This recipe for coffee-rubbed grilled steak is seasoned perfectly. Finely ground coffee blends with a mixture of dry spices, like smoked paprika, mustard powder and garlic powder. The homemade steak dry rub works with just about any cut of steak. Let’s grill!
Making a Coffee Rub for Steak
I usually like to keep it simple with steak. This paleo steak marinade and homemade chimichurri sauce for steak are about as fancy as it gets.
But if you love steak AND coffee (who doesn’t love both?) here’s a way to enjoy both with an easy coffee rub for grilling.
- Grind the coffee as finely as possible. You don’t want a bunch of of chunks of coffee beans but rather a fine-flour like texture.
- Mix the coffee with seasonings like salt, garlic, smoked paprika and mustard powder.
- Sprinkle the rub liberally all over the steak. Massage it in gently with your hands.
- Allow the rub to sit for 30 minutes (or longer) before grilling.
If you like grilling, be sure to check out all of our delicious grilling recipes!
What Does Coffee Rubbed Steak Taste Like?
This coffee rubbed steak has just a subtle taste of coffee that isn’t overpowering at all. If you want just a little coffee flavor but not too much this is the recipe for you!
The rest of the seasonings combine to make a steak that’s:
- Perfectly bold
- A little spicy
- Slightly smoky
- Salty sweet
What’s the Best Steak to Use with a Coffee Rub?
Pictured you’ll see this rub on a flank steak. We’ve also used it on:
- Skirt steak
- T-bone
- Sirloin
- Ribeye
- Flatiron
Basically, use it on any cut of steak you are looking to take to the next level.
What to Serve with Grilled Steak
Here are some delicious side dish options for this coffee rubbed steak:
- Rich and creamy coleslaw
- Grilled sweet potato fries
- Easy air fryer potato wedges
- Asian cucumber salad
- Grilled marinated vegetables
Your Turn to Try this Easy Coffee Rub for Steaks
If you enjoy coffee and grilling, what are you waiting for? Fire up your grill and enjoy the bold and smoky flavor of this easy coffee rubbed steak.
If you try it, be sure to leave a rating and comment below and let us know how it goes. Also, take a pic to share on Instagram. Tag us @realsimplegood, we love to see what you’re cooking!
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Grilled Coffee Rubbed Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Flank steak, (or skirt or flat iron)
For the coffee rub:
- 2 tbsp finely ground coffee, (as finely ground as possible)
- 2 tsp coconut sugar, (omit for whole30, can omit for Keto)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground chipotle pepper
Instructions
- Combine all seasoning ingredients in a bowl and mix together.
- Generously sprinkle the steak all over on both sides with the coffee spice rub and gently massage it in. Let steak stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare a grill for direct cooking over high heat.
- Cook steak directly over the flame, flipping halfway through cooking, until well browned. This is about 3-5 minutes per side to cook a thin flank or skirt steak medium-rare. Adjust cooking time accordingly depending on the thickness of your steak and desired doneness.
- Transfer steak to a cutting board and let rest for at least 5 minutes. Slice the steak across the grain and serve.
Notes
Made it!! 5 stars. I love coffee. Not just any old coffee, but Astoria Oregon Coffee Company coffee (not to be confused with the Bristro). I lived in Astoria for three glorious years and when I left I could not leave this behind. They ship everywhere priority. But to focus on the rub and my second favorite BBQ, I had to try this rub. Holy cow the very subtle coffee flavor is absolutely awhmazing. I loved the dry mustard addition for the kick of tang!! I used chili powder in place of Chipotle pepper (cuz thats what I had on hand) and it was a hit!! I let the rub sit on my ribs over night to oven bake the next day and then finish off on the grill with homemade sugar free BBQ sauce (sweetened with date paste). 5 stars. Most excellent recipe. I would definitely recommend. Enjoy!!!
Thanks for the amazing review Rebecca, so glad you enjoyed the rub on your ribs!
Oh I need to try this! Looks amazing!
Thanks Erin! It’s real tasty! Hope you love’ll it as much as we do! đŸ™‚
This looks so wonderful. Love all those spices.
Thanks!! It’s been a fun way to spice up our usual grilling routine! đŸ™‚
This looks so delicious! I’m the same way- good meat usually just needs salt and pepper, but what a great way to switch it up. I know my husband would be all about this! Definitely trying for the next grill out!
Yes!!! We definitely have our go-to’s for spices and when we grill it tends to be mostly just salt and pepper, but this one was totally worth veering out of our comfort zone! Hope you guys enjoy it as much as we do! Let us know! đŸ™‚
Oh gosh this looks looks amazing!!!!
It turned out really great! It was a nice way to switch up our usual grilling seasonings. Thanks for visiting and sharing on Twitter! đŸ™‚