Honey-Glazed Ethiopian-Inspired Coffee Rubbed Beef Skewers

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

Tender beef skewers marinated in a fragrant Ethiopian coffee and spice rub, finished with a sticky honey glaze for a sweet and smoky flavor. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs sirloin steak, instant coffee granules, 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 tbsp instant coffee granules, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb sirloin steak cubes and 2 tbsp olive oil to the spice mixture, tossing thoroughly to coat. Marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  4. Step 4: Thread the marinated beef cubes evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  5. Step 5: Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning until the beef reaches desired doneness and has a nice char.
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, whisk together 3 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
  7. Step 7: Brush the honey glaze onto the cooked skewers during the last minute of grilling to create a sticky, shiny coating.
  8. Step 8: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving these coffee-spiced, honey-glazed beef skewers.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Glazed Ethiopian-Inspired Coffee Rubbed Beef Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Honey-Glazed Ethiopian-Inspired 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 sirloin steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Glazed Ethiopian-Inspired 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 Honey-Glazed Ethiopian-Inspired 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 Honey-Glazed Ethiopian-Inspired Coffee Rubbed 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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