Coffee-Infused Honey Glazed Beef Skewers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef marinated in Ethiopian-style coffee and spices, then grilled and brushed with a honey glaze for a smoky sweet finish. This african-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs fresh brewed strong Ethiopian coffee, tablespoons honey, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 African cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1/2 cup fresh brewed strong Ethiopian coffee, 3 tablespoons honey, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a bowl to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound beef sirloin cubes to the marinade, toss to coat thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated beef cubes evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill the beef skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with remaining marinade, until the beef is cooked to medium-rare and caramelized on the edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with flatbread or salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Coffee-Infused Honey Glazed Beef Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Coffee-Infused Honey Glazed Beef Skewers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tablespoons honey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coffee-Infused Honey Glazed Beef Skewers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Coffee-Infused Honey Glazed Beef Skewers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Coffee-Infused Honey Glazed Beef Skewers?

African beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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