This is the Best Coffee Rubbed Steak Recipe - This is a coffee rub recipe that makes any steak taste gourmet! In as little as 20 minutes, you’ll take your steak to the next level with bold, smoky flavors.
The earthy, rich notes from the coffee pair well with smoky chipotle powder and the spices themselves create a flavorful crust that keeps the juices inside the steak.
Whether you’re grilling in the summer, or cooking it on the stovetop in the winter, this easy chipotle coffee rub is a must-try for anyone who loves steak!
Looking for more tasty steak recipes? Try my ribeye steak with garlic butter, ribeye on the stove, or ribeye in the oven next time!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- You’ll love the bold, smoky flavors.
- It’s a recipe that works for all kinds of steaks.
- Made with simple ingredients you may already have.
- Can be served with a variety of side dishes.
- Perfect for any occasion, from a date night steak recipe to a summer BBQ!
Ingredients For Espresso Steak Rub
- New York strip steaks: Strip steak has a rich beefy flavor. You can also use ribeye, if your budget allows, as it is a bit more tender and buttery.
- Finely ground fresh coffee beans: If you have a coffee grinder or a high powered food processor you can grind them yourself.
- Montreal steak spice, garlic powder, onion powder, and chipotle powder. If you prefer less heat, you can swap the chipotle for smoked paprika. I have a homemade steak seasoning and a homemade Montreal steak spice blend that can be used in place of store-bought.
- Sea salt and brown sugar: Salt and sugar balance each other nicely. The brown sugar also gives the crust a caramelized flavor.
- Oil: For cooking the steaks
See the recipe card for the full information on recipe ingredients and quantities.
How to Make The Best Coffee Rubbed Steak at Home
Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk all of the dry rub seasoning and spices together until well blended.
Step 2: Pat your steaks dry with paper towels. You want to get as moisture off the surface as you can so the dry rub will stick.
Step 3: Add a generous coating of dry rub to both sides of the steak, press it in so it sticks. Let the steaks sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes.
Stove Top Method
Heat a thin layer of oil in a cast iron skillet or stainless steel pan over medium-high heat. Once it starts to smoke, sear the steaks for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway. Transfer the steaks to a plate, tent with foil, and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Grilling Method
Heat the grill to medium-high heat. Once you’ve oiled the grates, place the steaks over direct heat and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway. Again, tent and rest before slicing and serving.
Cooking Tips
- For deeper flavor, prepare this coffee rubbed steak ahead of time and let it sit overnight (up to 8 hours).
- Always bring the steak to room temperature before cooking. Placing cold steak on a grill won’t deliver the best crust and may stick to the grill or pan.
- Use high heat to sear the steaks. This allows the crust to form, which locks in the moisture.
- The time it takes for steak to cook to your liking will depend on the heat of the grill or pan, and the thickness of the meat.
- Rest the meat once it’s off the heat. The temperature will continue to rise about 5° as it sits. The meat needs time to let the juices settle before slicing, so the steak doesn’t lose any juices and dry out.
What to Serve with the Best Coffee Rubbed Steak Recipe
As mentioned earlier, this coffee rubbed steak pairs well with all sorts of different side dishes. Some of my favorites are Instant Pot mashed potatoes or cheesy scalloped potatoes. Sometimes, I’ll throw some french fries in the air fryer.
On the side, it’s usually a vegetable like this cucumber radish salad or a simple corn on the cob.
Recipe FAQs
I suggest using whichever coffee you normally drink at home. As long as they’re freshly ground and not instant (which can taste artificial), you should be good. Espresso is always a good option. Here is another recipe that uses espresso - Affogato Coffee with Caramel.
The best way to know for sure is to use a digital thermometer to read the internal temperature. 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for medium-well.
No! The coffee gives it a smoky, earthy flavor that only enhances the flavors around it. If you want to try another steak recipe this Juicy New York Steak Grill Recipe
and Grilled Ribeye Steak with Chimichurri Sauce are a must try!
Absolutely! Try it on chicken, pork, salmon, veggies, you name it.
More Steak Recipes You’ll Love
- 20-Minute Strip Steak with BBQ Sauce
- Easy Steak au Poivre
- Crazy EASY Crock Pot Pepper Steak Recipe
- Best Carne Asada Marinade
- Juicy Grilled Beef Kebabs (Easy Steak Kabob Marinade)
- Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon in Air Fryer
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📖 Recipe
Coffee Rubbed Steak Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 steaks New York or ribeye steaks
- 3 tablespoons ground coffee freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon Montreal steak spice store bought or homemade Montreal steak Spice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder or to taste (or smoked paprika for a milder kick)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Make the Coffee Rub: In a small bowl, whisk together the finely ground coffee, Montreal steak seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle powder (or smoked paprika), sea salt, and brown sugar until well combined. This flavorful rub will create a rich, caramelized crust on your steak.
- Season the Steaks: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to help the rub stick and ensure a great sear. Generously coat both sides with the coffee rub, pressing it gently into the meat. Let the steaks rest at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes so the flavors can develop. For extra flavor, cover and refrigerate the seasoned steaks for up to 8 hours, then bring to room temperature before cooking.
- Cook on the Stovetop: Heat a drizzle of oil in a cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and just smoking. Sear the steaks for about 2–3 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness. For a perfect medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130–135°F.
- Or Grill to Perfection: Preheat your grill to high heat. Place the steaks directly over the flame and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, flipping once, until beautifully charred and juicy inside.
- Rest & Serve: Transfer the cooked steaks to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Let rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice against the grain and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use Freshly Ground Coffee: Fresh coffee gives the rub a deeper, more aromatic flavor compared to pre-ground coffee.
- Dry the Steaks Well: This helps you get that perfect, crispy crust when searing.
- Let It Rest: Never skip the resting time, this allows juices to redistribute, keeping your steak juicy and tender.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking—medium-rare is ideal for coffee-rubbed steaks.
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