Sweet Brunette Rub

FOR TRADITIONAL BARBECUE & CONTEMPORARY SMOKED FOOD

This rub draws inspiration from the revered combination of ham and red-eye gravy. The dark and sultry seasoning is a bit too robust for grilled foods or smaller items like smoked pork chops, but it pairs beautifully with larger cuts of barbecued pork. It is ideal for rubbing into pork shoulder or racks of spare ribs, and it can also be pat onto a cooked grocery store ham before giving it a second dose of smoke in the backyard.

If you plan to mop your meat during the cooking process, this rub goes well with Sweet Coffee Sop. For the ultimate coffee-infused experience, serve it at the table with Sweet Coffee-Cascabel Sauce. Alternatively, if you prefer a contrasting but complementary taste, you can try it with Pickled Red Onions.

With its rich and flavorful profile, this rub adds a touch of sophistication to your barbecued pork dishes. Whether you’re hosting a grand feast or a casual backyard gathering, this versatile rub is sure to impress your guests and elevate the taste of your pork creations.

MAKES: ABOUT 2 CUPS

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup dark-roasted coffee beans
• ½ cup whole black peppercorns
• ¼ cup turbinado sugar
• ¼ cup kosher salt or coarse sea salt
• 1 tablespoon ground dried mild red chile, such as New Mexican or ancho

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a coffee or spice grinder. If needed, grind them together in batches until you achieve a coarse consistency.
2. Sprinkle the rub heavily on the pork, ensuring even coverage, and then massage it well into the meat. Allow the seasoned meat to sit for at least 45 minutes at room temperature. For more intense flavor, you can cover the meat and refrigerate it overnight before cooking.
3. Any remaining rub can be stored in a covered container in a cool, dark pantry. Use the rub within a week to enjoy its fullest flavor.

SPICING TIP:

•  The recipe distinguishes between “traditional barbecue” and “contemporary smoked food.” Traditional barbecue meats like pork shoulder and spare ribs require slow and low cooking for extended periods to tenderize tough meat and develop optimal smoke flavor. On the other hand, naturally tender cuts like pork chops or tenderloin, precooked ham, or sausages, known as “contemporary smoked foods,” need less time to absorb smoky taste and don’t require slow and low cooking for tenderizing.

MORE ABOUT THE RUB:

• The Sweet Brunette Rub is a delightful and flavorful blend of ingredients designed to enhance the taste and texture of various meats, particularly pork. This delectable rub is a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors that adds depth and richness to your dishes, making it a popular choice among grill masters and cooking enthusiasts.
• The key components of the Sweet Brunette Rub include dark-roasted coffee beans, whole black peppercorns, turbinado sugar, kosher salt, and ground dried mild red chile, such as New Mexican or ancho. The dark-roasted coffee beans provide a deep and smoky undertone, while the whole black peppercorns add a hint of spiciness. The turbinado sugar imparts sweetness, and the kosher salt or coarse sea salt balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste profile. The ground dried mild red chile contributes a mild heat that complements the sweetness of the rub.
• To use the Sweet Brunette Rub, simply coat your pork generously with the blend, ensuring each piece is well-seasoned. Allow the seasoned meat to rest for at least 45 minutes at room temperature, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. For a more intense taste, you can refrigerate the meat overnight before cooking. The rub not only infuses the meat with rich flavors but also forms a beautiful crust when grilled or smoked, adding texture and visual appeal to your dishes.
• Whether you’re grilling a succulent pork shoulder for a traditional barbecue or preparing a tender pork chop for a contemporary smoked food, the Sweet Brunette Rub brings out the best in your meat, transforming your dishes into a culinary delight. Its versatility and ability to enhance a wide range of pork cuts make it a must-have in any barbecue or grilling repertoire. Store any leftover rub in a covered container in a cool and dark pantry, ensuring you enjoy its full flavor on your next cooking adventure. Embrace the magic of the Sweet Brunette Rub and elevate your pork dishes to a whole new level of deliciousness.