Grilled Coffee-Rubbed Beef Skewers with Bitters Glaze

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef skewers rubbed with a bold coffee and bitter spice mix, finished with a bitters and molasses glaze for a smoky, slightly bitter flavor. This bbq & smoked-inspired beef ready in about 32 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes beef sirloin, instant coffee granules, unsweetened cocoa powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 BBQ & Smoked cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp instant coffee granules, 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp garlic powder.
  2. Step 2: Toss 1.5 lbs cubed beef sirloin with 2 tbsp olive oil, then rub the coffee-spice mixture evenly over the meat cubes. Thread onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the beef skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until medium-rare and edges charred.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, combine 2 tbsp aromatic bitters and 3 tbsp molasses in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until glossy and slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Brush the bitters-molasses glaze onto the hot beef skewers during the last minute of grilling, turning to coat evenly.
  6. Step 6: Remove skewers from grill and rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Coffee-Rubbed Beef Skewers with Bitters Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 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 with Bitters Glaze?

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 instant coffee granules from drying out.

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

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 with Bitters Glaze 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 with Bitters Glaze?

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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