Coffee Grilled Steak: A Crust Above

There is never a wrong. time to bust out the grill and cook up some steak. This recipe takes it up a notch with a bold coffee rub that enhances the charred crust.

One of my most treasured grilling recipes is what one of my friends named Coffee Steaks Under The Influence. The recipe combines two of my favorite beverages – coffee and beer, as well as one of my favorite hobbies, grilling. How is that for a holy trinity?

The recipe is easy, there’s not really any uncommon ingredients required, but the taste is mouth-watering. It has the smokey influence from the grill, a woody flavor from the coffee, a little bit of spicy and sweetness.


How to Make Coffee Grilled Steak



1. Marinate the Steaks (Night Before)

  • In a large freezer-safe zip-top bag, combine the beer, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
  • Add the strip steaks to the bag, ensuring they are fully submerged.
  • Seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to infuse.

2. Prepare the Spice Rub

  • In a small bowl, mix the finely ground coffee, chile powder, cumin, sugar, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
  • Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly combined.

3. Remove and Dry the Steaks

  • Remove the steaks from the marinade and discard the liquid.
  • Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to ensure the rub sticks properly.
  • Lightly brush or rub the steaks with vegetable oil.

4. Coat with the Coffee Rub

  • Generously coat both sides of the steaks with the coffee spice rub, patting it in gently with your fingers to create a crust.

5. Preheat and Prepare the Grill

  • Preheat your grill to high heat. If using charcoal, wait until the coals are glowing red with a thin layer of ash.
  • If using a propane grill, set the burners to high heat.

6. Grill the Steaks

  • Place the steaks on the hot grill and cook for about 2 minutes per side for medium-rare or 4 minutes per side for medium, depending on thickness.
  • Avoid flipping the steaks too often—let the crust develop.

7. Rest and Serve

  • Remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender steak.
  • Serve hot, with your favorite side dishes like roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Tips for Success

  • Choose the Right Coffee: Use a dark roast for a smoky depth of flavor. Avoid flavored or sweetened coffee grounds.
  • Let the Marinade Work: The overnight tenderizes the meat and deepens the final taste.
  • Pat the Steak Dry Before Grilling: This helps the spice rub stick better and ensures a good crust.
  • Cooking Temperature Matters: For the best sear, ensure the grill is properly preheated before adding the steaks.

Recipe Notes

  • This rub works well on other proteins like pork chops or even grilled chicken.
  • If you don’t have a grill, use a cast iron skillet over high heat for a perfect crust.
  • Pair the steak with grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a smoky barbecue sauce.

Print
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Coffee Grilled Steak


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4.8 from 5 reviews

  • Author: Mike Crimmins
  • Total Time: 23 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 3
  • Diet: Omnivore

Description

Steak gets a dark, flavorful crust from a coffee rub and beer marinade. Juicy and delicious!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 12 oz (355 ml) heavy beer
  • 1/4 cups (60 ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Crystal Hot Sauce
  • 3 tbsp finely ground dark roast coffee
  • 1 tbsp pure chile powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 to 2 lbs (680-900 g) boneless strip steaks

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Steaks (Night Before)
  2. In a large freezer-safe zip-top bag, combine the beer, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Add the strip steaks to the bag, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to infuse.
  3. Prepare the Spice Rub
  4. In a small bowl, mix the finely ground coffee, chile powder, cumin, sugar, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly combined.
  5. Remove and Dry the Steaks
  6. Remove the steaks from the marinade and discard the liquid. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to ensure the rub sticks properly. Lightly brush or rub the steaks with vegetable oil.
  7. Coat with the Coffee Rub
  8. Generously coat both sides of the steaks with the coffee spice rub, patting it in gently with your fingers to create a crust.
  9. Preheat and Prepare the Grill
  10. Preheat your grill to high heat. If using charcoal, wait until the coals are glowing red with a thin layer of ash. If using a propane grill, set the burners to high heat.
  11. Grill the Steaks
  12. Place the steaks on the hot grill and cook for about 2 minutes per side for medium-rare or 4 minutes per side for medium, depending on thickness. Avoid flipping the steaks too often—let the crust develop.
  13. Rest and Serve
  14. Remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender steak. Serve hot, with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

  • For a richer coffee flavor, use freshly ground coffee beans.
  • If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, try using soy sauce or balsamic vinegar as a substitute.
  • To prevent the steaks from sticking to the grill, ensure the grates are well-oiled and hot before placing the steaks on them.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Marinating Time: Overnight
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 steak
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 600
  • Fat: 25
  • Saturated Fat: 10
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 40
  • Cholesterol: 100

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate the steaks in the beer and Worcestershire sauce?

You should marinate the steaks overnight in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to fully infuse.

What type of coffee should I use for the spice rub?

Use finely ground coffee for the spice rub to ensure it mixes well with the other spices and creates a crust on the steak.

Why is it important to dry the steaks before applying the coffee rub?

Drying the steaks helps the rub adhere better, ensuring a more flavorful crust during grilling.

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