Santa Fe Coffee Rubs
Here is how it all came together. I started by removing four racks of ribs from the packaging and removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. The ribs were generously seasoned on both sides with the coffee rub. I then placed the ribs on the Weber Smoke Fire pellet grill. The pellet smoker was chosen to avoid the hassle of managing temperatures while setting up for class and assisting students with their recipes. Plus, it was the only available grill after the other twenty were assigned to the students.
The pellet grill was set at 250 degrees. I find pellet smokers produce more smoke at lower temperatures than at higher temperatures. The ribs smoked for about an hour before I checked on them and realized I would need something to spray on the ribs as they smoked so they would not dry out. The pellet smoker was near the beverage station for the students and noticed there was coffee. I filled a spray bottle with freshly brewed coffee and a little water and started to spray the ribs. I sprayed the ribs anytime I was near the pellet smoker helping the students. After smoking the ribs for two hours they developed a deep brown color. Darker than the usual mahogany color of ribs due to the coffee rub. I did not wrap the ribs, but did place a piece of foil over the ribs to keep the ribs from getting too dark.
Total cooking time for the ribs was three and a half hours. The meat pulled back from bones and passed the bend test, so I knew the ribs were done. I let the ribs rest for forty-five minutes before slicing. To finish the ribs sprinkled additional coffee rub over the ribs.
The Results
The ribs had a deep chestnut brown color due to the smoke and the coffee rub. A flavorful crust developed on the outside of the ribs. Don’t worry—the ribs didn’t really taste like a cup of your morning joe. The slow smoking transformed the coffee into something earthy, rich, and caramelized. A little sweet. A little umami. Juicy, tender, and absolutely delicious.
The perfect staff lunch and our students enjoyed the ribs too.
Note: Steven’s coffee rub is sold by the name of Planet Barbecue Santa Fe Rub.
But we’d hate for you think that you have to buy Steven’s rub. So, here’s the formula for making your own.
And while we’re at it, here’s a really cool red eye barbecue sauce.
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