Grilled Coffee-Rubbed Ethiopian Spiced Beef Skewers

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

Tender beef skewers marinated in a blend of Ethiopian spices and ground coffee, then grilled to smoky perfection for a bold-flavored appetizer or main course. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs beef sirloin, ground coffee, berbere spice blend 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: 15 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 mixing bowl, combine 1 tbsp ground coffee, 2 tbsp berbere spice blend, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb beef sirloin cut into 1-inch cubes and 3 tbsp olive oil to the spice mixture; toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
  3. Step 3: Cover and marinate the beef in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours, to allow flavors to meld.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the beef cubes onto metal or soaked wooden skewers.
  5. Step 5: Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning carefully, until the beef is charred on the edges and cooked to medium-rare or desired doneness.
  6. Step 6: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the beef to add brightness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Coffee-Rubbed Ethiopian Spiced 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 Grilled Coffee-Rubbed Ethiopian Spiced 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 Ethiopian Spiced 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 Ethiopian Spiced 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 Ethiopian Spiced 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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