If you’re looking for a steak recipe that delivers big, bold flavor with minimal effort, this Coffee Rubbed Steak Recipe is a must-try. The rich, slightly smoky flavor of coffee enhances the natural beefiness of the steak without overpowering it, creating a crust that’s savory, flavorful, and unforgettable.
It’s an easy way to elevate steak night using simple pantry ingredients.
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Why You’ll Love this Coffee Rubbed Steak Recipe!
Coffee Rubbed Ssteak is one of my favorite ways to make steak feel extra special without spending extra money.
Cooking for more large family means I’m always looking for simple tricks that add big flavor, and this one never disappoints. The coffee rub uses ingredients we already have on hand, and it turns even basic cuts of steak into something everyone raves about.
We love making Homemade Seasoning Blends for Grilling to easily control the ingredients. Try these other family favorites the next time you grill your favorite meats – Chipotle Seasoning, Homemade Burger Seasoning and BBQ Seasoning Recipe.
Ingredients
- Ground Coffee – We like using dark roast coffee. You can use decaf coffee as well.
- Simple Spices – We used smoked paprika, chili powder, pepper, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Feel free to use your favorite seasoning
- New York Strip Steaks – You can use this dry rub on other cut of beef such as ribeye steak, filet mignon or flat iron steak
Scroll to the recipe card for the full recipe details.
How to Make Coffee Rubbed Steak Recipe
Step 1 – Stir all the seasonings together in a small bowl.
Step 2- Generously rub the seasoning mixture onto both sides of the steak. Cover the steak and let them sit with the seasoning on it for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
Step 3 – Turn burners on medium-high heat on the gas grill. Place the coffee-rubbed steaks on the grill over direct heat. Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Then move the steaks to the low heat side of the grill. Close the lid and cook steaks until the steak reaches your ideal doneness level based on how you prefer your steaks to be cooked.
Step 4 – Remove the steak from the grill. Make a foil tent over the steak for 5-10 minutes and then the steak is ready to serve and enjoy!
Coffee Rubbed Steak
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Ground Coffee
- 1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika
- 2 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- 2 New York Strip Steaks
Instructions
- Stir all the seasonings together in a small mixing bowl.
- Generously rub the seasoning mixture onto both sides of the steak.
- Cover the steak and let them sit with the seasoning on it for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat a grill over medium high heat (approximately 400-450 degrees F). Prepare a high heat section of the grill and a low heat section of the grill.
- Place the steaks on the grill over direct heat. Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side until browned.
- Then move the steaks to the low heat side of the grill. Cover and cook the steaks until the steak reaches your ideal doneness level based on how you prefer your steaks to be cooked. The internal temperature of the steaks are listed in the notes based on how you like your steak prepared.
- Remove the steak from the grill. Make a foil tent over the steak for 5-10 minutes and then the steak is ready to serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Tips
- Use finely ground coffee to avoid gritty texture
- Dark roast coffee provides the best flavor
- Don’t skip resting time after cooking. Resting steaks helps to lock in the juices.
- Use a meat digital thermometer for perfect doneness
- Works great on both inexpensive and premium cuts
- If you prefer you can cook this coffee-rubbed steak recipe in a cast iron skillet for a delicious crust. Heat olive oil over high temps to take your steak to the next level.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Coffee Steak – Add ½ teaspoon cayenne or chipotle powder
- Sweet & Smoky – Increase brown sugar slightly
- Garlic Lover’s – Add extra garlic powder
- Herb Coffee Rub – Add dried thyme or rosemary
What to Serve with Coffee Rubbed Steak?
When making grilled steak we love making our side dishes on the grill which makes for an easy cleanup. These are some of our favorite sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. When used as a dry rub, coffee adds depth and richness without bitterness.
Use finely ground dark roast coffee for the best flavor. We recommend skipping the instant coffee granules, espresso or flavor coffee.
Coffee is mildly acidic and can help enhance tenderness when used as a rub.
The coffee flavor is subtle and savory, not overpowering or sweet. It adds more of a earthy taste with a nice crust.
More Steak Rub Recipes
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If you make this Coffee Rubbed Steak Recipe, please let us know how it turned out! We love hearing from you.
