Coffee-Rubbed Steak

by Patty Catalano May 18, 2021

Credit: Photo: Joe Lingeman; Food Styling: Anna Stockwell

In need of a new steak dinner recipe? Look no further than your morning cuppa for inspiration. That’s right: This steak’s spice rub starts with ground coffee beans, and is balanced by the sweet molasses flavor of brown sugar and earthy ground coriander.

When the steak hits the high heat of the pan (or the grill), the aroma of the beans awakens, deepening their robust roasted flavor and creating a crave-worthy caramelized crust. Try it on any cut of steak, from skirt to ribeye. You’ll quickly find yourself making it on repeat.

Credit: Photo: Joe Lingeman; Food Styling: Anna Stockwell

Use Freshly Ground Coffee for the Best Flavored Rub

Because freshly ground coffee offers a more robust and nuanced flavor than pre-ground beans, you’ll want to start with whole beans for this rub. Grind the coffee evenly and finely to the consistency of ground spices — a burr grinder does this best, although a blade grinder is suitable too.

The flavor of pre-ground coffee isn’t as vibrant, but it’s often the right consistency (depending on the brand). If you choose to go the pre-ground route, make sure the bag is fresh.