Spiced Ethiopian Coffee Rubbed Beef Skewers

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

Juicy beef skewers rubbed with a rich blend of Ethiopian coffee grounds and spices, grilled to smoky perfection. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 35 minutes pairs beef sirloin, finely ground Ethiopian coffee, berbere spice mix for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp finely ground Ethiopian coffee, 1 tbsp berbere spice mix, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place 1 lb beef sirloin cubes in a large bowl. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle the coffee-spice rub over the beef. Toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Thread the beef cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until nicely charred on edges and cooked to medium rare or desired doneness.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Ethiopian Coffee Rubbed Beef Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 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 Spiced Ethiopian 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 beef sirloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Ethiopian 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 Spiced Ethiopian 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 Spiced Ethiopian 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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