How to Cook with Coffee: Savory Recipes & Tips

Coffee isn't just for drinking! As a savory spice, coffee adds richness and depth to main dishes without overpowering other flavors. It's subtle yet complex, working beautifully with ingredients like garlic, oregano, and tarragon. This guide explores how to use coffee in savory cooking.

Why Cook with Coffee?

Coffee is considered a spice in cooking because it:

  • Adds richness and depth to savory dishes
  • Enhances other flavors without dominating
  • Works well in rubs, marinades, and sauces
  • Complements beef, pork, and game meats especially well
  • Can be used in both ground form and as brewed coffee

Using Leftover Brewed Coffee

Don't toss that extra coffee! Chilled brewed coffee can be used in:

  • Marinades for meat
  • Braising liquids
  • BBQ sauces
  • Glazes
  • Desserts (tiramisu, coffee crunch bars)

Coffee-Rubbed Cheeseburgers with Texas Sauce

Coffee Rub Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp freshly ground coffee
  • 2 tsp packed golden brown sugar
  • 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp fine sea salt

Burger Ingredients:

  • 8 slices applewood-smoked bacon
  • 1 lb ground chuck (preferably grass-fed)
  • 1 lb ground sirloin (preferably grass-fed)
  • 8 slices smoked provolone, caciocavallo, or Gouda cheese (about 8 oz)
  • 8 potato-bread hamburger buns
  • 8 slices red onion
  • 8 slices tomato
  • Texas Barbecue Sauce

Directions:

Make the Coffee Rub:

  1. Mix all rub ingredients in a small bowl.
  2. Can be made 1 week ahead and stored airtight at room temperature.

Prepare the Burgers:

  1. Cook bacon in large skillet until crisp. Transfer to paper towels, then break in half.
  2. Gently mix chuck and sirloin in large bowl.
  3. Form into 8 patties, 3½-4 inches diameter and ⅓-½ inch thick.
  4. Make slight indentation in center of each burger with thumb.
  5. Can be prepared 8 hours ahead - cover and chill.

Grill:

  1. Prepare grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Sprinkle 1 tsp coffee rub on top of each burger.
  3. Place burgers rub-side down on grill. Grill until slightly charred, about 4 minutes. Turn.
  4. Place 2 bacon halves atop each burger. Cook 3 minutes.
  5. Top each with 1 cheese slice. Cover and cook until cheese melts, about 1 minute.
  6. Place burgers on bottom bun halves. Top with onion, tomato, and Texas Barbecue Sauce.
  7. Cover with bun tops and serve with additional sauce.

More Coffee Cooking Ideas

For additional savory and sweet recipes using coffee, visit Epicurious - Recipes with Coffee for 14+ inspiring dishes!

Tip: Try using Durango Fajitas Beef Rub (which contains coffee) for similar delicious results!

Back to blog