Ever feel a need to kick the flavor up a little? Well let’s just say this was a zesty first but I loved it. Flank steak marinated in coffee! This was a very flavorful piece of meat. Not only is it unique that I have never tried a sip of coffee in my life I actually loved this flank steak a lot. There definitely was a flavor of coffee but it was not overpowering. By marinating this cut of meat – it was almost like velvet in your mouth. Now don’t get me wrong – I honestly never tried velvet but I can imagine that it would be smooth and tender.
Marinating is a great way to flavor meats and break down the “tough” fibers and ensure tenderness. This process has been around for many years and it is proven. For some, it is a great way to buy less inexpensive meats and still have a great meal. On the meat side, a cut of meat like flank is all the rage because of it’s low fat content. However usually with a low fat content comes low flavor – that is where the marinating comes in to play.
Next time you are craving some beef – give this recipe a try.
Ingredients
- 1 Flank steak – 1 ½ pounds
- 1 Cup strong black coffee or espressos
- 1 ½ Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 Cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 Shallot finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp canola oil
- 2 Tbsp of brown sugar
- ½ Tsp coarse salt
- 1 Tsp ground black pepper
Method
- Mix all ingredients but the steak, remove about ¼ cup of the sauce to use later then add flank steak to the remaining marinade and marinate for at least 2 hours (can be up to next day).
- Pat steak dry. Rub with small amount oil and grill until done basting frequently with the marinade, 3-6 min per side depending on thickness.
- Rest at least 5 min before slice across grain. Rest is very important for this type of steak.
- ENJOY!
Zesty Tip: If not a grill is not available then broil for the same amount of time. You do not want to cook this passed medium for optimal flavor and texture.
Around the Blogsphere
Now I know some of you may be looking for a different type of steak so of course I am always on the look out for you. I happen to have come across a few pretty fun looking pieces of steak. Check this out when you have some free time.
- Choosing Raw – A very interesting play on a raw steak. I know I would love this combo.
- Aggie’s Kitchen – A pretty special looking Steak sandwich that i would pretty much love to sink my teeth.
- Sippity Sup – Greg shares a very interesting post on steak and really can enlighten the crowd around cuts of beef.
- Steamy Kitchen – Jaden kicks it up a notch and shares how to turn choice steak into “prime” steak.
So there you have it a fun post on steak with a great way to flavor it with coffee and some other great blogs that talk about steak. I really hope you have a great weekend and let me know your thoughts on steak.
Take care
zesty
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Coffee is a perfect marinade for beef! I learned this by accident several years back when I was searing a flank steak on the stove and it got SUPER hot, smoking like crazy and I grabbed the nearest liquid to bring down the temp, which was the coffee pot. I thought I was nuts. But it was amazing. So amazing that I’ve used the same method (without the panic, obviously) on several more occasions with plenty of happy smiles and compliments.
I can’t wait to try this! I have a ton of coffee grounds that don’t work in my new coffeepot, and this would be perfect! Thanks Zest!
Coffee and steak?! Two of my favorite things
Thanks, Z! I’ll make your portobello steak anytime
This looks interesting and yummy! I’ve put pumpkin pie spice on meat for a flavorful crust. Thanks for the links at the end. Mrs. Micah has been great, a few more things and it should be ready to go hopefully this weekend
we really need to try this. I’ve seen so many variations, and we are coffee FREAKS. I’m not sure why we haven’t made it yet
Happy Friday Zesty and fam!
that marinade sounds genius! i love flank steak & always end up wanting to try recipes that call for it, but i have such a hard time finding it. any suggestions for substituting it?
@Kate – You can substitute with really any choise you want Kate. I like to stick with the leaner cuts but you can even try this on a filet or rib eye.
I feel so honored you called out my steak post like this. You are a gentleman! Thanks… GREG
Wow, this recipe is making my mouth water (the juicy food photography definitely helps
)! I’ll definitely have to try this. My husband and I make a mango flank steak where the flank is marinated in pureed mango and spices. Definitely softens the meat. Sliced medium-rare over salads with more mango — mmm-MMM!
Thanks for a great recipe!
Wow – I love steak, and I love coffee! Match made in heaven. I don’t think I’ve ever had this before…So excited!
I had a coffee rubbed steak once at Mesa Grill in LV…it was awesome! I just love how coffee adds flavor…your flank steak looks delicious, my favorite cut of steak!
Thanks for the link love!!
That’s a very unique marinade. I’m really bad about marinading my meats and steak — I hardly ever do it, but really should start getting in the habit.
Jenn