Best 8 Cocoa Rub Recipes

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Cocoa rub is a versatile spice blend that can be used to enhance the flavor of various meats, poultry, and vegetables. The combination of cocoa powder, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and other spices creates a rich, smoky, and flavorful crust that seals in moisture and adds a touch of sweetness. Cocoa rub is easy to make at home and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a mild or spicy rub, there's a cocoa rub recipe out there for you. So let's dive into the world of cocoa rubs and embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more!

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

COCOA RUB



Cocoa Rub image

This spicy cocoa rub is excellent for chicken, steaks, thick chops, and spare ribs. You can also add it to chili and hearty, thick soups.

Provided by jcjeffers

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes

Time 5m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 9

¼ cup sea salt
2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon white sugar
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
3 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Stir the salt, cocoa powder, white sugar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper in a small bowl until combined. Store in an airtight container.
  • To use, rub 2 to 3 teaspoons of the spice mixture onto a serving of meat, and let stand at least 10 minutes before cooking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 26 calories, Carbohydrate 5.6 g, Fat 0.5 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 0.8 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 1333.4 mg, Sugar 3.1 g

SPICY COCOA STEAK RUB



Spicy Cocoa Steak Rub image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 tablespoon cocoa powder
2 teaspoons chipotle powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Two 1-inch-thick rib eye steaks
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon salted butter
3 cups mixed greens
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4 radishes, sliced thinly
1 lemon, juiced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup shaved Parmesan

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 CHILI RUB



Cocoa Chili Rub image

Wake up pork with this adventurous blend of cocoa and chili! Just the right amount of heat, the right amount of sweet, and a rich infusion of chocolate. Go on, you know you want to see what the fuss is all about.

Provided by Stoblogger

Categories     Low Cholesterol

Time 5m

Yield 8 , 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 -2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, Saigon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

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.

SEARED PORK TENDERLOIN WITH COCOA SPICE RUB



Seared Pork Tenderloin with Cocoa Spice Rub image

Provided by Michael Chiarello : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 35m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 tablespoon whole white peppercorns
1 tablespoon whole coriander
4 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
3 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
4 tablespoons sea salt, preferably gray
2 (2-pound) boneless pork tenderloins
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

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.

DOLLY PARTON'S COCOA RUB



Dolly Parton's Cocoa Rub image

This rub is included as part of the Southwestern Grilled Chicken recipe in her cookbook, "Dolly's Dixie Fixin's."

Provided by Julesong

Categories     Low Cholesterol

Time 5m

Yield 1 batch

Number Of Ingredients 6

1/4 cup salt
3 tablespoons garlic powder
3 tablespoons cumin
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons black pepper
2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa

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 RUB



Spicy Cocoa Rub image

Make and share this Spicy Cocoa Rub recipe from Food.com.

Provided by PumpKIM

Categories     Very Low Carbs

Time 10m

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 tablespoon pepper
1 tablespoon coriander
4 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons nutmeg
1 teaspoon clove
3 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
4 tablespoons salt

Steps:

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

COCOA RUB



Cocoa Rub image

I found this rub on an other recipe site, I used it on boneless skinless chicken breasts and it was fantastic!! Try it on steaks, pork chops and spare Ribs. The original recipe suggest also adding it to Chili and hearty thick soups

Provided by Gail Herbest

Categories     Rubs

Time 5m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/4 c sea salt
2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 Tbsp white sugar
2 Tbsp dark brown sugar
3 Tbsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp onion powder
3 Tbsp ground cumin
2 Tbsp chili powder
2 Tbsp ground black pepper

Steps:

  • 1. stir all ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined. store in an airtight container.
  • 2. TO USE: rub 2-3 teaspoons of the spice mixture onto a serving of meat, let stand 10 minutes before cooking.

COCOA SPICE RUB



Cocoa Spice Rub image

Make a batch of this up to have on hand. Great on pork tenderloin, chops, or even steaks. I might try this on tofu as well. I got this recipe from Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello

Provided by Kozmic Blues

Categories     < 15 Mins

Time 15m

Yield 3/4 cup

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 tablespoon whole white peppercorns
1 tablespoon whole coriander seed
4 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
3 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
4 tablespoons sea salt or 4 tablespoons kosher salt

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.

Tips for Using Cocoa Rubs:

  • Use high-quality cocoa powder. Look for a dark, unsweetened variety with a rich flavor.
  • Combine cocoa powder with other spices and herbs to create a complex flavor profile. Common additions include chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  • Apply the rub liberally to meat, poultry, or fish. Make sure to rub it into the meat so that it evenly coats the surface.
  • Let the meat rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the flavors of the rub to penetrate the meat.
  • Cook the meat according to your desired doneness. Cocoa rubs can be used with a variety of cooking methods, including grilling, roasting, and baking.

Conclusion:

Cocoa rubs are a delicious and versatile way to add flavor to your favorite dishes. They are easy to make and can be used with a variety of different meats, poultry, and fish. Experiment with different flavor combinations to create a rub that perfectly suits your taste.

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