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Coffee-Rubbed Steak

This coffee-rubbed steak offers a sophisticated depth of flavour that transforms a standard cut of beef into a restaurant-quality meal. The combination of finely ground coffee, smoky Spanish paprika, and earthy ancho chilli creates a dark, savoury crust that beautifully complements the rich fat of the New York strip. By allowing the meat to dry-brine in the fridge, the spices penetrate deeper, ensuring every bite is seasoned to perfection.

As a high-protein main dish, this recipe is ideal for anyone looking for a satisfying, low-carb dinner that feels indulgent yet remains nutritious. Serve your sliced steak alongside roasted root vegetables or a crisp green salad for a balanced evening meal. It is a fantastic choice for weekend entertaining or a special midweek treat that requires minimal active cooking time.

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Ingredients for Coffee-Rubbed Steak

  • 2 tablespoons ancho chilli powder

  • 2 tablespoons finely ground coffee beans

  • 5 teaspoons dark brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon hot smoked Spanish paprika

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons mustard powder

  • 1 teaspoon chilli de árbol powder or 3/4 teaspoons finely ground red pepper flakes

  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more

  • 60g boneless New York strip steaks (about 1 inch thick)

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Mix ancho chilli powder, ground coffee, brown sugar, paprika, dried oregano, pepper, coriander, mustard, chilli de árbol powder, ginger, and 1 tablespoon salt in a small bowl.

Season steaks with salt, then coat with 5 teaspoons spice rub per steak (save any extra rub for your next steak). Place on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet and chill uncovered 3–6 hours.

Let steaks sit 1 hour to come to room temperature, which will help them cook quickly and more evenly.

Preheat oven to 204°C. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook steaks 2 minutes or so on each side to create a nice crust. Transfer skillet to oven; cook steaks until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 49°C for medium-rare, about 5 minutes. Transfer steaks to a cutting board; let rest 10 minutes. Slice 1/2-inch thick.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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