As a coffee lover, I am always looking for new and exciting ways to utilize this wonderful beverage in recipes. One of my favorite things to do is incorporate coffee into savory dishes. I have experimented with adding coffee to dishes such as tacos, soups, casseroles, and even roasts! Using coffee to enhance the flavor of savory dishes adds a unique and delicious complexity that you just can’t recreate with any other ingredient. Please keep in mind that I am not a cook, and don’t really have detailed recipes. These are ideas based on some things I have tried and experimented with!
I’ve tried a variety of different recipes and I’m often surprised by the results. For example, I’ve used espresso powder in Vegan Portobello Mushroom Tacos to give them an extra deep and smoky flavor, added instant coffee to a flavorful Thai Coconut Curry Soup to bring out the sweetness of the coconut, and used ground coffee to create a unique rub for slow cooked pork tenderloin that gave it the most amazing flavor. The more I experiment, the more ideas I come up with! I’m always excited to try something new and unique to incorporate coffee into savory dishes. It’s a great way to explore my creativity in the kitchen and create delicious and flavorful meals for my family and friends.
Overview of the post
I’m always looking for ways to use coffee in interesting and unique ways. It’s a great way to add a depth of flavor and complexity to dishes that you wouldn’t expect. From sweetbreads with espresso rub to coffee-spiked pasta sauces, the possibilities are endless! In this post, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite recipes for using coffee in savory dishes so that others can join me in this tasty exploration. I have experimented with using coffee in savory dishes. Coffee can create a unique, deep flavor profile to the dish—it has a smokiness that you don’t get with other seasonings. Also, I’m adding just enough coffee to bring out the rich, bold flavors associated with it, but not enough to make it taste like you’re eating a cup of joe! Finally, I’m often using coffee in combination with other herbs and spices, so the result is a complex and interesting dish that can surprise and delight everyone who tries it.
Cooking with Coffee
After many bouts or trial and error, I am a fan of savory dishes with a hint of coffee flavor. For a long time, I didn’t think you could use coffee in savory dishes, but boy was I wrong! I’ve discovered some really creative ideas and things I’ve read online just like this post ;). One of my favorites is a coffee-rubbed pork tenderloin. I mix together equal parts ground coffee, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, and sea salt. Then I rub the mixture all over the tenderloin, sealing in the savory flavor
Another dish I love is coffee-flavored meatballs. I combine beef, pork, and veal and mix in some finely ground coffee, fresh thyme, grated parmesan, garlic, and an egg. I bake them until they’re golden and crispy, then serve them with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, and a tomato sauce with a dash of coffee.
Finally, a favorite and a very popular way to use coffee is in a mole sauce. You blend together several kinds of chiles, tomato paste, dark chocolate, cocoa powder, garlic, and oil. Reduce the sauce down a bit and then add my secret ingredient – a cup of freshly brewed coffee (just the coffee though, not coffee with any type of dairy or sweetener). The result is a rich and smoky sauce that pairs perfectly with anything from roasted chicken to seared steak.
Are there benefits of adding coffee to savory recipes?
Adding coffee to savory dishes because it can add a delightful depth and complexity to the flavors. It can be subtle and provide an undertone that complements the other flavors in the dish, or can be a strong bold note that adds a new level of richness. Coffee can also add a surprisingly nice smokiness and slight sweetness, which can encourage the savory flavorings in the dish to really stand out.
Some of my favorite dishes that use coffee as an ingredient are slow-cooked ribs,, braised beef, and slow-cooked stews. With the ribs, I add a coffee rub that is made up of equal parts coffee grounds, ancho chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar. This flavor combination not only helps to promote a nice smoky flavor to the ribs, but also provides an interesting and unexpected sweetness. The longer the ribs cook, the more the coffee flavor infuses into the meat, and the richer the flavor. For a delicious braised beef dish, I add a shot of coffee to the rich and flavorful sauce that the beef cooks in. The coffee adds great depth and complexity to the sauce, and helps to bring out the savory notes of the ingredients. Lastly, I love adding a little coffee to my slow-cooked stews. I’ll add a few tablespoonful of strong-brewed espresso, about 30 minutes before the stew is ready to be served
Useful cooking tips for infusing coffee into savory dishes
When it comes to infusing coffee into savory dishes, use however much you think is necessary and how much of the coffee flavor you would like to shine through. For instance, do you want the coffee to be very present, or just a hint of that rich smokiness! It is important to choose a coffee roast that reflects the flavors of the dish you are creating. For instance, I find that a light roast works best for dishes that are more delicate in flavor while a dark or medium roast has a richer, smoky flavor that works nicely with heavier entrees.
Additionally, I often replace some of the liquid ingredients in a dish with brewed coffee instead of water. For instance, when making a beef stew or curry, I often replace some of the broth with a few cups of coffee. This adds a depth of flavor to the dish and ties all of the ingredients together quite nicely. I also love to utilize ground coffee in rubs and marinades. By combining an espresso grind with spices and herbs, you can create a powerful flavor that will really bring out the desired flavors of a dish. Additionally, I’ve found that by grinding the coffee a little coarser, you get a really nice, crunchy texture in the final dish. Additionally, you can experiment with coffee syrups and glazes to give my dishes a touch of sweetness. By adding a few tablespoons of coffee-based syrup or glaze, I can enhance the flavors of the dish and add a unique, sophisticated element to an otherwise ordinary entrée.
Coffee-Infused Savory Recipes
I love trying out new dishes, but sometimes it can be hard to come up with something that’s unique. You can make a chili with coffee, I’ve read that some people have added coffee to deep fried coffee-battered chicken tenders, and even coffee-rubbed steaks. You can also use coffee in sauces and glazes, and even as an addition to stews and soups. It also works really well in some Middle Eastern and Indian dishes. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are a ton of unique recipes out there that use coffee in savory dishes and it’s definitely worth researching them and even consider giving them a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
Chili con Carne
I’m really into espresso-based dishes lately, and one of my favorite recipes is for Chili con Carne using coffee! I start by browning my beef and onion, then add a can of diced tomatoes and a can of coffee grounds. I let that simmer for a bit, then stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. A bit of sugar and orange zest add some sweetness and citrus flavor, and some bay leaves and pecans give it a pleasantly crunchy texture. It’s delicious and definitely worth trying out!
Baked Smoky Barbecue Ribs
I love a good rib recipe and one of my favorites is my Baked Smoky Barbecue Ribs. This recipe uses the smoky flavor of brewed coffee to give the ribs a delicious flavor. The coffee marinade helps to tenderize the ribs from the inside out and it also adds an extra depth of smoky flavor. It’s a simple recipe that packs a whole lot of flavor. To make it, you combine brewed coffee, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper in a large bowl. Then you generously season the ribs with the marinade and let them sit in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to cook the ribs, you then transfer the ribs to a baking sheet and bake for about two hours. The result is a tender and juicy rib that’s packed with smoky goodness. Serve it up with a side of coleslaw and you’ve got a delicious and unique dish that’s sure to impress.
Grilled Coffee-Marinated Steaks
Marinate the prepared steaks in a mixture of a touch of ground coffee, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This adds a rich depth to the flavors of the steak. After marinating overnight, I lightly oil my grill, then place the steaks over a direct heat. Grill each side for 3-4 minutes, or until a beautiful dark-brown crust develops. This process allows the flavors from the marinade to really penetrate the steak, creating an unforgettable flavor. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables and you’ve got yourself a delicious and unique dinner!
Roasted Pork Tenderloin
You just mix the coffee with some spices, rubbed it over the pork, then roasted it in the oven. If you’re looking for a unique way to use coffee in savory dishes, give this a try!
Final Thoughts
I recently discovered a new and innovative way to use coffee – as a secret flavor in savory dishes. From coffee-infused marinades and rubs to unique glazes and sauces – there are endless possibilities for adding a complex flavor to all kinds of dishes. Try the coffee-infused steaks, burgers, pork chops, and even roasted vegetables – I’ll have to write some reviews about making some of these!
