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Flavorful Coffee-Rubbed Ribeye Steak Recipe with Easy Bourbon Butter

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A quick and easy recipe featuring ribeye steaks rubbed with a smoky coffee spice blend and topped with a rich, mellow bourbon butter. Perfect for special occasions or a flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons finely ground coffee (freshly ground from medium roast beans works best)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 ribeye steaks, about 12 oz (340 g) each, 1-inch thick, preferably USDA Choice or better
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon bourbon
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: a dash of ground cinnamon or nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Prepare the bourbon butter: In a small bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, bourbon, honey, salt, and a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg if using. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Spoon the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper and roll into a small log, twisting the ends. Chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes.
  2. Make the coffee rub: In a bowl, mix the ground coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir until spices are evenly distributed.
  3. Prepare the steaks: Pat the ribeye steaks dry with paper towels. Rub a thin layer of olive oil on both sides to help the coffee rub stick.
  4. Apply the coffee rub: Generously coat each steak with the coffee rub on all sides, pressing it in gently but firmly. Let the steaks rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
  5. Preheat your skillet: Heat your cast iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot, about 4-5 minutes.
  6. Sear the ribeye steaks: Place the steaks in the hot pan carefully. Cook for about 4 minutes on the first side without moving them. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare (internal temp ~130°F / 54°C). Adjust time for preferred doneness.
  7. Rest the steaks: Transfer the steaks to a warm plate and let them rest for 5-7 minutes.
  8. Serve with bourbon butter: Slice a few rounds of bourbon butter from the chilled log and place them atop each steak while still warm to melt.

Notes

Pat steaks dry before applying rub to ensure a good crust. Let the rub sit on the steak at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to meld flavors. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Add bourbon butter after resting to keep flavors bright. Resting the steak is essential to retain juices. If coffee rub smells burnt, reduce heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: coffee rub, ribeye steak, bourbon butter, steak recipe, easy steak, smoky steak, quick dinner, special occasion steak

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/flavorful-coffee-rubbed-ribeye-steak-recipe-with-easy-bourbon-butter/