Coffee Steak Rub

Here's an interesting and flavorful steak rub I came across last week on http://thelemonbowl.com.  This recipe combines coffee, peppercorns, brown sugar, and spices for a wonderful flavor, texture, color, and crust.  The recipe author suggested using a sirloin cut, but I just used what we had (honestly can't remember the exact cut I used - it was a big, thin cut that Michael bought).  I don't see any reason you couldn't use it on any cut of steak, though.

 

Coffee Steak Rub

 

Ingredients

- 1½ lb sirloin steak

- 2 T. coffee beans – finely ground

- 2 T. black peppercorns – freshly cracked

- ½ T. salt

- 1 T. brown sugar

- 1 T. garlic powder

- 1(1/2) T. smoked paprika

-½ T. (1/2 t.) cayenne

(I used a little less paprika/cayenne than the original recipe)

 

 

Directions:

1.  Pre-heat grill on high.

2.  Combine coffee through cayenne in a small bowl to create spice rub.

 

3.  Coat the sirloin evenly with the spice mixture and let sit for 20 minutes or so at room temperature. (Cold meat on a hot grill will shrink.)

 

4.  Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, turning once, for medium-rare. Cook more or less based on preference.

 

5.  Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to re-distribute. (I served with my spinach pesto polenta - watch for this recipe soon!).