Honey-Rosemary Ethiopian Coffee Rubbed Beef Kebabs

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

Grilled beef skewers marinated with Ethiopian coffee, honey, and fresh rosemary for a uniquely smoky and aromatic flavor. This african-inspired beef ready in about 27 minutes pairs freshly ground Ethiopian coffee, honey, fresh rosemary, chopped 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: 12 min Serves 4 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tbsp freshly ground Ethiopian coffee, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp lemon juice to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 pounds sirloin steak cubes to the marinade, tossing thoroughly to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
  4. Step 4: Thread the marinated beef cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
  5. Step 5: Grill the kebabs for 8-10 minutes total, turning every 2-3 minutes until the beef is cooked to medium rare or desired doneness, with a charred exterior and juicy interior.
  6. Step 6: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with your choice of sides.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Rosemary Ethiopian Coffee Rubbed Beef Kebabs take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Honey-Rosemary Ethiopian Coffee Rubbed Beef Kebabs?

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 honey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Rosemary Ethiopian Coffee Rubbed Beef Kebabs?

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-Rosemary Ethiopian Coffee Rubbed Beef Kebabs 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-Rosemary Ethiopian Coffee Rubbed Beef Kebabs?

African 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.