pairs exceptionally well with a thick-cut ribeye steak or grilled pork chops. You can also sprinkle it over roasted sweet potatoes for a deep, smoky flavor contrast.

How To Store

Keep your coffee rub in a sealed glass jar in a cool, dark pantry away from direct heat. It will maintain its best flavor for up to three months before the coffee begins to lose its punch.

FAQs

• Can I use instant coffee? No, instant coffee dissolves too quickly and lacks the robust oils needed for a good crust.
• Is this rub very spicy? This blend focuses on smoky and sweet flavors, containing no cayenne or chili flakes.
• Does the rub make meat taste like a cup of coffee? The coffee flavor mellows significantly during cooking, leaving behind a rich, earthy crust rather than a prominent coffee taste.

Nutrition

• Calories: 15
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 870mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 3g
• Protein: 0g

Try More Recipes:

• Trader Joe’s Croissant Recipe
• Trader Joes Cheesecake Recipe
• Trader Joes Cookie Butter Cookies Recipe

Trader Joes Coffee Rub Recipe

Recipe by Nate Collins

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Total time

5

minutes

Trader Joes Coffee Rub Recipe features bold, earthy textures mixed with dark roast coffee, brown sugar, and smoked paprika. Ready in just 5 minutes, this quick homemade seasoning blend is incredibly simple to throw together for an effortless summer barbecue.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp dark roast ground coffee

• 2 tbsp brown sugar (packed)

• 1 tbsp coarse sea salt

• 1 tbsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

• 1/2 tsp dried orange peel

Directions

• 1. Measure The Spices: Add the ground coffee, brown sugar, sea salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and dried orange peel to a small bowl.
• 2. Blend Together: Whisk the ingredients thoroughly until no lumps of brown sugar remain and the mixture has an even color.
• 3. Store For Later: Transfer the blended rub into an airtight spice jar or container using a small funnel.