Grilled Coffee-Rubbed Beef Skewers

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

Beef skewers coated in a robust coffee and spice rub delivering a deep, slightly bitter crust balanced by smoky char from the grill. This beef recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs beef sirloin, instant coffee granules, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 4 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp instant coffee granules, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, and 1 tsp salt to create the rub.
  2. Step 2: Toss 1 lb beef sirloin cubes with 2 tbsp olive oil and the coffee spice rub until evenly coated. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Thread the marinated beef cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, distributing evenly.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until a deep crust forms and the beef is cooked to medium rare.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and rest skewers for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Coffee-Rubbed 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 Grilled 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 beef sirloin from drying out.

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

BBQ & Smoked 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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