Recipes

Coffee‌ ‌Steak‌ ‌Rub‌

Coffee and steak are not two ingredients which many would think to put together, but when you are making a spicy, herby rub ready for grill night, the addition of coffee powder actually helps add a real smokiness.

It also works well on other meats such as chicken, pork and sausages, and the ingredient list is very flexible so you can make it with more of a kick, slightly more herby or a touch more smoked paprika.

Ingredients

2 steaks, around 250g each and 2cm thick
2 tbsp finely ground coffee
½ tbsp chilli flakes
3 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried mixed herbs
1 tsp garlic granules
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp sea salt, plus more to season
2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

Mix all of the dried ingredients in a bowl until combined
Pat the steak dry, and oil both sides
Season the steaks with the leftover salt, before coating with the steak mix (around 1tsp per size is good)
Leave to marinate in the fridge for 1½ hours, before removing and bringing to room temperature for another ½ hour
Heat an oiled heavy frying pan on a hot setting over the hob until the oil is smoking, and preheat your oven to 200°C
Using tongs, sear the fatty side of the steak to render, before cooking for around 2 minutes each side until charred and with a good crust
Transfer steaks to the oven and cook for around 5 minutes (for medium-rare)
Remove, cover with foil and allow resting for around 5-10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with the juices from the resting process

Notes

You can use more chilli flakes for a more hard-hitting flavour if you wish

Fattier steaks such as T-bone or ribeye are best for this recipe, as they create a natural moistness while keeping the rub intact

Don’t use instant coffee granules – the flavour will barely impart

Sea salt is a must, as the coarseness helps boost the flavour of the other ingredients

Excess rub can be stored in an airtight container for next time