Quick Benefits
Grilled Coffee and Cola Skirt Steak is a bold and flavorful dish that brings together the deep richness of coffee, the subtle sweetness of cola, and the smoky goodness of grilled beef. This marinade tenderizes the skirt steak while infusing it with complex layers of flavor. The result is a juicy, well-balanced steak with caramelized grill marks and a slightly spicy kick. Perfect for cookouts or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress.
Essential Ingredients
To make this flavorful steak, you will need the following ingredients:
- Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with a savory depth.
- Cola-Flavored Carbonated Beverage: Adds sweetness and helps tenderize the steak.
- Freshly Brewed Strong Coffee: Infuses a deep, roasted flavor.
- Rice Vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a touch of acidity.
- Ketchup: Provides a mild tanginess and helps in caramelization.
- Black Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and enhances the taste of the beef.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
- Dried Rosemary: Contributes an earthy, aromatic touch.
- Louisiana-Style Hot Sauce: Brings a mild spiciness to the marinade.
- Beef Skirt Steak: A flavorful and juicy cut perfect for grilling.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adds an extra layer of heat to the steak.
Preparation Steps
- Make the Marinade: Whisk together garlic, cola, coffee, rice vinegar, ketchup, black pepper, salt, rosemary, and hot sauce in a nonreactive bowl until fully combined.
- Prepare the Steak: Trim the skirt steak and cut it into 6-inch lengths.
- Marinate: Submerge the steak in the marinade, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 8-12 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the outdoor grill to medium-high.
- Prepare the Steak for Grilling: Remove the steak from the marinade, pat it dry, and season with salt and cayenne pepper.
- Reduce the Marinade: Simmer the marinade in a saucepan for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Strain and set aside.
- Grill the Steak: Cook the steak for about 4 minutes per side until grill marks form and the steak reaches an internal temperature of 125-130°F (52-54°C) for medium-rare to medium doneness.
- Rest and Serve: Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing thinly across the grain. Drizzle with the reduced coffee-cola marinade.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Protein: Provides 17g of high-quality protein per serving.
- Lower in Calories: At only 213 calories per serving, this dish is a lighter steak option.
- Packed with Iron: Contains 3mg of iron, essential for oxygen transport in the blood.
- Antioxidants from Coffee: Coffee contains polyphenols that may have health benefits.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
- Pair with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad.
- Complement with a glass of red wine or a classic cola beverage.
- Serve on warm tortillas for a delicious steak taco variation.
Creative Variations
- Smoky Bourbon Version: Add a splash of bourbon to the marinade for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Spicy Chipotle Style: Incorporate chipotle peppers for a smoky heat.
- Honey-Glazed Twist: Add a tablespoon of honey for a subtle sweetness.
- Asian-Inspired Version: Use soy sauce instead of salt and add a dash of sesame oil.
Storage Tips
- Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture.
- Freeze marinated uncooked steak for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.
Pro Tips
- Pat the Steak Dry: Removing excess moisture ensures a perfect sear and beautiful grill marks.
- Let the Steak Rest: This prevents juices from running out, keeping the meat tender.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensures accurate doneness without overcooking.
- Don’t Over-Marinate: 8-12 hours is ideal—marinating for too long can break down the meat too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes! Flank steak or hanger steak can be used as alternatives to skirt steak.
Can I cook this steak on a stovetop?
Yes, use a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for a similar result.
What if I don’t have cola?
You can substitute with root beer or Dr Pepper for a similar sweetness.
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Yes, dissolve 1 tablespoon of instant coffee in ½ cup of water as a substitute.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, but you can reduce or omit the hot sauce and cayenne pepper to make it milder.
Enjoy your Grilled Coffee and Cola Skirt Steak, a perfect combination of smoky, sweet, and bold flavors!
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Grilled Coffee Steak
Grilled Coffee and Cola Skirt Steak is a bold and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of cola, the deep richness of coffee, and a touch of spice to create a perfectly grilled steak. The marinade not only infuses the meat with complex flavors but also helps tenderize the skirt steak, making it juicy and delicious. This dish is perfect for cookouts and special gatherings, offering a unique twist on classic grilled beef.
- Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle cola-flavored carbonated beverage
- ½ cup freshly brewed strong coffee
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon Louisiana-style hot sauce, or to taste
- 1 (1 1/4 pound) beef skirt steak – trimmed of large fat chunks
- salt to taste
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
Instructions
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Place garlic into a nonreactive bowl and whisk in cola, coffee, rice vinegar, ketchup, black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, rosemary, and hot sauce until thoroughly combined.
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Unroll skirt steak and cut into 6-inch lengths with the grain, using kitchen scissors. Submerge meat totally in the marinade; place a piece of plastic wrap onto the meat and marinade surface. Marinate 8 to 12 hours in the refrigerator or overnight.
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Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat.
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Remove meat from marinade; save the marinade. Pat meat thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season both sides of meat with salt and cayenne pepper to taste.
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Pour marinade into a saucepan over medium heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl.
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Grill meat on the preheated grill until steak pieces are still pink inside and meat has good grill marks, about 4 minutes per side. Place thin cooked pieces onto thicker pieces of meat to prevent thin ones from overcooking. When the surface of the meat looks shiny and wet from juices being forced up to the surface, the meat is medium-rare to medium in doneness. An instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the center of a piece should read 125 to 130 degrees F (52 to 54 degrees C).
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Remove meat to a platter and let rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing thinly across the grain to serve. Drizzle servings with reduced coffee-cola marinade.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 213 per serving
