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Espresso Rubbed Grilled Steak Recipe with Zesty Chimichurri Sauce

espresso rubbed grilled steak - featured image

A bold and flavorful grilled ribeye steak rubbed with a smoky espresso spice blend and topped with a bright, zesty chimichurri sauce. Perfect for quick, impressive meals that balance rich and fresh flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon espresso powder
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 ribeye steaks (about 8 oz / 225 g each, 1-inch thick)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for steaks)
  • 1 cup fresh parsley, packed and finely chopped
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, packed and finely chopped (or extra parsley)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Juice of half a lemon

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine espresso powder, brown sugar, paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to mix evenly.
  2. Pat the ribeye steaks dry with paper towels. Drizzle olive oil over both sides and rub gently. Sprinkle the espresso rub generously on both sides, pressing lightly to adhere. Let rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Finely chop parsley and cilantro, mince garlic. In a bowl, whisk together herbs, garlic, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 450°F / 230°C). Clean and oil grates lightly.
  5. Grill steaks for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temp 130-135°F / 54-57°C). Flip once using tongs; avoid pressing or poking the meat.
  6. Remove steaks from grill and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  7. Slice steaks against the grain and spoon chimichurri sauce generously over the top before serving.

Notes

If the espresso rub starts to burn, cook over indirect heat after searing. Always rest the steak after grilling for juicy results. Fresh herbs are essential for chimichurri; chopping by hand yields best texture. Can be cooked indoors using a cast iron skillet and finished in the oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: espresso rub, grilled steak, chimichurri sauce, ribeye, barbecue, quick steak recipe, smoky steak, zesty sauce