Ethiopian Spiced Coffee-Rubbed Beef Skewers
Tender beef skewers marinated in a fragrant blend of Ethiopian coffee and spices, grilled to smoky perfection. This african-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes beef sirloin, finely ground ground coffee, berbere spice blend 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes beef sirloin
- 1 tbsp, finely ground ground coffee
- 1 tbsp berbere spice blend
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 tbsp finely ground coffee, 1 tbsp berbere spice blend, 1 tsp ground cardamom, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp lemon juice, mixing to form a marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb 1-inch cubed beef sirloin to the marinade, tossing thoroughly to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated beef cubes onto skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.
- Step 4: Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until the beef is cooked to medium rare and has a smoky crust. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ethiopian Spiced Coffee-Rubbed 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 Ethiopian Spiced Coffee-Rubbed 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 finely ground ground coffee from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Ethiopian Spiced Coffee-Rubbed 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 Spiced Coffee-Rubbed 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 Spiced Coffee-Rubbed 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.
