Cocoa Rub Recipes

DOLLY PARTON'S COCOA RUB

Steps:

• Mix together and use prior to grilling chicken and steaks.
• Store the spice mixture in an airtight container; can be stored for up to 1 month.
• Also is good stirred into chili and thick soups!

SPICY COCOA STEAK RUB

Steps:

• Make the rub by mixing together the cocoa powder, chipotle powder, salt, garlic powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne and black pepper in a small bowl. Generously sprinkle the steaks with the rub and set aside.
• Heat the oil and butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the steaks to the skillet and cook as desired, about 4 minutes per side for a perfect medium-rare. Remove from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes.
• For the salad: Meanwhile, add the greens, tomatoes and radishes to a bowl. Add the lemon juice, olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss together, making sure everything is coated in the oil and lemon. Add to the center of a platter and top with the Parmesan.
• Slice the steak and add to the platter with the salad, then serve.

COCOA SPICE RUB

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, toast white peppercorns and coriander seeds until they begin to pop.
• Remove from heat and grind to fine powder in a spice mill, coffee grinder or mortar& pestle.
• Mix the ground pepper and coriander with remaining spices, cocoa and salt.
• Cocoa spice rub will keep in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

SEARED PORK TENDERLOIN WITH COCOA SPICE RUB

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, toast white peppercorns and coriander seeds until they begin to pop. Remove from heat and grind to fine powder in a spice mill or coffee grinder. Mix the ground pepper and coriander with remaining spices, cocoa and salt.
• Trim the pork tenderloins of fat and silver skin. Rub with a generous amount of the cocoa spice rub. Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan over medium high heat until hot but not smoking. Sear each tenderloin on all sides until a rich brown color, about 2 minutes on each side. Remove tenderloins from heat and finish in the oven for about 10 minutes or until cooked through.
• Let the tenderloins rest out of the oven for at least 10 minutes before carving.
• Extra cocoa spice rub will keep in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

COCOA-RUBBED NEW YORK STRIP STEAK FOR TWO

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Toss the beets in a bowl with the olive oil, vinegar and thyme; season with salt and pepper. Lay the beets cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast until the beets are slightly tender and a little crispy on the edges, 35 to 40 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine the cocoa powder, chile powder and paprika in a small bowl. Season the steak with salt and pepper, then rub with the cocoa mixture.
• Heat a heavy-bottomed ovenproof saute pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the canola oil and heat until it begins to smoke. Add the steak and sear on one side until heavily caramelized, 6 to 7 minutes. Flip the steak, transfer the pan to the oven and roast until the internal temperature reaches 125 degrees F for medium rare, about 10 minutes. Allow the steak to rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with the roasted beets.

COCOA-RUBBED STEAK WITH BACON-WHISKEY GRAVY

Steps:

• Make the steak: Mix the cocoa powder, both paprikas, brown sugar, cayenne and 2 teaspoons salt; rub on the steak and bring to room temperature, 30 minutes.
• Make the gravy: Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring, until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove to paper towels with a slotted spoon; set aside. Add the leek to the drippings and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
• Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the whiskey, then return to medium heat; if the alcohol ignites, let the flames die out. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and bay leaves. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the mixture is reduced by one-quarter, about 8 minutes. Whisk in the heavy cream and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the gravy coats a spoon, about 7 minutes. Stir in the butter, reserved bacon and parsley; season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
• Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat, about 3 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon butter; when it melts, add the steak and sear until a dark crust forms, about 8 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes. Season with salt. Slice and serve with the gravy.

COFFEE AND COCOA STEAK RUB

Steps:

• In a pie plate or bowl, combine coffee, cocoa powder and cinnamon. Set aside.
• Rub the steak with olive oil, then sprinkle with the salt and pepper.
• Coat the steak with the coffee-cocoa mix, pressing it into the meat.
• Grill to your preferences.

CHICKEN WITH COCOA RUB

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Place a heavy-bottom, ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Combine rub ingredients, brown sugar through olive oil, in a food processor until smooth, about 1 minute.
• Spray chicken with cooking spray and place in skillet (with the side that has the skin removed facing down). Cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Turn off heat and flip chicken and coat the browned side with cocoa mixture. Place skillet in oven and cook until chicken is cooked through, about 15-20 more minutes.

SPICY COCOA RUB

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients.
• Rub on desired meat.
• Grill meat.

COCOA CHILI RUB

Steps:

• Place all ingredients in a covered jar or ziploc bag and shake to evenly blend.
• Rub on pork chops, pork tenderloin, or chicken legs or thighs. I find this a little too rich for beef but if you feel adventurous, go for it!
• This recipe makes enough for two small whole pork tenderloins or 6-8 chops.
• Rub meat with blended spices and allow at least two hours to marinate before grilling or broiling.