Cocoa Chili Rub

This cocoa chili rub is sweet, spicy, earthy, a little bit chocolaty and adds a unique and delicious flavor to grilled or pan-seared steaks. The spice rub is inspired by the flavors of the Mexican sauce mole poblano and has a similar flavor profile. Ancho chili and chipotle powder give the rub a deep and dark, slightly smoky flavor that's intensified by unsweetened cocoa powder. Brown sugar adds a bit of sweetness and also helps create a delicious, charred crust on the meat once the sugar caramelizes.

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• What's in the dry rub?
• Ingredient notes:
• How to make it:
• How to store it:
• How to use it:
• How spicy is this rub?
• More delicious dry rubs for beef:
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What's in the dry rub?

Ingredient notes:

• I use natural unsweetened cocoa powder (as opposed to Dutch-process cocoa powder) for this dry rub.

How to make it:

Add all ingredients to a small mixing bowl and stir until well combined and no cocoa powder clumps or brown sugar clumps remains.

How to store it:

Store in an airtight container in a dark, cool and dry place.

How to use it:

This dry rub is excellent on steak. Generously rub the spice mix on the meat, then grill or pan sear.

How spicy is this rub?

This dry rub is moderately spicy from chipotle and ancho chili powder.

More delicious dry rubs for beef:

See all dry rub recipes →

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Full Printable Recipe