Name: Coffee-Rubbed Steak
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon ground coffee; 1 tablespoon light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; 2 New York strip steaks, 1½ inches thick (8 ounces each)

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This coffee-rubbed steak is a bold, flavorful twist on a traditional grilled steak. The rich, earthy notes of ground coffee pair perfectly with chili powder, garlic, and brown sugar, creating a beautifully caramelized crust. Quick to prepare but full of depth, this steak is perfect for dinner parties, summer grilling, or whenever you want to impress with minimal effort.

Coffee-Rubbed Steak

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible flavor: The coffee rub enhances the steak’s natural savoriness with a hint of smokiness and subtle sweetness.
Easy ingredients: Made with pantry staples, no fancy tools or hard-to-find items required.
Tender and juicy: The coffee not only flavors but also helps tenderize the meat.
Grill or pan friendly: Works beautifully on an outdoor grill or cast iron skillet.
Quick cook: From prep to plate in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon ground coffee
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
2 New York strip steaks (1 ½ inches thick, about 8 ounces each)

Directions

Make the Coffee Rub
In a small bowl, mix together the ground coffee, brown sugar, chili powder, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and oregano.
Prep the Steaks
Place the New York strip steaks on a clean work surface. Generously coat both sides of each steak with the coffee rub, pressing gently to help the spices adhere.
Rest Before Cooking
Lightly cover the steaks and let them rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, you can refrigerate the seasoned steaks for up to 4 hours. If refrigerated, let them come to room temperature before cooking.
Grill the Steaks
Preheat your grill to high heat. Grill the steaks for 5 to 6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F.
Rest and Slice
Remove the steaks from the grill and place them on a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute.
Serve
Slice the steaks against the grain, drizzle with any accumulated juices, and season lightly with additional kosher salt and pepper if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 17 minutes (plus resting time)

Variations

Pan-seared option: Use a cast iron skillet for a great crust indoors. Sear for 4–5 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
Add spice: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for more heat or smoky depth.
Try different cuts: Ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon work just as well with the coffee rub.
Sweeten it up: Substitute maple sugar or coconut sugar for a unique twist.
Herb upgrade: Add rosemary or thyme to the rub for a more aromatic flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat slices in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 275°F until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
Freezing: Freeze cooled, sliced steak in an airtight bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What does coffee do in a steak rub?

Coffee enhances the umami flavor of beef, adds subtle bitterness to balance the sweetness of the sugar, and helps create a deeply caramelized crust.

Will the steak taste like coffee?

No, the flavor is not overwhelming. The coffee blends into the seasoning mix and enhances the beef without tasting like a cup of coffee.

Can I use instant coffee or espresso powder?

Yes, but use less as they are more concentrated. Start with half the amount and adjust to taste.

Can I make this rub ahead of time?

Absolutely. Store the rub in an airtight jar for up to 1 month at room temperature.

What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?

New York strip, ribeye, or sirloin all work well. Choose a cut with good marbling for the best flavor.

Can I cook this steak in the oven?

Yes. After searing in a pan for 2–3 minutes per side, transfer to a 400°F oven and cook until the desired doneness is reached.

How do I know when the steak is done?

Use a meat thermometer. Medium-rare is 130°F, medium is 140°F, and medium-well is 150°F. Always rest the steak before slicing.

What side dishes go well with coffee-rubbed steak?

Try roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, grilled corn, or a crisp arugula salad.

Is this rub good for other meats?

Yes! It works great on chicken thighs, or even lamb.

How spicy is this steak rub?

It has mild heat from the chili powder, but it’s not overly spicy. You can add crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.

Conclusion

This coffee-rubbed steak is a showstopper dish that’s incredibly simple to prepare. The unique blend of coffee, spices, and brown sugar elevates the flavor and creates a crust that rivals any steakhouse. Whether you’re grilling for guests or making a special weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.