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Coffee Rubbed Grilled Ribeye Steak

coffee rubbed grilled ribeye steak - featured image

A flavorful and easy coffee rub transforms a classic ribeye steak into a juicy, smoky, and memorable grilled dish perfect for BBQs and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ribeye steaks (1 to inches thick, about 12 oz or 340 g each)
  • 2 tablespoons ground coffee (medium roast, fresh)
  • 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (freshly cracked)
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for heat

Instructions

  1. Remove ribeye steaks from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to allow even cooking. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine ground coffee, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly.
  3. Lightly brush each steak with olive oil on both sides.
  4. Generously sprinkle and press the coffee rub onto both sides of each steak, covering the entire surface.
  5. Preheat grill to about 450°F (232°C). For charcoal grills, let coals burn down to glowing red with a thin layer of ash.
  6. Place steaks on the hottest part of the grill. Grill for 4–6 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temp 130–135°F / 54–57°C). Adjust time for thickness and desired doneness.
  7. Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness.
  8. Remove steaks from grill and tent loosely with foil. Rest for 5–10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  9. Slice against the grain if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh medium-ground coffee for best flavor and texture; avoid instant coffee. Pat steaks dry before applying rub to ensure a good crust. Rest steaks after grilling to keep them juicy. If rub burns, move steaks to cooler part of grill or reduce heat. Rub can be prepared ahead and refrigerated. For indoor cooking, sear in cast-iron skillet and finish in oven at 400°F for 5–7 minutes.

Nutrition

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