Spiced Ethiopian-Inspired Coffee Rubbed Beef Skewers

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

Tender beef skewers rubbed with a bold mix of Ethiopian spices and coffee grounds, grilled to smoky perfection. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 82 minutes pairs beef sirloin, instant coffee granules, 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.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 70 min Cook: 12 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 1 tbsp instant coffee granules, 2 tbsp berbere spice mix, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Toss 1 lb beef sirloin cubes with 2 tbsp olive oil and the spice mixture, coating evenly. 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 marinated beef cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  5. Step 5: Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning until nicely charred on the edges and cooked to medium rare or desired doneness.
  6. Step 6: Remove skewers from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with a side of flatbread or salad.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 82 minutes (70 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 Spiced 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 beef sirloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced 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 Spiced 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 Spiced 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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