Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Coffee Rubbed Grilled Beef Skewers

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

Tender beef skewers rubbed with an aromatic Ethiopian coffee and spice blend, grilled to smoky perfection for a unique savory treat. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 50 minutes pairs beef sirloin, ground coffee, berbere spice mix for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon finely ground coffee, 1 tablespoon berbere spice mix, 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place 1 pound of 1-inch cubed beef sirloin in a large bowl and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle the coffee-spice rub over the beef and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  4. Step 4: Thread the marinated beef cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers, dividing evenly.
  5. Step 5: Grill the beef skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until a nice char forms and the beef is cooked to medium rare or desired doneness.
  6. Step 6: Remove skewers from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
  7. Step 7: Serve these coffee-spiced beef skewers with a simple salad or flatbread for a bold, smoky flavor experience.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Coffee Rubbed Grilled Beef Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 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 Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Coffee Rubbed Grilled 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 beef sirloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Coffee Rubbed Grilled 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 Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Coffee Rubbed Grilled 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 Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Coffee Rubbed Grilled Beef Skewers?

Ethiopian 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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