Coffee Rubbed Skirt Steak + Chipotle Aioli

If there were ever a culinary cheat code, it would probably be using coffee grounds in any sort of savory rub. I know it may be surprising to some, but adding a dark and robust to your smokey seasoning mixtures wakes up a whole new flavor experience! This recipe is for skirt steak, but try this rub on any sort of red meat or wild game! Pair your cuts with the chipotle aioli and I think you and your friends will be more than satisfied with the results 😎

Active Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Yields: 2-4 servings

Ingredients: Skirt Steak

  • 1-2 Skirt steaks, trimmed and cut into 2 equal pieces (can also use flank or hanger steaks)

  • Kosher salt, to taste

  • 2 Tbsp. Chili Powder

  • 2 Tbsp. Finely ground dark coffee

  • 1 Tbsp. Smoked Paprika

  • 1 Tbsp. Brown Sugar

  • 1 Tbsp. Dry Mustard

  • 2 tsp. Ground black pepper

  • Neutral oil, for cooking

Ingredients: Chipotle Aioli

  • 3-4 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce

  • 1 Garlic clove, peeled

  • ½ Cup sour cream

  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise

  • 1 Tbsp lime juice

  • ½ tsp. Kosher salt

  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper

  • 1 tbsp. Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions: Skirt Steak

  1. Trim any fat from the steaks to avoid flare-ups during cooking. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and rest in the refrigerator until ready to season.

  2. To a small bowl whisk together the chili powder, ground coffee, smoked paprika, brown sugar, dry mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper. This mixture will make enough rub for about 3-4 steaks. Be sure to set aside the unused portion in an airtight container for future use.

  3. Remove the steak from the refrigerator and brush a generous amount of oil onto each side. Rub 2 tablespoons of the coffee rub onto each side of the steak and allow it to rest on the counter for at least 30 minutes before cooking

  4. Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. You want the surface of the pan to be about 450ºF before placing the steaks onto the grill pan.

  5. Once the grill pan is heated, oil the surface of the pan and place the steaks onto the pan. Cook each side for 1 ½ -2 minutes on each side.

  6. Remove the steaks to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with french fries, mashed potatoes, tortillas, or whatever creative combinations you come up with!

Directions: Chipotle Aioli

  1. In a small food processor (or blender), puree the chipotle peppers until thick and paste-like, about 30 seconds. Add in the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth thoroughly combined.

  2. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes before serving. You can also refrigerate for up to 7 days in an airtight container.