RECIPE | Coffee rub steak with peppers

Just like red wine, the acidic tones of coffee grinds work particularly well with red meat, taking the flavour to a new level

13 August 2020 - 00:00 By hilary biller
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Coffee rub steak with peppers.
Coffee rub steak with peppers.
Image: Craig Scott

Serves: 2

Spice rub:

2.5ml (½ tsp) ground cumin

2.5ml (½ tsp) ground coriander

2.5ml (½ tsp) chilli powder

5ml (1 tsp) brown sugar

10ml (2 tsp) freshly ground  coffee 

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Other ingredients:

2 sirloin or rump steaks

15ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, plus extra

1 large onion, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 red and 1 orange pepper, thinly sliced

15ml (1 tbsp) brown sugar

125ml (½ cup) black  coffee 

30ml (2 tbsp) balsamic vinegar

Fresh rocket to garnish

Method:

  1. Combine all the ingredients for the spice rub.
  2. Rub the meat with the spice blend and set aside for 15 minutes.
  3. Preheat a frying pan, add the oil and fry the steak for 3-5 minutes on both sides. Set aside to rest, covered.
  4. Without cleaning the pan, fry the onion in the pan juices until soft, adding extra oil if necessary.
  5. Add the garlic and peppers and cook until soft.
  6. Sprinkle over the sugar, add the coffee and balsamic vinegar and cook until reduced and thickened.
  7. Spoon onions and peppers over the base of a warm serving plate. Top with steak  and pour over the pan juices.

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