Coffee-Rubbed Beef Skewers with Bitter Chocolate Mole Sauce

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

These beef skewers are coated in a rich coffee and spice rub, served alongside a complex mole sauce enriched with bittersweet dark chocolate for depth and intensity. This mexican-inspired beef ready in about 40 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes beef sirloin, instant coffee granules, smoked paprika into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp instant coffee granules, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss 1 lb beef sirloin cubes with 2 tbsp olive oil and the spice mixture until fully coated. Thread onto skewers.
  2. Step 2: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the beef skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until medium-rare or preferred doneness.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté 1 small finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add 1 cup tomato sauce, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, and 1 oz chopped bittersweet dark chocolate. Stir and simmer gently for 10 minutes until thickened and the chocolate is melted.
  4. Step 4: Serve the grilled beef skewers drizzled with the rich chocolate mole sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Coffee-Rubbed Beef Skewers with Bitter Chocolate Mole Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Coffee-Rubbed Beef Skewers with Bitter Chocolate Mole Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coffee-Rubbed Beef Skewers with Bitter Chocolate Mole Sauce?

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-Rubbed Beef Skewers with Bitter Chocolate Mole Sauce 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-Rubbed Beef Skewers with Bitter Chocolate Mole Sauce?

Mexican 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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