Grilled Coffee-Rubbed Beef Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce

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

Tender beef skewers coated in a bold coffee and spice rub, grilled to perfection and served with a fresh, herbaceous chimichurri sauce for a vibrant flavor contrast. This latin american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 50 minutes blends beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes, ground coffee, 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 420 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: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp ground coffee, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the rub.
  2. Step 2: Toss 1.5 lbs beef sirloin cubes with 2 tbsp olive oil and the coffee spice rub until well coated. Cover and let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the chimichurri sauce by mixing 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp chopped oregano, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 3 tbsp olive oil in a small bowl. Stir well and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Thread the marinated beef cubes onto skewers evenly.
  5. Step 5: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until the beef reaches desired doneness and has a nice char.
  6. Step 6: Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  7. Step 7: Serve the beef skewers drizzled generously with the chimichurri sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Coffee-Rubbed Beef Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Coffee-Rubbed Beef Skewers with Chimichurri 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 Grilled Coffee-Rubbed Beef Skewers with Chimichurri 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 Grilled Coffee-Rubbed Beef Skewers with Chimichurri 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 Grilled Coffee-Rubbed Beef Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce?

Latin American bbq & smoked 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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