I've heard a lot of good things about cocoa rubs and was eager to try this. The taste of cumin was so bold it dominated everything else.
I made it this way: 1 tsp. each of salt cocoa powder & instant espresso powder 2 TBsps. brown sugar (omitted the regular sugar) and 1 TBsp. of everything else. I felt this kept the flavours in balance without any of the components being over-powering. We rubbed it on chicken legs and baked on 350F for 45 mins. to 1 hour. I might increase the cocoa and espresso powder a bit next time.
Nice blend of flavors! And it still leaves room to add more heat if you want to. I used about 3 tbsps. to season a batch of vegetarian chili as I always add cocoa to my chili anyway so it made sense and worked great! Later I used some as a rub for boneless skinless chicken thighs and breasts. I browned those and made a chicken sweet potato tomato and black bean stew. Oh I did also use the rub on slices of tofu but it basically just tasted like dry rub on tofu - won't be repeating that one. Much better suited for meats stews chilis and maybe even some fish. Thanks for sharing!
Great Flavor! Used on grilled brisket and even on the charred (aka burnt) pieces it still was great! It's a great deep and garlicy flavor with just enough sweetness to taste but not over-power. I did use only about 3T. of salt but I don't think using the full 1/4c. would be bad....especially on a cut of meat without the thick layer of fat that the brisket had. Loved it!! UPDATE: Great on beef ribs and chicken breast! Love it!!
Holy Cow! This rub is the best thing to pass my taste buds in years! We used it on pork and beef ribs and it tasted different yet WONDERUL on each of them! Thanks for the great recipe!
This is a wonderful reciepe. And the flavors are FANTASTIC. I only gave this 4 stars because as written is far to much salt. So I would suggest decressing the salt. It is also not made for the spice sissy as it has a pretty good kick. I'll be lowering the ground pepper as well. But the flavors are on point. Wonderful and I will try again.
This is a GREAT rub... But has way to much cumin in it...I will cut way back on it with the next batch I make and will up the brown sugar....I use it for my smoker and the food has been great. I gave it 4 stars just cuz of all the cumin...othere wise YUMMY
This was SO good! I used all the ingredients but didn't have enough cumin and garlic powder so I upped the onion powder a bit. I also halved the salt because I used this in a shaker bag with chicken legs. Roasted them in the convection oven at 375 and they came out very tasty and juicy. It made enough to thoroughly - perhaps too thoroughly - coat about 14 legs. Probably a little intense for many but everyone I served it to raved. UPDATE: This time I made it with half the salt and no onion powder (on hand y'know?)and took it to a pot luck. I watched carefully - only adults took it but they all finished it. It was too dark funky looking and strong smelling for the kids.
I halved the recipe and it made enough for 4 chicken breasts. Served "cocoa rubbed" chicken breast over alfredo pasta we liked that it tasted like the blackened chicken pasta we order in restaurants. Very easy to prepare and the flavour had kick without being too hot for my liking. Will be a pantry standby for us!
