Indulge in the Ultimate Chili Coffee Rubbed Steak: A Gourmet Dinner Experience
Chili Coffee Rubbed Steak, served alongside a rich red wine jus and crispy homemade steak fries, is the elegant dinner you need to indulge in this week. This unique and flavorful rub deeply enhances the juicy meat, creating an exquisite crust and a tender interior. With a savory, slightly tangy jus that perfectly complements every bite, you are going to melt with sheer delight. Isn’t it time you treated yourself and someone you love to a truly special dinner?
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Every year, I make it a point to celebrate my birthday with a special culinary creation. It’s a tradition I cherish, allowing me to dive into a recipe I’ve been contemplating, one that truly speaks to my cravings. This year, one desire consumed my thoughts: STEAK. But not just any steak – I envisioned a succulent, coffee-rubbed masterpiece, bursting with flavor and unbelievably juicy.
The Unexpected Inspiration: A Coffee Rub Discovery in Kauai
This culinary adventure was solely inspired by an incredible coffee rub mix I discovered in Kauai. It was during my unforgettable 30th birthday trip, a dream getaway orchestrated by my best friend, Bridget. We were on our way to a luau when we stumbled upon a sign for a chocolate and coffee festival – a serendipitous find that absolutely did not disappoint. We spent hours wandering through, sampling an array of different coffees and chocolates, letting our senses guide us.
Later, as we explored the charming small town where the festival was held, we chanced upon a quaint spice shop. This wasn’t just any spice shop; it had everything imaginable, including the most intensely flavorful coffee rub I had ever tasted in my entire life. Its unique blend of aromatic coffee, earthy spices, and a hint of sweetness left an indelible mark on my memory and my palate.
Crafting My Own Signature Coffee Rub
I brought home a precious bag of that incredible coffee rub and used it on every dish I could think of, savoring every last sprinkle. Eventually, however, it was gone. The thought of being without that extraordinary flavor was unbearable, so I was “forced” to embark on a mission: to create my own coffee rub, one that could rival the Hawaiian original.
After countless hours of tinkering, adjusting proportions, and experimenting with various spices, I finally found the right mixture. And let me tell you, it is glorious. This homemade coffee rub delivers a complex symphony of flavors: you can distinctly taste the bold notes of coffee, the smoky warmth of chili, and a subtle, pure magic of light sweetness that balances everything perfectly. It’s a unique blend that transforms any cut of meat into a gourmet experience.
Why Coffee Rub Works Wonders on Steak
Coffee, when used as a rub, is a secret weapon for steak. The finely ground coffee acts as a natural tenderizer, helping to break down the meat fibers and ensure a tender bite. More importantly, it creates an incredible, dark crust when seared, enhancing the steak’s visual appeal and adding a deep, roasted flavor. The acidity in coffee also complements the richness of beef, bringing out its natural umami without making the steak taste overtly like coffee. Combined with chili powder, brown sugar, paprika, and other spices, it builds an unforgettable flavor profile that is both robust and nuanced.
This recipe makes enough rub not only to coat the steaks for this specific dinner but also provides a generous amount to store. Keep it in an airtight container, and you’ll have this fantastic rub ready to elevate your next meal, whether it’s another steak, chicken, pork, or even vegetables.
The Perfect Steak: From Rub to Red Wine Jus
When you take that first bite into the perfectly cooked, juicy steak, it transports you to a whole new level of culinary happiness. The rich, savory notes of the coffee rub, combined with the tender texture of the meat, are simply divine. However, the experience truly becomes unforgettable once you add the red wine jus. OMG, the flavors jump and dance on your palate, creating a harmony that is both sophisticated and intensely satisfying. The jus adds a layer of depth and acidity that cuts through the richness of the steak, elevating every single mouthful.
Choosing and Preparing Your Steak
For this recipe, top sirloin steaks (approximately 1.5 to 2 lbs total for two steaks) are an excellent choice, offering a great balance of flavor and tenderness without being overly fatty. Look for steaks that are at least 1-inch thick, as this allows for a beautiful sear and a perfectly cooked interior. Before applying the rub, pat your steaks thoroughly dry with paper towels; this is crucial for achieving that desirable crust during searing.
Serving Suggestions and Wine Pairings
I personally love to serve my coffee-rubbed steaks with big, comforting roasted steak fries, seasoned simply with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. The rustic simplicity of the fries provides a wonderful contrast to the sophisticated flavors of the steak and jus. However, feel free to switch it up! This dish is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze, or even a fresh garden salad for a lighter touch. Whatever sides you choose, ensure they complement, rather than overpower, the star of the show.
And of course, no elegant steak dinner is complete without the perfect beverage. Make sure you have a big, bold red wine to pair it all with. A Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or a full-bodied Merlot would be an ideal companion, standing up to the rich flavors of the steak and enhancing the red wine jus. The tannins in the wine will beautifully cut through the richness of the meat, creating a delightful balance with every sip. Then, just kick back and ENJOY every exquisite moment of this culinary masterpiece.
Happy birthday to me, indeed 😉 This recipe is a celebration in itself, a testament to the joy of cooking and the pleasure of indulging in truly exceptional food.
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This Recipe’s Must-Haves
- I am a big fan of Le Creuset and the Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet does not disappoint. It’s ideal for these steaks on the stove, then moving them to the oven, and making the jus. A high-quality cast iron skillet is essential for achieving a perfect sear and even cooking.
- Need something to make the spice rub in? Use Libbey Small Glass Bowls with Lids because you can store the extra rub right in them! These are perfect for mixing and preserving your homemade spice blends.
- OXO Good Grips Utility Cutting Board is what I use to rest and slice the meat before serving. A sturdy, reliable cutting board is indispensable for both prep and carving.
- The gorgeous and oh-so divine Wusthof Classic 8-Inch Chef’s Knife will change everything you think you know about knives. Clean cuts, every single time! A sharp, well-balanced chef’s knife makes all the difference in preparing your ingredients with precision.
Pin this Chili Coffee Rubbed Steak recipe for later!
Chili Coffee Rubbed Steak
equipment
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Cast Iron Skillet
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Small Glass Bowls
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Utility Cutting Board
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8-Inch Chef’s Knife
ingredients
- 1/4 cup finely ground dark-roast coffee
- 3 Tbsp cup ancho chile powder
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar tightly packed
- 1 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1/2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1/4 Tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp grapeseed oil
- 2 top sirloin steaks approx. 1 1/2 to 2 lbs total
- RED WINE JUS
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 cups beef stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
instructions
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In a small bowl, stir together coffee, ancho chile powder, brown sugar, paprika, salt, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne until combined.
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Coat each steak with about 3 to 4 tsp of the spice rub. Place on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Chill for 3 to 4 hours.
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Let steaks sit 1 hour at room temperature. When you are ready to cook, preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
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Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook steaks for 2 minutes on each side to form a crust.
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Place skillet in the oven and cook steaks until they are 120 degrees F for medium-rare in the thickest part of the steaks. This should take about 5 minutes.
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Remove steaks from the pan and add them to a cutting board to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
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While the steaks rest, pour 1 cup of red wine into the skillet and place it over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those good browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Cook until the wine is reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in beef stock, stir to combine, and continue to cook until reduced by half, about 8 minutes. Be sure to continue stirring as the mixture reduces.
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Taste and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve alongside sliced steak.