Coffee-Marinated Flank Steak
Bold, juicy, and just the right amount of smoky, this coffee-marinated flank steak turns a humble cut of beef into something crave-worthy. Perfect for backyard grilling or a weeknight upgrade, the coffee works its magic to tenderize while brown sugar and garlic add depth and richness. It’s a fuss-free way to bring big flavor to the table.
Calories: 1262kcal
Cost: $12–15 (varies based on beef cut and region)
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- Resealable plastic bag or shallow glass dish
Ingredients
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee cooled
- 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 beef flank steak about 1½–2 pounds or preferred cut
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the brewed coffee, brown sugar, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and olive oil to create the marinade.
- Place the steak into a large resealable plastic bag or glass dish. Pour the marinade over the steak.
- Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or up to 48 hours. Turn the steak occasionally to ensure it’s well coated.
- When ready to cook, preheat your grill to high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry lightly with paper towels.
- Grill the steak for about 7–8 minutes per side, or until it reaches 145°F for medium doneness.
- Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5–10 minutes to retain the juices.
- Slice thinly against the grain at a diagonal. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Steak Swap: Flank steak is ideal, but you can also use skirt steak, flat iron, or even sirloin tip. Whatever is on sale! Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the steak rest for 5–10 minutes after grilling locks in the juices and keeps it from drying out.
Coffee Matters: Strong, brewed coffee (think French press or dark roast drip) works best. Leftover morning coffee? Perfect. Just make sure it’s not flavored.
Make It a Meal: Serve with grilled veggies, a baked potato, or even a crisp salad. The bold flavor of the steak plays well with simple sides.
Freezer-Friendly: Double the batch and freeze one portion in the marinade (uncooked) for an easy future dinner. Thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling.
Nutrition
Calories: 1262kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 147g | Fat: 62g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 34g | Cholesterol: 408mg | Sodium: 1535mg | Potassium: 2498mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 179mg | Iron: 11mg
