Seattle-Style Coffee Rubbed Beef Skewers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy beef skewers coated with a bold coffee and spice rub inspired by Seattle’s rich coffee culture, grilled to a smoky finish. This american-inspired beef ready in about 27 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes beef sirloin, espresso powder, smoked 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: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp espresso powder, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the coffee rub.
  2. Step 2: Toss 1 lb of 1-inch cubed beef sirloin with 2 tbsp olive oil and the coffee rub until all pieces are evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Thread the beef cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to 400°F.
  5. Step 5: Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until a dark crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
  6. Step 6: Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Seattle-Style Coffee Rubbed Beef Skewers 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 Seattle-Style 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 espresso powder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Seattle-Style 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 Seattle-Style 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 Seattle-Style Coffee Rubbed Beef Skewers?

American 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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