Elevate Your Dinner: The Ultimate Chili Coffee Rubbed Steak with Red Wine Jus
Transform your weeknight dinner into an indulgent culinary experience with our exquisite Chili Coffee Rubbed Steak. This recipe, served alongside a rich red wine jus and perfectly crispy homemade steak fries, promises a symphony of flavors that will delight your palate. The unique, aromatic rub deeply enhances the natural juiciness of the meat, while the savory, subtly tangy jus adds a layer of sophistication that truly elevates every single bite. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to treat yourself and your loved ones to an unforgettable, gourmet dinner.
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A Culinary Journey: The Inspiration Behind the Rub
Every year, as my birthday approaches, I find myself yearning for a special meal—a recipe I’ve been dreaming about, a dish that truly resonates with my current cravings. This year, there was no doubt in my mind: I wanted steak. But not just any steak; my heart was set on a coffee-rubbed, unbelievably juicy steak that would bring a gourmet touch to my celebration.
This craving was sparked by a truly remarkable coffee rub I discovered during a memorable trip to Kauai. My best friend, Bridget, had surprised me with an unforgettable 30th birthday adventure, and it was on this trip that serendipity led us to a hidden gem. On our way to a luau, we stumbled upon a sign for a local chocolate and coffee festival. Naturally, our curiosity got the better of us, and we decided to explore. The festival did not disappoint, offering an array of exquisite coffees and rich chocolates that captivated our senses.
After immersing ourselves in the festival’s delights, we wandered through the charming small town where it was held, eventually discovering a quaint spice shop. This wasn’t just any spice shop; it was a treasure trove of aromas and flavors, housing every imaginable spice. It was here that I encountered the most flavorful coffee rub I had ever tasted in my entire life. Its complex profile, a perfect blend of robust coffee, smoky chili, and subtle sweetness, left an indelible impression.
Crafting the Perfect Homemade Coffee Rub
I brought a generous bag of that magical Kauai rub home, cherishing every pinch and using it on everything from steaks to roasted vegetables. But, as all good things do, it eventually ran out. The thought of being without that incredible flavor was simply unacceptable, which meant I had no choice but to embark on my own culinary quest: to recreate that unparalleled coffee rub.
It took countless attempts, meticulous adjustments, and a good deal of passionate tinkering in the kitchen. Experimenting with different types of coffee, various chili powders, and sweetening agents, I finally hit upon the perfect balance. The result is truly glorious: a homemade coffee rub where you can distinctly taste the deep, rich notes of coffee, the vibrant warmth of chili, and a delicate, almost ethereal sweetness that weaves it all together into pure culinary magic. This carefully crafted blend captures the essence of that original Kauai discovery, bringing those exotic flavors right into your home kitchen.
This recipe for the rub isn’t just enough to coat your steaks for this unforgettable dinner; it yields a generous amount. You’ll have plenty left over to store in an airtight container, ready to elevate future meals. Think about using it on chicken, pork chops, or even roasted root vegetables – its versatility is truly boundless.
The Unforgettable Flavor Experience: Steak and Red Wine Jus
When you take that first bite into the juicy, perfectly cooked steak, coated in its aromatic rub, it’s an experience that transports you to a new level of culinary happiness. The exterior boasts a beautiful crust, locking in all the succulence within. But the true transformation occurs when you introduce the rich, velvety red wine jus. Oh my goodness, the flavors don’t just combine; they leap and dance on your palate, creating an explosion of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy notes that are utterly divine. The deep, robust flavor of the coffee and chili rub harmonizes exquisitely with the brightness and depth of the red wine reduction, turning a simple steak into a masterpiece.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Gourmet Steak
While this steak is a star on its own, the right accompaniments complete the gourmet experience. I personally adore serving my Chili Coffee Rubbed Steaks with hearty, homemade roasted steak fries. Simply seasoned with salt and pepper, these crispy potatoes offer a satisfying texture and a neutral canvas that allows the complex flavors of the steak and jus to truly shine. However, feel free to customize your sides to your heart’s desire!
Consider creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting touch, or vibrant green beans and tender Brussels sprouts for a fresh, earthy contrast. Roasted asparagus or even a light, crisp garden salad would also be excellent choices. The key is to select sides that complement without overpowering the star of the plate. And, of course, no elegant steak dinner is complete without the perfect beverage. Be sure to choose a big, bold red wine to pair with this rich meal; a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Syrah would beautifully enhance the deep flavors of the steak and jus. Then, simply sit back, relax, and savor every exquisite moment of your homemade gourmet dinner.
Indeed, a very happy birthday to me, and to anyone else lucky enough to enjoy this magnificent meal!
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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.
- 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!
- OXO Good Grips Utility Cutting Board is what I use to rest and slice the meat before serving.
- 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!
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 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.