It is easy to pick up one of the many premade spice rubs at the grocery store. But making your own mix of spices is a no-brainer as most rubs contain ingredients already in a well-stocked pantry. Unlike a marinade, a dry rub forms a crust on the steak when it grills and seals in the flavor and juices. Ground coffee is the base for the Java Rubbed Strip Steaks. It may sound like an odd addition to a steak rub. When it is combined with freshly ground pepper, kosher salt, garlic and chili powders, dried oregano, and a smidge of sugar, it adds a wood-smoked flavor to the steaks.
After generously rubbing the steaks with the spice mixture, allow them to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour. As the grill is fired up, take the steaks out of the refrigerator. This will take the chill off the meat and they will cook more evenly. Once the steaks are on the grill, don’t poke and prod them. For a 1 ½ inch steak, grill for 6 to 8 minutes per side for medium rare or 10 to 12 minutes per side for medium. Let the steaks rest for about 5 minutes after taking them off the grill. The juices will redistribute and ensure a perfect steak.
Serve some classic sides including a wedge salad with crisp bacon and blue cheese dressing, twice baked cheddar potatoes, and a rich chocolate layer cake with vanilla bean ice cream. 
Java Rubbed Strip Steaks
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Spice up steak night with a java-infused rub.
The smoky, spicy crust seals in juicy perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp ground coffee
- 1 tbsp fresh ground pepper
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sugar
- 4 strip steaks, about 1 1/2 inches thick
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the ground coffee, pepper, salt, garlic powder, chili powder, oregano, and sugar.
- Rub steaks with a generous amount of the spices.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1–4 hours.
- Heat grill to high.
- Remove the steaks from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before grilling to remove the chill from the meat.
- Grill steaks about 6–8 minutes per side for medium rare. The internal temperature of the steaks should be about 130–135°F (54–57°C).
- Remove steaks from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- For a deeper coffee flavor, use freshly roasted, coarsely ground coffee beans.
- To prevent overcooking, use a meat thermometer to ensure the steaks reach your desired internal temperature.
- Leftover steaks can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and are delicious sliced thin in salads or sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 500
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 40
- Cholesterol: 100
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Java rub made of?
A Java rub is a coffee based spice blend that typically includes finely ground coffee, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper. The coffee adds a roasty, slightly bitter depth that pairs well with the richness of strip steak.
Should I apply the rub to the steaks ahead of time?
For the best results, rub the steaks at least 30 minutes before grilling, or up to overnight in the refrigerator. This lets the salt and spices penetrate the meat and form a better crust.
Will the coffee flavor be overpowering on the steak?
No. Once seared at high heat, the coffee mellows and blends with the other spices to create a savory, slightly smoky crust. It enhances the beef flavor rather than tasting like coffee.
