Coffee Rubbed Steak Tacos Flavorful and Hearty Meal

October 31, 2025July 18, 2025 by Stella

Get ready for a flavor explosion with Coffee Rubbed Steak Tacos! This dish combines the rich taste of coffee with tender steak for a delightful meal. I’ll guide you through simple steps to prepare this hearty recipe. Whether you seek easy cooking tips, topping ideas, or flavorful variations, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into making tacos that will impress your friends and family!

Why I Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor Combination: The coffee rub adds a rich, smoky sweetness that elevates the steak’s natural flavors, making every bite memorable.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together quickly, allowing you to enjoy delicious steak tacos in under an hour!
Customizable Toppings: With fresh cilantro, avocado, and lime, you can personalize each taco to your taste preferences.
Perfect for Gatherings: These tacos are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for casual dinners or festive gatherings with friends and family.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Coffee Rubbed Steak

For these tacos, you need:

– 1 lb flank steak

– 8 small corn tortillas

The flank steak gives the tacos a rich taste. Corn tortillas add a soft, warm base.

Seasoning Ingredients

The coffee rub makes the steak special. You will need:

– 2 tablespoons ground coffee

– 1 tablespoon brown sugar

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1 teaspoon cumin

– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

– Salt and black pepper to taste

This blend brings a mix of sweet and spicy flavors. The coffee adds depth, while the sugar balances it.

Toppings and Accompaniments

Toppings make each taco unique. You should have:

– 1 cup cilantro, chopped

– 1 cup diced tomatoes

– 1 avocado, sliced

– Lime wedges for serving

Cilantro adds freshness. Tomatoes and avocado give creaminess. Lime juice brings bright flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Coffee Rub

First, grab a small bowl. In it, mix together the ground coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This mix creates a deep, rich flavor for the steak. Make sure to stir well so all the spices blend. You want a nice, even coating for your meat.

Cooking the Flank Steak

Next, take your flank steak and pat it dry. This step helps the rub stick better. Now, rub the coffee blend evenly over the steak. Press it into the meat so it sticks. Let the steak sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature. This wait helps the flavors soak in. Preheat your grill or skillet on high heat. Cook the steak for about 5-7 minutes on each side. This timing gives you a medium-rare steak, but you can cook longer if you prefer it more done. Once cooked, take the steak off the heat and let it rest for around 5 minutes. This resting time keeps the juices in. Slice the steak thinly against the grain for the best texture.

Assembling the Tacos

While the steak rests, warm the corn tortillas. You can do this on the grill or in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. This makes them soft and easy to fold. Now, it’s time to build your tacos! Take a warmed tortilla, place a few slices of steak on it, and then add diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and chopped cilantro. For a burst of freshness, serve lime wedges on the side. Squeeze some lime juice over the tacos right before you eat. Enjoy your tasty creations!

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve the Perfect Steak Doneness

To get the perfect steak doneness, use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F. Cook your flank steak for about 5-7 minutes per side. Let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting. This keeps the juices inside. Always slice against the grain for tender bites.

Best Tortilla Types for Tacos

I prefer small corn tortillas for these tacos. They add a nice flavor and texture. You can also use flour tortillas if you like them better. Warm them up in a skillet for a few seconds. This makes them soft and ready to hold all that tasty filling.

Flavor Enhancements and Garnishes

To boost flavors, add fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes on top. Slices of creamy avocado add richness. Lime wedges give a fresh burst when squeezed. You can also try adding sliced jalapeños for a kick. These extras make your tacos even more enjoyable.

Pro Tips

Resting the Steak: Allow the steak to rest after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful bite.
Choosing the Right Coffee: Use a medium roast coffee for a balanced flavor. Dark roasts can become too bitter when cooked.
Slice Against the Grain: When cutting the steak, always slice against the grain. This ensures a tender texture in each bite.
Warm Tortillas: Warm your corn tortillas before assembling the tacos. This makes them more pliable and enhances their flavor.

Variations

Substitutes for Flank Steak

If you can’t find flank steak, use skirt steak or sirloin. Both cuts work well. They have great flavor and cook nicely. Skirt steak adds a fun, chewy texture. Sirloin is tender and juicy. Adjust cooking times based on the cut you choose.

Alternative Seasoning Blends

You can mix things up with different spices. Try using chili powder, paprika, or even taco seasoning. Each spice adds its own twist to the flavor. For a sweeter kick, add a pinch of cinnamon. You can also skip the coffee and use smoked salt for a unique taste.

Vegetarian Options for Tacos

Want to make these tacos vegetarian? Swap the steak for grilled portobello mushrooms or seasoned tofu. Both options soak up flavors well. You can also use roasted veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. Don’t forget to top with fresh cilantro, tomatoes, and avocado. These make every bite delicious!

Storage Info

How to Store Leftover Steak

To store leftover steak, let it cool first. Wrap it in plastic wrap or foil. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh for up to three days.

Reheating Tips for Best Flavor

Reheat steak gently to keep it juicy. Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat for about 5 minutes, flipping once. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking often.

Storing Toppings and Tortillas

For toppings, store each in separate containers. Keep diced tomatoes and avocado slices in airtight containers in the fridge. Use them within two days for the best taste. As for tortillas, wrap them in foil and store in a cool, dry place. They last up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer bag.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, you can! If you want to try a different cut, consider sirloin or ribeye. They both have great flavor and tenderness. Just remember that cooking times may change based on the thickness.

How spicy are these tacos?

The spice level is mild to medium. The cayenne pepper adds a nice kick, but you can adjust it. For less heat, use less cayenne. If you want more spice, add sliced jalapeños or a hot sauce.

What can I serve with coffee rubbed steak tacos?

These tacos pair well with a fresh salad or rice. You can also serve them with black beans or corn on the side. Don’t forget a refreshing drink, like iced tea or a light beer, to enjoy with your meal.

We covered how to make tasty coffee rubbed steak tacos. You learned about the main ingredients and how to cook them right. I shared tips for perfect doneness and the best tortillas. Plus, I gave you ideas for variations and storage.

These tacos can impress anyone at your table. Try different toppings and seasonings to make them your own. Enjoy this tasty meal and make it your go-to recip

$For these tacos, you need: - 1 lb flank steak - 8 small corn tortillas The flank steak gives the tacos a rich taste. Corn tortillas add a soft, warm base. The coffee rub makes the steak special. You will need: - 2 tablespoons ground coffee - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper - Salt and black pepper to taste This blend brings a mix of sweet and spicy flavors. The coffee adds depth, while the sugar balances it. Toppings make each taco unique. You should have: - 1 cup cilantro, chopped - 1 cup diced tomatoes - 1 avocado, sliced - Lime wedges for serving Cilantro adds freshness. Tomatoes and avocado give creaminess. Lime juice brings bright flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a small bowl. In it, mix together the ground coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This mix creates a deep, rich flavor for the steak. Make sure to stir well so all the spices blend. You want a nice, even coating for your meat. Next, take your flank steak and pat it dry. This step helps the rub stick better. Now, rub the coffee blend evenly over the steak. Press it into the meat so it sticks. Let the steak sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature. This wait helps the flavors soak in. Preheat your grill or skillet on high heat. Cook the steak for about 5-7 minutes on each side. This timing gives you a medium-rare steak, but you can cook longer if you prefer it more done. Once cooked, take the steak off the heat and let it rest for around 5 minutes. This resting time keeps the juices in. Slice the steak thinly against the grain for the best texture. While the steak rests, warm the corn tortillas. You can do this on the grill or in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. This makes them soft and easy to fold. Now, it’s time to build your tacos! Take a warmed tortilla, place a few slices of steak on it, and then add diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and chopped cilantro. For a burst of freshness, serve lime wedges on the side. Squeeze some lime juice over the tacos right before you eat. Enjoy your tasty creations! To get the perfect steak doneness, use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F. Cook your flank steak for about 5-7 minutes per side. Let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting. This keeps the juices inside. Always slice against the grain for tender bites. I prefer small corn tortillas for these tacos. They add a nice flavor and texture. You can also use flour tortillas if you like them better. Warm them up in a skillet for a few seconds. This makes them soft and ready to hold all that tasty filling. To boost flavors, add fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes on top. Slices of creamy avocado add richness. Lime wedges give a fresh burst when squeezed. You can also try adding sliced jalapeños for a kick. These extras make your tacos even more enjoyable. Pro Tips Resting the Steak: Allow the steak to rest after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful bite. Choosing the Right Coffee: Use a medium roast coffee for a balanced flavor. Dark roasts can become too bitter when cooked. Slice Against the Grain: When cutting the steak, always slice against the grain. This ensures a tender texture in each bite. Warm Tortillas: Warm your corn tortillas before assembling the tacos. This makes them more pliable and enhances their flavor. {{image_2}} If you can't find flank steak, use skirt steak or sirloin. Both cuts work well. They have great flavor and cook nicely. Skirt steak adds a fun, chewy texture. Sirloin is tender and juicy. Adjust cooking times based on the cut you choose. You can mix things up with different spices. Try using chili powder, paprika, or even taco seasoning. Each spice adds its own twist to the flavor. For a sweeter kick, add a pinch of cinnamon. You can also skip the coffee and use smoked salt for a unique taste. Want to make these tacos vegetarian? Swap the steak for grilled portobello mushrooms or seasoned tofu. Both options soak up flavors well. You can also use roasted veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. Don't forget to top with fresh cilantro, tomatoes, and avocado. These make every bite delicious! To store leftover steak, let it cool first. Wrap it in plastic wrap or foil. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh for up to three days. Reheat steak gently to keep it juicy. Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat for about 5 minutes, flipping once. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking often. For toppings, store each in separate containers. Keep diced tomatoes and avocado slices in airtight containers in the fridge. Use them within two days for the best taste. As for tortillas, wrap them in foil and store in a cool, dry place. They last up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer bag. Yes, you can! If you want to try a different cut, consider sirloin or ribeye. They both have great flavor and tenderness. Just remember that cooking times may change based on the thickness. The spice level is mild to medium. The cayenne pepper adds a nice kick, but you can adjust it. For less heat, use less cayenne. If you want more spice, add sliced jalapeños or a hot sauce. These tacos pair well with a fresh salad or rice. You can also serve them with black beans or corn on the side. Don't forget a refreshing drink, like iced tea or a light beer, to enjoy with your meal. We covered how to make tasty coffee rubbed steak tacos. You learned about the main ingredients and how to cook them right. I shared tips for perfect doneness and the best tortillas. Plus, I gave you ideas for variations and storage. These tacos can impress anyone at your table. Try different toppings and seasonings to make them your own. Enjoy this tasty meal and make it your go-to recipe!$