16 Clever Ways To Use Coffee In Your Cooking

Coffee isn’t just a morning pick-me-up. It can also add depth and complexity to your cooking, both in sweet and savoury dishes. The bold, bitter notes of coffee can enhance flavours, tenderise meat, and even create unique desserts. So, let’s explore some creative ways to incorporate this beloved beverage into your culinary adventures.

1. It elevates your chocolate desserts.

Coffee and chocolate are a match made in flavour heaven. A splash of espresso in your chocolate cake batter or a dusting of ground coffee on your brownies can deepen the chocolatey notes and add a subtle hint of bitterness. It’s a simple trick that can take your desserts from ordinary to extraordinary.

2. It can be used as a spice rub for meat.

Coffee grounds aren’t just for brewing; they can also be used as a spice rub for meats like beef, pork, or even lamb. Combine coffee grounds with other spices like chilli powder, cumin, and paprika for a flavourful crust that adds depth and complexity to your grilled or roasted meats. The coffee enhances the flavour and helps tenderise the meat, resulting in a juicy and flavourful dish.

3. It can be used to make a unique barbecue sauce.

Tired of the same old barbecue sauce? Try adding a shot of espresso to your next batch. The coffee’s bitterness balances the sweetness of the sauce, creating a unique flavour profile that’s both bold and smoky. It’s a surprising twist that’s sure to impress your guests at your next cookout.

4. It can be added to chilli for an extra kick.

Give your chilli a flavour boost by adding a tablespoon or two of brewed coffee. The coffee’s bitterness complements the spices in the chilli, adding a depth of flavour that’s hard to resist. It’s a subtle addition that makes a big difference, especially if you’re using dark chocolate in your chilli recipe.

5. It can be used to create a coffee-infused marinade for tofu or tempeh.

Elevate your vegetarian dishes by marinating tofu or tempeh in a mixture of brewed coffee, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. The coffee adds a savoury depth of flavour that complements the umami notes of the soy sauce, while the ginger and garlic add a zesty kick. This marinade is perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-frying tofu or tempeh, resulting in a flavourful and satisfying vegetarian meal.

6. It can be used to make coffee-flavoured ice cream or sorbet.

Indulge in a refreshing and unique dessert by making coffee-flavoured ice cream or sorbet. Brew a strong cup of coffee, let it cool, and then churn it into a creamy ice cream or a light and refreshing sorbet. Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra touch of decadence.

7. It can be added to smoothies for an energy boost.

Need a quick and healthy energy boost? Add a shot of espresso to your morning smoothie. The coffee’s caffeine content will give you a jolt of energy, while its flavour complements the sweetness of fruits like banana, berries, or mango. It’s a delicious and convenient way to combine your caffeine fix with a nutritious breakfast or snack.

8. It makes a great addition to oatmeal.

Instead of using water or milk, try cooking your oatmeal with brewed coffee for a unique twist on a classic breakfast dish. The coffee adds a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness of the oats and any toppings you choose to add. It’s a hearty and satisfying breakfast that’s sure to wake you up and fuel your day.

9. It adds a surprising twist to savoury sauces.

Don’t limit coffee to sweet dishes. A touch of brewed coffee can add depth and complexity to savoury sauces like tomato-based pasta sauces or gravies for meat dishes. The coffee’s bitterness balances the sweetness and acidity of the tomatoes, creating a richer and more nuanced flavour profile.

10. It can be used to make a delicious glaze for vegetables.

Give your roasted or grilled vegetables a gourmet touch with a coffee glaze. Combine brewed coffee with honey, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper for a sweet and savoury glaze that caramelises beautifully on vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. The coffee adds a subtle smokiness that complements the natural sweetness of the vegetables.

11. It can be whipped into a flavourful frosting.

Coffee isn’t just for drinking or baking; it can also be whipped into a luscious frosting for cakes, cupcakes, or other desserts. Combine brewed coffee with butter, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract for a creamy and flavourful frosting that pairs perfectly with chocolate or vanilla cake.

12. It can be used to make a unique vinaigrette for salads.

Ditch the boring old balsamic vinaigrette and try a coffee-infused dressing for your next salad. Combine brewed coffee with olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper for a tangy and flavourful dressing that complements leafy greens, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken.

13. It can be brewed into a syrup for cocktails or mocktails.

Elevate your cocktail or mocktail game by making a homemade coffee syrup. Simply simmer equal parts coffee and sugar until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens into a syrup. This versatile syrup can be used to sweeten and flavour a variety of drinks, from classic cocktails like the espresso martini to refreshing mocktails like the coffee tonic.

14. It can be used to flavour homemade whipped cream.

Add a touch of sophistication to your whipped cream by infusing it with coffee flavour. Dissolve a small amount of instant coffee in the cream before whipping it to create a light and airy topping with a hint of coffee aroma and flavour. This coffee-infused whipped cream is perfect for topping desserts, hot chocolate, or even your morning cup of joe.

15. It can be used to make coffee-rubbed bacon.

Give your bacon a gourmet twist by rubbing it with a mixture of coffee grounds, brown sugar, and spices like paprika and cayenne pepper. The coffee adds a smoky depth of flavour that complements the salty and savoury notes of the bacon. This unique spice rub is perfect for baking or pan-frying bacon, resulting in a crispy and flavourful treat.

16. It can be added to homemade granola for a caffeinated crunch.

Start your day with a caffeinated crunch by adding brewed coffee to your homemade granola recipe. The coffee adds a delicious flavour and helps bind the oats and nuts together, creating a satisfyingly crunchy texture. Mix in dried fruits, nuts, and seeds for a nutritious and energising breakfast or snack.