You won't be rubbing your eyes awake after trying this coffee-bean blend. It's assertive, but still makes a good team player with other seasonings such as cinnamon, allspice, ginger, sugar, or chile. We like it on game birds, particularly quail, as well as on pork, the long-term Southern mate of red-eye flavor.
MAKES ABOUT ¾ CUP
| ½ | cup coarse-ground coffee beans |
| ¼ | cup coarse-ground black pepper |
| 1½ | tablespoons kosher salt or other coarse salt |
Mix the spices in a small bowl. Store the rub covered in a cool, dark pantry or freezer.
TECHNIQUE TIP: When you find yourself rushed, and don't have the time to marinate food for as long as a recipe suggests, a dry rub offers significant advantages over other seasoning methods, contributing the greatest amount of flavor in a short span of time. If necessary, you can apply a rub right before grilling and still get much of its savor.